Bradley Cooper named People's "Sexiest Man Alive"

Actor Bradley Cooper arrives at the "The Hangover 2" premiere on May 19, 2011 in Los Angeles, Calif.

/ Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

(CBS) Despite some major competition from Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper was named People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive" for 2011.

Pictures: Sexiest Man Alive

"The Hangover" star is not only nice to look at but also has the brains to back up his blue eyes and charming smile. The Georgetown University grad can even charm the ladies in French - he is fluent - as evidenced by his French interview for "The Hangover 2" that went viral, as every girl in America swooned.

So what exactly did the actor say of his new title?

"I think it's really cool that a guy who doesn't look like a model can have this [title]," Cooper told People magazine. "My mother is going to be so happy."

The 36-year-old, who was dating Renee Zellweger for two years and was seen out with Jennifer Lopez, says he is single.

Cooper joins the ranks of People's past "Sexiest Men", including Ryan Reynolds (2010), Johnny Depp (2009 and 2003), Hugh Jackman (2008) and Matt Damon (2007).

[ssporleder]

It works for me.

I have always loved him because he looks like he has done something bad, but you do not know it yet, or he is just about to get into some trouble and is devilishly thrilled about it.

Suggestion to People ~ Shemar Moore next year!