The 8 Rules Of A 'Sexy Gentleman': Why Benny Blanco's 'Sexiest Man Alive' Nod Sparked A Global Meme Frenzy

The music world’s most unassuming mega-producer, Benny Blanco, has once again managed to dominate the cultural conversation, this time not for a chart-topping hit, but for his unexpected inclusion in People magazine’s highly anticipated "Sexiest Man Alive" issue. The news, which broke in late 2024, immediately set social media ablaze, sparking a viral meme frenzy that simultaneously mocked and celebrated the producer’s unconventional rise to heartthrob status.

The buzz around the Reston, Virginia native’s feature is more than just a fleeting moment of internet humor; it represents a cultural shift in what "sexy" means in the modern era, moving beyond chiseled abs to embrace authenticity, culinary passion, and, most importantly, a deeply committed relationship with superstar Selena Gomez. As of this current date, December 2025, the couple are celebrating their first Christmas season as husband and wife, a detail that only adds to the producer's newly minted 'sexy gentleman' persona.

The Unexpected Icon: Benny Blanco's Complete Profile and Biography

Before his name became synonymous with pop culture's most talked-about romance and a controversial magazine feature, Benny Blanco was already one of the most successful and influential figures in contemporary music. His career is marked by an astonishing number of hits across multiple genres, solidifying his status as a true industry powerhouse.

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• Real Name: Benjamin Joseph Levin
• Date of Birth: March 8, 1988
• Age (as of 2025): 37
• Place of Birth: Reston, Virginia, U.S.
• Occupation: Record Producer, Songwriter, Music Executive, Multi-instrumentalist, Author
• Career Start: Late 2000s, mentored by producer Dr. Luke.
• Labels/Imprints: Friends Keep Secrets (his own imprint), Mad Love Records, Interscope Records, A&M.
• Key Collaborations (Entities): Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Maroon 5, Kesha, Britney Spears, Kanye West, The Weeknd, SZA, Halsey, Khalid, Cashmere Cat, and many more.
• Notable Hits: "Circus" (Britney Spears), "Teenage Dream" (Katy Perry), "Moves Like Jagger" (Maroon 5), "Love Yourself" (Justin Bieber), "Eastside" (with Halsey & Khalid), and "Perfect" (Ed Sheeran).
• Author Status: Published the cookbook Open Wide: A Cookbook for Friends.

Levin’s journey from a young musician in Reston, Fairfax County, to a multi-platinum producer underscores a commitment to musical innovation, blending genres and launching the careers of numerous global superstars.

The 'Sexiest Man Alive' Feature That Broke the Internet

In a move that many have called a masterstroke of viral marketing, People magazine included Benny Blanco in their 2024 "Sexiest Man Alive" countdown, a feature that traditionally spotlights Hollywood's most conventionally handsome leading men. The inclusion, while not the main title (which typically goes to a single A-list actor), was a deliberate choice to celebrate a different kind of charisma: the lovable, unpretentious, and deeply talented "nice guy" who has captured the heart of one of the world's biggest stars, Selena Gomez.

The public reaction was immediate and polarized. On one side, fans of the producer and Selena Gomez praised the choice, seeing it as a victory for authenticity and a celebration of men who prioritize kindness and passion over typical celebrity vanity. On the other, the internet exploded with humorous memes, with many expressing shock and confusion, highlighting Blanco's often-casual, somewhat disheveled aesthetic.

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The feature itself focused heavily on his relationship with Gomez, who publicly celebrated his honor, and his surprising life as a homebody and chef.

The Eight Rules for a 'Sexy Gentleman'

Central to Blanco’s *People* feature was a list titled "Benny Blanco's Guide to Being a 'Sexy Gentleman,'" which offered a glimpse into the philosophy that has made him an unexpected icon of modern romance. These rules, which he shared exclusively, emphasize that true attractiveness stems from character, respect, and self-awareness, providing a counter-narrative to the traditional definition of sexiness.

Blanco’s manifesto is a modern take on chivalry, suggesting that "Chivalry’s Not Dead," but simply needs to be redefined for the 21st century.

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The 8 simple rules for being a 'Sexy Gentleman' include:

1. Embrace the Mess: True confidence comes from being comfortable in your own skin, even if it's not perfectly polished.
2. Cook for Your Loved Ones: Food is the ultimate love language. Preparing a meal is a sign of care and effort (a nod to his cookbook, Open Wide).
3. Listen Actively: Being present and truly hearing your partner is a form of respect and deep intimacy.
4. Prioritize Self-Care: Taking care of your mental and physical health is essential for being a good partner.
5. Be a Morning Person (for Her): Blanco revealed he wakes up surprisingly early to be with Selena Gomez, highlighting the importance of shared time.
6. Never Stop Learning: A curious mind is an attractive mind.
7. Be Spontaneous: Keep the romance alive with unexpected gestures.
8. Don't Settle: In an exclusive interview, he emphasized the importance of not settling in love, a clear reference to finding his perfect match in Selena Gomez.

From Pop Producer to Perfect Husband: The Selena Gomez Effect

The most compelling argument for Benny Blanco’s inclusion in the "Sexiest Man Alive" conversation is the undeniable glow of his relationship with Selena Gomez. The couple, who first collaborated in 2019, began dating in 2023. Their romance quickly became a public fascination, largely due to Gomez’s effusive praise for Blanco, highlighting his unconditional love and genuine nature.

The narrative of their relationship—a celebrated pop star finding happiness with a down-to-earth, food-loving producer—resonates deeply with fans who value authentic connections over manufactured celebrity pairings. This genuine connection is what People magazine was truly celebrating.

The latest and most significant development in their story is their marriage. The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony in September 2025, a milestone that cemented their status as a Hollywood power couple.

Their first holiday season as a married couple, celebrated in December 2025, has been documented on social media, showing a cozy, loved-up domestic bliss that stands in stark contrast to the high-glamour life often associated with their peers.

Ultimately, Benny Blanco’s feature is a testament to the changing landscape of celebrity and attraction. It suggests that a man who can produce a global hit for Ed Sheeran, cook a gourmet meal, and be a genuinely kind and supportive partner to a global superstar is, in the truest sense of the word, a modern "sexy gentleman." His influence extends beyond the studio, shaping not only the sound of pop music but also the conversation around what constitutes desirability in the 2020s.