The Channing Tatum "Sexiest Man Alive" appreciation post [PHOTOS]

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People Magazine named Channing Tatum as their 2012 Sexiest Man Alive, and frankly, we're not complaining.

The 32-year-old actor had audiences swooning with his semi-autobiographical portrayal of his past as a stripper in Magic Mike.

Tatum, who danced in a Tampa, Fla., nightclub before he was discovered by a model talent scout, was further endeared to his audiences when video of him surfaced just in time to ride the Magic Mike wave of popularity.

He modeled for the likes of Abercrombie and Fitch, Armani and Nautica, and was cast as a dancer in Ricky Martin's steamy "She Bangs" music video.

Then came small roles in Coach Carter, Havoc and Supercross before landing the job playing Amanda Bynes's love interest She's the Man.

Stardom soon came with Step Up (where he met his wife, Jenna Dewan-Tatum) and G.I.Joe...

...but it was roles in rom-coms such as Dear John and The Vow that transformed him into a leading man.

The surprisingly well-reviewed remake of 21 Jump Street (with Jonah Hill) allowed Tatum to show off his comedy chops and gave him his first producer credit.

But there would be no Sexiest Man Alive title without Magic Mike.