Bradley Whitford Talks 'Bizarre' Double Standards Around Aging: 'Men Become Distinguished And Women Become Invisible'

Brad Whitford got candid about the double standards around aging.

Whitford, 62, is making his debut in the latest Sexiest Man Alive issue. The American actor and producer shared his thoughts on aging and pointed out the double standards between men and women when this matter is considered.

"Honestly, men are lucky as hell," he told People. "We get celebrated for aging. It's unfair and it's crazy. I remember my mom, who had absolutely nothing to do with show business, would talk about how unfair that is, that men become distinguished and women become invisible. I have siblings and my sisters talk about that a lot. It's unfair. I have been celebrated for aging, which is bizarre."

For Whitford, the best shape of his life was when he was a lot younger, which was "many decades ago." He jokingly added, "As my father would say, I have a bright future behind me."

The "Not Going Quietly" executive producer is featured in this year's Sexiest Man Alive issue mostly due to his humor, especially the jokes he makes at his own expense.

In his interview, Whitford joked that it it should have been "Sexiest Man, Barely Alive." He added that having the "dad bod" only means that they "kind of care a little bit" about their physique because if one really wants to be healthy, "[they] don't want to be photographed in a magazine."

He also admitted that when he learned about his inclusion in the annual magazine, he instantly thought of his former "West Wing" co-star and friend Joshua Malina.

"My first thought was, 'This is going to kill Josh Malina,' which made me very happy," he added.

Whitford and Malina have a playful relationship. One of their prank sagas featured Malina receiving a "Scandal"-wrapped "gift," which turned out to be an oil painting of Whitford.

The "Handmaid's Tale" star also shared in the interview that he still makes time for exercise. Also, he remains active because he enjoys long walks around his neighborhood in Los Angeles with his wife, Amy Landecker.

Whitford said he started walking a lot during the pandemic. He said the activity is "anti-anxiety" and "anti-depressant." He also hits the gym and lifts weights regularly. Walking and doing squats are also part of his workout routine. But the most important factor of his well-being is sleep.

"If I don't get enough sleep, everything just falls apart," he said. "I used to be able to get away with not sleeping, which you can do when you're young."

Meanwhile, Paul Rudd is People's Sexiest Man Alive for 2021. According to the "Ant-Man" star, his wife, Julie Yaeger, giggled and gave him the sweetest response when she learned about his newest title.

"She was stupefied," Rudd told People while recalling his wife's reaction. "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."