Paul Rudd has been named the sexiest man alive by People magazine, claiming his wife was at first “stupefied” by the news.

Stephen Colbert announced the news on his The Late Show on Tuesday, November 9.

Rudd told People magazine: “I do have an awareness, enough to know that when people hear that I’d be picked for this, they would say, ‘What?’

“This is not false humility. There are so many people that should get this before me.”

Rudd is known for his performances in movies such as Clueless, The 40-Year-Old-Virgin and the Marvel movies. He also played a recurring role in Friends, Mike Hannigan, who would eventually marry Phoebe Buffay.

Across social media people have commented on his youthful appearance, which hasn’t changed much over the decade.

One Twitter user said: “I don't know how #PaulRudd does it but he never ages! He needs 2 market whatever moisturizer he uses because he still has his #Clueless charm!”

Previous winners of the sexiest man alive title include Brad Pitt, Sir Sean Connery, Mel Gibson, Tom Cruise, George Clooney and Idris Elba.

Rudd said his wife was “stupefied” by his new title.

He told People magazine: “But you know she was very sweet about it. After some giggling and shock, she said ‘Oh, they got it right.’ And that was very sweet. She was probably not telling the truth, but what’s she going to say?”

The 52-year-old actor takes the title from 2020 winner, Michael B Jordan.

Captain America actor Chris Evans had been tipped to take the sexiest man alive crown before Rudd was unveiled as the winner.