A Romantic, Jackman Is People's Sexiest

Hugh Jackman, the 40-year-old actor starring in Australia with Nicole Kidman, has been declared 2008’s Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine—and by his wife of 12 years, who, when told of the honor, said, “‘I could've told them that years ago!" But she followed quickly, Jackman tells the magazine, with "Obviously, Brad wasn't available this year."

Jackman opened up to People about some not-so-sexy moments in his life. “When I was younger, I had chicken legs,” he said. “My nickname was Sticks.” Obviously, the Aussie heartthrob has flourished, and now counts his smile and “lately my pecs” as his best attributes. But he’s no wild child, preferring the company of his family. "Deb and my kids have been the best things that have ever happened to me, without a doubt." (More Hugh Jackman stories.)