The Sexiest Men Alive (1st to 10th) Quiz

As the inaugural winner of the title of 'Sexiest Man Alive', Mel Gibson was a little surprised at receiving the honour. In an interview with "Good Morning America", Gibson stated, "I'm sort of bewildered by it all. I just sort of take it in stride, I guess. I don't know what it means. It's sort of like being named the best ice cream flavor."

At the time that he was selected, Mel Gibson was one of the most popular actors in Hollywood, having starred in a number of successful films, including "Mad Max" (1979) and its sequels, "The Year of Living Dangerously" (1982), and "The Bounty" (1984). He was also known for his rugged good looks, piercing blue eyes, and charming personality, which made him a popular heartthrob among women.

When he was named the second 'Sexiest Man Alive' in 1986, Mark Harmon humbly accepted the honour, telling "People" magazine, "I'm flattered, but I don't know what to do about it. I'm just a lucky guy who happened to get picked for this."

That humility went hand in hand with Harmon's good looks and charming personality, making him an easy fan favourite among women around the world, and one of the most sought-after men in Hollywood. At the time of his selection, Harmon had made a name for himself as Dr. Robert Caldwell on the medical drama series "St. Elsewhere" (the series ran for six seasons from 1982 to 1988).

Harry Hamlin was the third man to be dubbed 'The Sexiest Man Alive' by "People" magazine, but it seemed a dubious honour to him at the time, as he told the magazine, "It's a great compliment, but it's also a little scary. I don't want to be seen as just a pretty face."

Prior to his selection, Hamlin had already established himself as a successful actor in both film and television. He had received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Perseus in the 1981 fantasy film "Clash of the Titans", which was one of his earliest starring roles. Other notable films included "Making Love" (1982) and "Blue Skies Again" (1983). But in 1987, Hamlin became a household name for his role as attorney Michael Kuzak on the popular legal drama series "L.A. Law", which he appeared on from 1986 until 1991.

John F. Kennedy Jr., also commonly called JFK Jr., was named 'Sexiest Man Alive' by "People" magazine in 1988, becoming the first non-actor chosen. Like his predecessors, JFK Jr. showed his humility in the interview with the magazine, stating, "I think it's a great honor, and I'm flattered. But I'm not sure I'm the sexiest man alive. I think there are a lot of men who are more deserving of the title."

Although not an actor, JFK Jr. managed to still be a popular and influential figure in American society, having established himself as a successful lawyer and magazine publisher. He was also the son of the late President John F. Kennedy and former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, which added to his widespread appeal and popularity. But despite his famous name and family connections, JFK Jr. was recognized for his own good looks, charm, and talent. He had a strong jawline, piercing blue eyes, and a charismatic personality that made him a favourite among women (and probably men, too) around the world.

Sean Connery was 59 years old when he was dubbed the fifth 'Sexiest Man Alive' in 1989. Upon receiving the honour, Connery responded in an interview with "People" magazine, "Well, there aren't many sexy dead men, are there? It's very nice, but it's a little ridiculous, isn't it?"

At the time, Connery was already a well-established actor who had gained fame for his roles as James Bond in several films, as well as for his work in other notable movies such as "The Untouchables" (1987) and "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" (1989), the latter having been released just two months prior to the magazine issue. But that was not all that contributed to his selection. Connery's rugged good looks, deep voice, and charming personality appeal to both men and women, and he was also known for his athleticism, having been a bodybuilder in his youth and participating in sports such as football and golf.

The sixth man to be named the 'Sexiest Man Alive' was Tom Cruise, who took the accolades in stride in his interview with "People" magazine, saying, "I'm not going to turn down the title, but I think it's silly. I mean, how would you react if you were called the 'Sexiest Man Alive'? I just don't know what to say."

By 1990, Tom Cruise was already firmly established as a movie star, having a number of successful movies under his belt, including his breakout role in "Risky Business" (1983), the blockbuster "Top Gun" (1986), and the comedy-drama "Rain Man" (1988). His good looks, charisma, and infectious smile combined with stellar performances to make him an easy choice as the 'Sexiest Man Alive'.

When Patrick Swayze was named 'The Sexiest Man Alive' by "People Magazine", he had difficulty giving it any real credence, stating in his "People" magazine interview, "I'm really flattered, but I just don't take it seriously. I mean, it's a big joke, isn't it? I don't see myself as sexy, but I guess my wife does, so that's all that counts."

Prior to his selection at the age of 38, Swayze was known for his roles in films such as "Dirty Dancing" (1987), "Roadhouse" (1989), and "Ghost" (1990). But it was the requisite rugged good looks, intense blue eyes, and athletic build, along with his dedication to physical fitness and martial arts that were strong contributing factors to being chosen.

At the age of 51, Nick Nolte became the second 50+ actor to receive the title of 'Sexiest Man Alive', after Sean Connery got it three years previously. Nolte was self-deprecating in his interview with "People" magazine, saying, "It's kind of fun. But I'm not sure I'm the sexiest man alive. I think there are a lot of other guys who would fit that bill." He also joked about his own appearance, stating, "I don't know if I'm really that sexy. I mean, have you seen my hair?"

Nolte was known for his rugged good looks, piercing blue eyes, and gruff voice, as well as his talent as an actor. He had starred in a number of popular films at the time, including "48 Hrs." (1982), "The Prince of Tides" (1991) and "Cape Fear" (1991), but his choice was still viewed as somewhat controversial by critics. Regardless, many fans of the actor praised his selection and saw it as a testament to his talent, charisma, and enduring appeal.

In 1995, Brad Pitt earned the title of 'Sexiest Man Alive' for the first time, at the age of 32. As with most of his contemporaries, Pitt was self-effacing upon receiving the award, giving the credit to the people he worked with, "It's really an honor. I feel lucky to have been chosen. I'm just a small part of a larger team, though. There are a lot of talented people out there who make me look good."

At the time, Pitt had already firmly established himself as a successful actor, with such credits as "A River Runs Through It" (1992) and "Legends of the Fall" (1994). It helped that he had striking good looks, which included chiseled features, piercing blue eyes, and a lean, athletic physique. His selection as 'The Sexiest Man Alive' just added more fuel to the fire of his rising star. (Is that mixing metaphors?)

"People" magazine broke their pattern with the tenth winner of 'The Sexiest Man Alive,' choosing a man of colour. Denzel Washington was 41 at the time of his selection, and he was quick to downplay the 'sexy' connotations, stating in his "People" interview, "I think it's just a label. It's funny, because when people meet me, they're always surprised that I'm shorter than they thought, or not as good-looking as they thought. But hey, I'll take it. It's nice to be appreciated."

Washington was already well-established as a successful actor by 1996, even having garnered and Oscar win for Best Supporting Actor for 1989's "Glory". In the years leading up to his selection, he also received critical acclaim for his roles in "Malcolm X" (1992), "Philadelphia" (1993), and "Crimson Tide" (1995). Washington's win as 'Sexiest Man Alive' helped to broaden the definition of male sex appeal and challenge Hollywood's narrow standards of beauty and youth. It also helped to solidify his reputation as one of the most talented and respected actors of his generation.