8 Sexy Photos from Past Sexiest Man Alive Issues, Featuring Milo Ventimiglia, Bradley Cooper and More

Hot To Go

For the 2016 issue's "Hot Guys in the Kitchen," Milo Ventimiglia smoldered for the camera holding a box of Chinese takeout. He revealed to PEOPLE that he cooks every day and is "well versed" in the kitchen. His repertoire of recipes includes salads, dressings, fresh pastas and marinara sauce.

But the cooking isn't even the hottest part for the This Is Us actor — it's what happens after: "Cleaning up is very, very sexy," he said.

Bathroom Confidential

Before he was 2011's Sexiest Man Alive, Bradley Cooper stripped down for a bathtub shot as 2005's "Sexiest Man in the Kitchen." At the time, the actor was starring in the short-lived sitcom Kitchen Confidential as executive chef Jack Bourdain.

"I only know one person who eats more than me," Cooper said in a Q&A for the title. "As a kid I used it to get attention. It was, 'Oh, look at how much Bradley can eat. Have another cannoli!' "

Horsing Around

In 2012, James Van Der Beek launched his campaign for a five-year term as Sexiest Man Alive with a dreamy and steamy coastal shoot atop a horse.

"Because nothing's less sexy than a one-term SMA. Just ask that loser Matt Damon," he penned.

It would have been unprecedented for someone to hold the title for five years, but Van Der Beek laid out his plan to "make America sexier." Initiatives included making the American flag's stripes vertical, employing a "brigade of sexy police" and providing a clear list of what is (and isn't) sexy. (He's not a fan of fanny packs!)

Red Alert

After paparazzi snapped Jerry O'Connell in a speedo on set of Piranha 3D, the actor decided to reenact an entire day in the iconic swimwear for PEOPLE's 2009 Sexiest Man Alive issue.

"People thought I was gallivanting around town like that," he said at the time.

O'Connell made breakfast, mowed the lawn, mini-golfed and even took business meetings wearing the red speedo. At the end, however, he promised that the photoshoot would be his "last hurrah" in the swimwear.

"You can come to my house," the talk show host said. "I am most of the time fully clothed."

Skin in the Game

For his 50th birthday, John Stamos revealed beauty lessons he's gathered over the years, all inspired by movies. Through recreations of films like The Picture of Dorian Gray, Fight Club and Brazil, the Full House star explained how he stays eternally hot, from his beauty routines to exercise routines.

"I try to stay out of the sun," Stamos advised before adding, "And I sold my soul to the devil when I was 3 for a pack of gum. People are really going to freak out when I turn 150."

Party Animal

Bowen Yang made his Sexiest Man Alive debut in the 2021 issue for "Morning After Sexy" and managed to make a hangover look attractive by lounging in a bathtub, surrounded by confetti.

He described his afterparty persona to PEOPLE as "wholesome and debaucherous," recalling a moment after RuPaul hosted SNL where the DJ played "Be My Lover" by La Bouche.

"I knew every single word. Everyone got up on tables and danced," he said.

Stache Supreme

The P.I. in Magnum, P.I. stands for "Pro Impersonator!" For the 2019 issue's "Lip Service" shoot — which celebrated iconic mustaches — Will Arnett became Tom Selleck's Thomas Magnum from the '80s crime drama series.

"He was a cool dude who drove around Hawaii in a Ferrari looking good and figuring out crimes," explained Arnett of the character's appeal. "He was a P.I. ... but it seemed like he just ran on the beach a lot and then made out with women."

The comedian also gave his one key piece of advice for staying young: moisturizing.

"Moisturizing, drinking water and get a lot of sleep," he elaborated. "I'm in bed most nights by 8:30 p.m."

Sexy Smuggler

Also for "Lip Service," Marlon Wayans recreated the look of a character that stuck with him as a child, Lando Calrissian from The Empire Strikes Back. Lando, played by Billy Dee Williams, was the first major Black character in the Star Wars franchise.

"I felt included in the universe," Wayans told PEOPLE. "I don't know if George Lucas understands what that really meant for our community."

The White Chicks star adds that he's envious of the suave space smuggler's ability to rock a stache. However, Wayans has his grooming priorities straight with advice from his late mother, Elvira.

"She always taught me that women like a man who feels good and smells good," Wayans said.