Soap Actors Who Graced People’s ‘Sexiest Man Alive’

People Magazine announced its 2024 “Sexiest Man Alive” during The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Over the years, many famous men, including a former soap star, have graced the cover. 

Soap’s Sexiest Men Alive

The only ex-daytime soap actor ever named People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” was All My Children alum Michael B. Jordan, who took the title in 2020. His post-soap career has included Black Panther, the Creed movies, and 2013’s Fruitvale Station.

Although technically, Brad Pitt did appear in two episodes of Another World back in 1987. Apparently, it was his first speaking role on TV. Pitt would go on to achieve Holywood A-List status and be named “Sexiest Man Alive” twice — in 1995 and 2000.

However, a number of soap stars have appeared in the issues over the years. The Young and the Restless star Shemar Moore was featured in the 2017 issue. He famously told his mom that he’s “still got it.” Passions and Y&R alum Justin Hartley also appeared in the 2017 edition. In fact, he did a photo shoot with his This is Us costars, Milo Ventimiglia and Sterling K. Brown. In 2021, Days of Our Lives alum Jensen Ackles was voted Sexiest TV Star in the annual issue.

Meanwhile, Harry Hamlin hasn’t appeared on any daytime television shows but is soap-adjacent. The L.A. Law star’s wife, Lisa Rinna, played Billie Reed on DAYS. (She Also Teased a Return To TV) Hamlin graced the cover back in 1987.

Honorable Mentions

The title has brought controversy. It’s been criticized for lacking diversity. The majority of the winners have been straight, white men. There’s also been a narrow view of what’s considered attractive.

There were also a few snubs over the years. Rob Lowe was never named People’s “Sexiest Man Alive.” Same with GH alum John Stamos. Some soap fans would agree that his good looks are suitable for the cover of People’s popular “Sexiest Man Alive” issue.

Who Would You Nominate?

Now it’s your turn. Which soap actor would you nominate for People’s “Sexiest Man Alive?” Who’s your favorite soap actor across all the soaps? Let us know in the comment section. 

On Tuesday night, John Krasinski (The Office, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan) took the title from 2023’s titleholder, Grey’s Anatomy alum Patrick Dempsey.