Ryan Gosling Turned Down People's ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ Multiple Times, Insider Says (Exclusive)
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.
Also read: ‘The Notebook’ Turns 10 Years Old: Watch How Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling's Romance Began (Video)
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.
Also read: Warner Bros. Sets Gosling's 'Nice Guys' Release for Summer 2016
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 read: Ryan Gosling Explains Why Breaking Into Acting Is the Worst Idea Ever (Video)
Also, since it's 1985 inception, “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.
In the meantime, enjoy the carnal pleasure of this year's Sexiest Man Alive, Chris Hemsworth.
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