Ryan Gosling Turned Down People’s ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ Multiple Times, Insider Says (Exclusive)
Fans are enraged at the Time Inc. publication for snubbing the indie darling, but an individual with knowledge of the cover negotiations tells TheWrap that Gosling has turned down the title more than once
People magazine’s annual “Sexiest Man Alive” issue has sparked backlash yet again, for passing over actor Ryan Gosling as cover star — but the “The Notebook” actor has repeatedly turned down the honor, an insider told TheWrap.
So to use a catchphrase in the spirit of the web’s most popular Gosling memes: “Hey girl, calm the Internet down.”
“They tried a few times, especially during his huge year in 2011,” an individual close to the cover negotiations said. Multiple efforts were consistently squashed by the actor’s team.
“The consensus was he’s too serious for it, too artsy,” the individual added.
A spokesperson for Gosling has not yet returned TheWrap’s request for comment.
People’s Editorial Director told TheWrap: “While I look forward to the day when Ryan Gosling is named Sexiest Man Alive, this was not his year. Our 2014 honoree Chris Hemsworth was our first and only choice. If you want to know why, just look at him. I mean, seriously.”
Outlets like BuzzFeed and rabid, Gosling-obsessed Tumblr users mourned his absent mug each year, even taking their protest to the front steps of Time Inc.’s New York headquarters. But it’s the “Drive” star who speeds away from the glory.
We understand the bid to be taken seriously, as Gosling’s silent and brooding acting style earns him art house cred. But there’s no ignoring he’s the Internet’s collective boyfriend: street fight referee, feminist icon and refuser of cereal all rolled into one.
Yes, the superlative is superficial. Accepting usually entails an obligatory shirtless or flexing photo shoot, sidebars about ab routines and a giddy Q&A. But the exposure is priceless and the reign a whole 12 months.
Also, since its 1985 launch, “Sexiest Man” has some alumni most people would deem substantial actors: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Ben Affleck, Bradley Cooper and Tom Cruise to name a few.
Gosling devotees shouldn’t abandon hope just yet. A shift in his perspective might sway him to eventually grace the cover.
The recent birth of his daughter Esemeralda may inspire some adventure. It’s a raging cliche in the realm of celeb maternity that stars don’t fully appreciate their bodies until giving birth. Ryan didn’t do the pushing (shout out Eva Mendes!) but maybe some of that empowerment will rub off.
Hollywood's New Movie Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Jessica Chastain, Ryan Gosling (Photos)
Jennifer Lawrence: This 22-year-old actress may be headlining the blockbuster "Hunger Games" franchise as Katniss Everdeen, but it was her Oscar-nominated performance in 2010's "Winter's Bone" that elevated her from television actress to movie star.
Check out Jennifer Lawrence on the PowerGrid
Jessica Chastain: This two-time Academy Award nominee has had a long road to the top, which was aided by a leading role opposite Al Pacino in a stage production of Salome, which got her noticed by Hollywood casting directors. Her first film role in 2008 indie "Jolene" led to roles in "The Debt," "Take Shelter" and "Tree of Life" before she found mainstream success in "The Help."
Check out Jessica Chastain on the PowerGrid
Ryan Gosling: Although he gained the attention of women everywhere after starring in "The Notebook," this former Mickey Mouse Clubber has yet to star in a movie that has grossed $100 million domestically. Instead, he's chosen to devote his time and attention to crafting memorable performances in films like "Half Nelson," "Lars and the Real Girl" and "Blue Valentine"
Check out Ryan Gosling on the PowerGrid
Joseph Gordon-Levitt: The scrawny former sitcom star launched his big screen career with dark dramatic roles in indie flicks "Mysterious Skin" and "Brick," as well as a number of others, before taking on lighter fair with 2009's "(500) Days of Summer." Playing Cobra Commander in 2009's "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" didn't do much for him, but the 2010 blockbuster "Inception" sure did.
Check out Joseph Gordon-Levitt on the PowerGrid
Shailene Woodley: "The Secret Life of an American Teenager" star is set as the lead in the screen adaption of the best-seller "Divergent," but a role in Alexander Payne's "The Descendants" and then another in Sundance hit "The Spectacular Now" is what made her a rising movie star.
Check out Shailene Woodley on the PowerGrid
Kristen Stewart: The "Twilight Saga" franchise star has wisely mixed up her performances in the young adult epics with smaller-budgeted movies like "On the Road" that stretch her ability as an actress.
Check out Kristen Stewart on the PowerGrid
Robert Pattinson: Sure, this teen heart throb became a movie star thanks to "Twilight," but thanks to his choice to star in "Cosmopolis" and the upcoming drama "The Rover," he'll stay in the public spotlight long after we forget about Edward Cullen.
Check out Robert Pattinson on the PowerGrid
Bradley Cooper: This Oscar-nominated actor explained his rise to the top in one sentence. "It’s really simple," Cooper told TheWrap. "I just want to work with great directors."
Check out Bradley Cooper on the PowerGrid
Channing Tatum: The 'Sexiest Man Alive' can already boast a string of bonafide box office hits including "The Vow," "Magic Mike," and "21 Jump Street." The actor is set to star in summer 2013's big budget "White House Down."
Check out Channing Tatum on the PowerGrid
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“They tried a few times, especially during his huge year in 2011,” an individual close to the cover negotiations said. Multiple efforts were consistently squashed by the actor’s team.
