Each year, People Magazine selects the Sexiest Man Alive based on factors like star power, charisma, and physical attractiveness. Past recipients of this prestigious award include John Legend, Dwayne Johnson, Chris Hemsworth, Idris Elba, Adam Levine, Channing Tatum, and David Beckham. This year’s honoree is another familiar face from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the dashing Paul Rudd.
Renowned for his performances in movies such as This is 40 and Clueless, as well as his role as Ant-Man in the MCU, Rudd expressed his surprise and gratitude at being named this year’s Sexiest Man Alive.
“I have enough self-awareness to realize that when people hear that I’ve been chosen for this, they might react with disbelief,” Rudd shared in his cover story interview with People. “This isn’t false modesty. There are numerous individuals more deserving of this title than I am.”
Rudd humorously remarked that winning the award might lead to more invitations to what he jokingly refers to as “sexy dinners” with other attractive individuals.
“I suspect I’ll find myself on many more yachts,” Rudd quipped. “I am eager to enhance my yachting experiences. Additionally, I may work on perfecting my brooding gaze in soft lighting. I enjoy contemplation. I believe this recognition will assist me in cultivating a more introspective and enigmatic persona, and I eagerly anticipate that.”
Paul Rudd is PEOPLE’s 2021 #SexiestManAlive! ? https://t.co/aweOKYwclx pic.twitter.com/PPxEaZo6Ty
— People (@people) November 10, 2021
“I mean, I’m going to fully embrace this recognition. I will proudly own it,” Rudd affirmed. “I won’t pretend to be excessively modest. I’m even having business cards made. Nevertheless, my friends will undoubtedly tease me, and I appreciate that; it’s a testament to our friendship.”
Upon sharing the news with his wife Julie, Rudd received a reaction as surprised as his own. “She responded very graciously,” he recounted about his wife. “Following some laughter and astonishment, she remarked, ‘Oh, they got it right.’ That was very kind of her. She probably wasn’t entirely sincere, but what else could she say?”