Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds 'sexiest man alive'

Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds was named the sexiest man alive Wednesday by People Magazine, which said the 34-year-old has "an eight-pack of abs that makes millions swoon.

"

Reynolds is the 25th holder of the title, following in the footsteps of Australian actor Hugh Jackman, Ireland's Pierce Brosnan, Scotsman Sean Connery, two-time winners Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt and George Clooney, and many more including actor Mel Gibson.

Born October 23, 1976 in Vancouver, Reynolds has played a vampire hunter in "Blade: Trinity," a man who mentally melts down in the 2005 remake of "The Amityville Horror," and was Sandra Bullock's faux fiance in "The Proposal."

He made his acting debut as a teen on Canadian television in a series called "Hillside," which aired on the Nickelodeon children's network.

His picture will grace the cover of the next issue of People, which will hit newsstands on Friday.

Reynolds is married to US actress Scarlett Johansson - who was named the sexiest woman alive by Esquire Magazine in 2006.