© Getty Images

Patrick Dempsey, 2023 -

Last year's winner surprised no one. McDreamy finally got the recognition he deserved! People named Patrick Dempsey the Sexiest Man Alive in 2023. “I was completely shocked," Dempsey said. At 57, the actor wasn't expecting the title to come his way. Despite joking that he "peaked" many years ago, Dempsey's career is still going strong (as are his excellent genes!).

© Getty Images

Harrison Ford, 1998 - Fan favorite characters like Indiana Jones and Han Solo helped earn Ford the title of Sexiest Man Alive.

© Getty Images

Brad Pitt, 1995 - The actor found fame with 1994's 'Legends of the Fall,' earning the title of Sexiest Man Alive the following year. But his charms didn't stop there, and he won again in 2000!

© Reuters

Harry Hamlin, 1987 - The American actor gained worldwide success playing lawyer Michael Kuzak in the series 'L.A. Law,' and for his performance in 1981's 'Clash of the Titans.'

© Getty Images

Richard Gere, 1999 - The iconic actor was chosen by People for the second time in 1999, after being crowned alongside someone else in 1993.

© Getty Images

Tom Cruise, 1990 - The actor earned the title at the age of 28, at the peak of his film career. The year he won Sexiest Man Alive, he also started his long journey with Scientology.

© Getty Images

George Clooney, 1997 - Do you remember seeing the actor star in 'ER?' Well, Dr. Doug Ross was considered Sexiest Man Alive in 1997.

© Getty Images

George Clooney - Clooney was crowned Sexiest Man Alive again in 2006, and he still somehow only gets more attractive as a silver fox.

© Getty Images

Denzel Washington, 1996 - Handsome, talented, charming, charismatic... there is no shortage of reasons why Washington deserved the Sexiest Man Alive title.

© Getty Images

Richard Gere and Cindy Crawford, 1993 - In 1993, People magazine did not give the title solely to the sexiest man alive, but rather to the sexiest couple instead. Richard Gere, then 44, and Cindy Crawford, then 27, were crowned.

© Getty Images

John F. Kennedy Jr., 1988 - The lawyer and son of the iconic former president of the United States was called America's Prince for a reason. 

© Getty Images

John F. Kennedy Jr. - His life was tragically cut short on July 16, 1999, when his plane crashed into the ocean, also killing his wife, Carolyn Bessette, and sister-in-law, Lauren Bessette.

© Getty Images

Mark Harmon, 1986 - The actor's role as Dr. Robert Caldwell on the American medical drama 'St. Elsewhere' led to his being named Sexiest Man Alive.

© Getty Images

Mel Gibson, 1985 -

The first ever Sexiest Man Alive honor was given to Mel Gibson, who by then had become best known for his role as Max Rockatansky in the post-apocalyptic action series 'Mad Max.'

© Getty Images

Nick Nolte, 1992 -

The actor once cut a cool figure as the Sexiest Man Alive.

See also: The 30 sexiest nations around the world, illustrated by celebs

© Getty Images