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Home · Celebrity

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time

These men are timeless treasures.
The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
By Essence · Updated August 25, 2021

While, according to some, beauty fades, sexiness is timeless. And when it comes to sexy, the men on this list have it in droves.

For some of these fellas, it’s their face, for others it’s the smooth sound of their voice, and, of course, we can’t underestimate the beauty of a nice body. But what’s consistent across the board is no shortage of talent and the type of confidence in their skills, whether on set, performing on stage, or doing their thing on the court, that makes onlookers turn their heads.

Scroll down to see our picks for the 46 sexiest men of all time.

*This article was originally published on October 14, 2010.

01
Henry Simmons

At 6’4” with chiseled muscles, Henry Simmons is undoubtedly sexy. Plus, on “NYPD Blue” he had that fire and passion in his eyes that made us squirm!

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
02
Lenny Kravitz

A rocker for over twenty years, we love every incarnation of Lenny Kravitz, from the locks to the clean-shaven look. His sexy stare, hot body and gorgeous lips keep calling us back for more.

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
03
Braylon Edwards

This man is fine! We certainly have a thing for the men of the NFL, but this NY Jets wide receiver is something else. His body is pure perfection.

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
04
Marvin Gaye

Has there ever been a crooner more effortlessly smooth than Marvin Gaye? We would’ve loved this super-soulful hottie to show us some “Sexual Healing” back in the day.

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
05
Maxwell

In honor of the 40th Anniversary of ESSENCE magazine, we’re taking a look at the 40 sexiest men of all time.

With his soothing falsetto, Maxwell reminds us that nothing’s sexier than a man showing emotion.

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
06
Usher

Usher has us saying “O.M.G.” — every time we see him dance, whenever he licks his lips, when he closes his eyes to hit a high note. On top of his game, Usher is a force in the entertainment industry but also an extremely handsome man with a soft set of eyes and a great sense of style. Full package!

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
07
Michael Ealy

Whether he’s playing the sensitive thug in “Barbershop” or the lovesick leading man in “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” this green-eyed cutie is always irresistible. And we weren’t mad at the beard, not one bit.
 

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
08
Harry Belafonte

With his youthful charm and chiseled good looks this Jamaican-American brought in some island heat back in the day. We’re still fanning ourselves.

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
09
Prince

He’s itty-bitty, he wears heels, and his eyeshadow is blended better than ours, but no matter. With songs like “International Lover” and “Beautiful Ones,” this ageless musical genius makes us melt into a purple puddle. OW-ah, indeed.

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
10
Michael Jai White

Can we talk about those arms, those lips and that sexy smile? Actor eye candy Michael Jai White has had us swooning since “Spawn.”

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
11
Bob Marley

Bob Marley may be the sexiest man to ever rock dread locks, ever! We’ll forever love his raspy vocals, revolutionary lyrics, his enchanting smile and his rastaman vibration.

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
12
Larenz Tate

In the early 90s, every girl with a pulse had a crush on “Menace II Society” star Larenz Tate. We keep the life-long cutie in our hearts.

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
13
Tyson Beckford

Tyson Beckford is known for his sexy catwalk strut and his to-die-for lips! Pucker up, baby!

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
14
Boris Kodjoe

German-born model-turned-actor Boris Kodjoe may not want to be a sex symbol anymore, but we can’t help but put him on a pedestal. Face it, Boris, you are one of the sexiest men on earth.

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
15
TJ Holmes

Who knew news could be so hot? CNN anchor TJ Holmes can make the most mundane news report sexy.

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
16
Sam Cooke

Gorgeous soul singer Sam Cooke’s silky smooth voice sends us over the edge every time we hear him sing. We wish he could serenade us every night.

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
17
D’Angelo

We didn’t complain when this sexy soul singer showed us his fine physique in the video “How Does It Feel.” We’d love to tell you how it feels D’Angelo.

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
18
Lebron James

The hottest man in basketball right now has moved to South Beach — to play with the Miami Heat — where the temperature is hot and the partying goes on all night. Lebron is clearly poised for greatness, and his talent and swagger, both on the court and off, has us watching his every move.

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
19
Terrence Howard

With his soft voice, hazel eyes and intense acting style, Mr. Howard has become one of the most desirable (and bankable) leading men in Hollywood. We’re loving him in “Law & Order: Los Angeles!”

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
20
El Debarge

Nothing’s better than an old-school R&B seduction song, and El Debarge is the master! We wonder how many babies were made to “All This Love” and “Secret Garden”…

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
21
Michael Jordan

The Greatest of All Time, Air Jordan was so amazing on the court that you couldn’t help but root for him, even if he was destroying your hometown team. This man was the epitome of style — that fine bald head, that deep sincere smile, that long toned frame — he made the ladies want to watch the game along with their men.

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
22
LL Cool J

What girl didn’t have a full-length poster on her wall of LL Cool J in his signature Kangol hat and Adidas jacket back in the day. LL has aged well, getting more buff as the years go by. His soft lips and hard body are to die for.

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
23
Dwayne Johnson

This list wouldn’t be complete without wrestler-turned-actor, Dwayne Johnson. His shoulder tattoo — set perfectly over a mound of bulging muscles — is the business!

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
24
Blair Underwood

We’ve loved Blair Underwood since 1986 when he got his big break on “L.A. Law.” But, like a fine wine, Blair has grown better with time. He has us glued to the TV every week watching “The Event.”

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
25
Denzel Washington

There’s at least one book written about how fine this man is. What makes Denzel Washington even sexier is his dedication to his wife and kids and his desire to give back. Denzel is the total package.

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
26
Reggie Bush

If the NFL could have a sexiest man award, it would go to New Orleans Saint Reggie Bush for his rippling muscles and buttery brown skin. Touch down!

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
27
Common

This Chicago native’s good looks and soulful lyrics are the perfect rhyme.

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
28
Tyrese

Tyrese is known for a few things, but his mega-watt smile always puts us in the mood!

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
29
Laurence Fishburne

Laurence is a fine mix of beauty and brains, that strong jaw and those piercing eyes, complemented by that deep lush voice and… sorry, we need a minute! It’s hard to find something we don’t like about this man, he’s just that good!

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
30
Sidney Poitier

The first Black actor to win an Academy Award, Sidney Poitier’s smooth chocolate skin, captivating eyes and deep voice make us melt every time we watch “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.”

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
31
Dwyane Wade

D. Wade is one of the most talent ballers in the NBA these days, as well as one of the most handsome. The way he handles that basketball with such style and grace — his smoothness is undeniable. We love to see Dwayne dressed up in a suit — or down in some casual attire — heck, we love to just see him.

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
32
Ahmad Rashad

On the field, former wide receiver and 1979 Pro Bowl MVP Ahmad Rashad made many women football fans. We’d go long for his loving.

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
33
Teddy Pendergrass

When he commanded us to “Turn off the Lights” we obliged because we knew that Teddy got what Teddy wanted.

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
34
Djimon Hounsou

We’ve been crushing on this model-turned-Oscar-nominee ever since we saw his flawless body in Janet Jackson’s “Love Will Never Do” video. Kimora’s one lucky lady!

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
35
Method Man
The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
36
Eric Benet

Eric’s got that something special — we don’t know if it’s the voice, the raw passion, or that look — but we just can’t thinking of him.

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
37
Will Smith

Forget the fact that he’s the biggest movie star in the world, Will Smith is an incredible father, husband, and philanthropist. He’s also super-tall and broad-shouldered and extra-cute. Did we mention he’s the biggest movie star in the world?

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
38
Lamman Rucker

Lamman Rucker, from the “Why Did I Get Married” series, is adorable with his all-American look. And girl, don’t get us started on those dimples!

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
39
Richard Roundtree

“Shaft” actor Richard Roundtree gave us lots of reasons to love a sexy rugged man in Black.

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
40
Barack Obama

Being the leader of the free world, President Barack Obama carries himself with a special swagger and confidence that makes us melt. But what is really sexy about this man is his clear love for his wife and daughters — we love a family man!

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
41
Trey Songz

Trey Songz, the reigning prince of R&B, has a silky smooth voice and incredible sex appeal. We definitely “Can’t Be Friends!”

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
42
Morris Chestnut

Morris Chestnut is a chocolate dream. His strong jaw is topped only by the most beautiful lips a girl could ever hope to kiss. Plus, did you see those arms and pecs? Anybody for a glass of water?

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
43
Idris Elba

We’d like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Elba for creating this foine specimen of a son.

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
44
Billy Dee Williams

Those sexy brown eyes, that come-hither smile, the moustache — are we wrong for still swooning over this 70s leading man?

The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
45
Mehcad Brooks
The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
46
Michael B Jordan
The 46 Sexiest Men of All Time
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