AARP The Magazine Names Top 21 Hottest Men Age 50+ In New 'Men On Fire' Feature

WASHINGTON, May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Denzel Washington, George Clooney and 19 other leading men over age 50 are honored in the June/July issue of AARP the Magazine in its first ever "Men on Fire" list. Blazing with soul, style, and sex appeal, these 21 men are a hot mix of lovers, thinkers, and rebels.

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The "Men on Fire" list includes a handsome assortment of men, including actors Colin Firth, Viggo Mortensen,  Liam Neeson and Samuel Jackson, musicians Yo- Yo Ma and Jon Bon Jovi, author John Irving and paleontologist Paul Sereno. Additionally, AARP The Magazine is inviting its readers to vote on 15 runners up by photographing the QR code within the magazine with their smartphone or voting in an online poll (www.aarp.org/magazine).

"Our readers understand that sex appeal is ageless, so we thought a feature on the sexiest men over 50 would be a great way to kick off summer, " said Nancy Perry Graham, editor-in-chief of AARP The Magazine. "Men such as Viggo Mortensen, James Brolin and Brian Williams are rugged and passionate, and great examples of people really embracing their age and showing how hot 50+ can be. It was a tough decision to pick only 21, so we're excited to see which men are favorites among our readers as well!"

Below are some of the men who made the cut and are featured in the new issue of AARP The Magazine, hitting homes on May 24th and available online NOW at www.aarp.org/magazine.

Antonio Banderas
The 51-year-old movie star knows how to take care of himself. "I work out every morning and when I'm done, the first thing I put in my body is white tea," said Banderas. "Everything is about balance."

George Clooney
The self-proclaimed "Sexiest Man Still Alive" is Hollywood's top human rights advocate and is considered among the best strategic thinkers, according to Tom Andrews, president of United to End Genocide. At 51, Clooney is still on the front line of the human rights crusade, as he was arrested in March for protesting at the Sudanese Embassy in D.C.

Colin Firth
The 51-year-old leading man is married to Livia Firth and the couple has two young sons. When asked about his looks, he once stated, "forget trying to be sexy…that's just gruesome." He was once described by a British reporter as emitting "a slow-burn magnetism that reveals itself in stages."

Jon Huntsman Jr.
The 52-year-old former Governor and presidential candidate used to be in a rock band and still rides a Harley. When asked what advice he would give younger men on aging well, he simply stated, "Your inner strength is as important as your outer strength."

Jon Bon Jovi
The 50-year-old rocker who married his high school sweetheart in 1989 might be best known for his good looks, but according to country duo Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles, "it's actually Jon's brain that makes him sexy." She adds, "It also doesn't hurt that when he smiles, he lights up the room."

Samuel Jackson
The 63-year-old actor was recently labeled the highest-grossing actor of all time according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Jackson also proves that bald can be beautiful. According to director Kasi Lemmons, "He doesn't need hair—and there aren't many men you can describe that way."

Liam Neeson
The 60-year-old movie star is described as "very manly on-screen," by director Olivier Megaton. "He's like a mountain. He doesn't have to use a lot of words; he just has to be there."  How does a mountain of a man connect with the audience? Megaton simply replied, "His eyes."

Denzel Washington
At age 57, Washington exudes strength in his actions and in his action movies. Actor Don Cheadle noted, "Denzel's mystique is that he projects self-confidence. You see his performance and know you're looking at a grounded person."

Brian Williams
The 53-year-old news anchor has a healthy view of growing older. "Just live your life and realize it may be true that the only guy who really looks good with three days growth is George Clooney," stated Williams.

Yo-Yo Ma
The 56-year-old classical musician offered an interesting choice when asked to describe his best feature. "Probably my mischievousness," noted Ma, "I can't stay serious for too long. I'm basically up to no good."

Also featured on the "Men on Fire" list:

• Scott Bakula, 57, Actor
• James Brolin, 71, Actor/Director
• Rupert Everett, 53, Actor
• John Irving, 70, Author
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Environmentalist
• Andy Mill, 59,  Downhill skier, competitive fisherman
• Leslie Moonves, 62, CEO of CBS
• Viggo Mortensen, 53, Actor
• Paul Sereno, 54, Paleontologist
• George Strait, 60, Musician
• Mario Van Peebles, 55, Actor

An image of the June/July cover of AARP The Magazine featuring Denzel Washington is available upon request.

About AARP The Magazine
With nearly 35 million readers nationwide, AARP The Magazine (www.aarpmagazine.org) is the world's largest circulation magazine and the definitive lifestyle publication for Americans 50+. Reaching over 22 million households, AARP The Magazine delivers comprehensive content through in-depth celebrity interviews, health and fitness features, consumer interest information and tips, book and movie reviews and financial guidance. Published bimonthly in print and continually online, AARP The Magazine was founded in 1958 and is the flagship title of AARP Publications.

About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a membership that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with nearly 35 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's millions of members and Americans 50+; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

SOURCE AARP