On April 26, 1980, in a small town called Cullman, Alabama, something took place the world over would one day thank the higher powers for letting happen. That celebratory event? The birth of Channing Tatum, who would eventually go on to become one of Hollywood’s sexiest stars.
Related story Sophia Bush Gushes Over Being Set 'Free' by Ashlyn Harris in a Sweet Instagram CommentAnd, let’s be real, Tatum’s path to fame is the story that has launched roughly one zillion fantasies. He grew up in sleepy towns in the South before settling in Florida. He labored under the blistering sun as a roofer before ditching that gig for another decidedly sultrier one — becoming a stripper. The dancing led to an audition for a music video, which he landed (Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs”).
Not surprisingly, he caught some eyes, which led to modeling and, ultimately, his acting career. Ever since then, well, he’s effectively been making us swoon. From his unforgettable semi-autobiographical roles in the Magic Mike movies (did it just get hotter in here?!) to romantic comedies like The Vow, Tatum always makes us want to fall in love. Or bed. Whatevs.
It certainly doesn’t hurt matters that his offscreen antics basically prove he’s got both looks and heart. He’s not afraid to be silly on social media. He signs autographs for fans. And our personal favorite, he has the most beautiful bond with his and ex-wife Jenna Dewan’s daughter, Everly.
So, while these photos admittedly objectify him a little bit (sorry, Chan!), we prefer to think of it as a thank you letter for being our main source of fantasy fuel all these years. So, in honor of Tatum’s 41st birthday, we’re giving ourselves a little present…
‘Coach Carter’ (2014)
Someone send the casting directors of Tatum’s breakout role an Edible Arrangement, stat.
‘Coach Carter’ Film Premiere (2005)
Was this Tatum’s first official smolder? If so, it deserves its own day: The Channing Tatum Smolder Annual Holiday. Who seconds our motion?
‘A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints’ (2006)
We’re not sure why we’ve never seen this movie before, but trust us when we say we will now.
‘Step Up’ (2006)
The world got to see the full depth of Tatum’s dance skills in 2006’s Step Up, also known as the movie that officially made us fall in love with him.
‘She’s the Man’ Film Screening (2006)
That smile! That head tilt! Swoooooon.
‘She’s the Man’ Film Premiere (2006)
If ever you need a reminder of how well Tatum can wear a black suit, please refer back to this photo from the 2006 film premiere of She’s the Man.
‘She’s the Man’ (2006)
Brb, gotta search every streaming service until we find this film on demand.
‘Step Up’ (2006)
Hey, guess what? Emo Tatum is just as hot as every other Tatum. Go figure!
‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest’ Film Premiere (2006)
Could anyone (and we mean anyone) else pull off this sweater-over-a-collared-shirt-with-a-tie-and-no-belt look? No. Absolutely not. And yet here Chan is, looking fine AF.
HFPA Photocall (2006)
We’re sorry; did you say something? We got lost in Tatum’s gaze and everything else ceased to exist.
‘Step Up’ Film Photocall (2006)
In news that will likely surprise no one, Tatum looks just as dreamy (if not more so) in Italy.
‘Battle In Seattle’ (2007)
It’s… uh… we… well… ahem. There are no words. But, like, do we even need any? (Adding Battle in Seattle to our binge-list.)
Opening of Cain at the Cove Atlantis Beach Club (2007)
Talk about a twofer! Tatum celebrated the grand opening of the Cove Atlantis Beach Club in the Bahamas, and now this moment will forever be in our dreams.
GQ Men of the Year Party (2007)
We’re not sure who the actual man of the year was at GQ’s ‘Man of the Year’ party, but it’s safe to say it’s a title Tatum deserved.
‘Iron Man’ Film Premiere (2008)
Ah, yes, remember Tatum’s circa-early-2000s hat phase? Here he is rocking a fedora and, you know, we aren’t mad at it.
‘Stop Loss’ (2008)
God bless America. Are we right, or are we right?
‘Sugar’ Film Premiere (2009)
Tatum will forevermore be all the proof we need that men with shaved legs are sexy. See also? Some guys can seriously pull off a scarf. And by some guys, we obviously mean Tatum.
‘Fighting’ Film Premiere (2009)
We’re lovers, not fighters. Do with that information what you will, Tatum.
‘Fighting’ (2009)
Aggression isn’t necessarily a good look on anyone. But this is a movie, so we’re giving Tatum a pass so we can appreciate his biceps guilt-free.
‘GI Joe: Rise Of Cobra’ (2009)
Even covered in layers of fabric and padding from neck to toe, it’s impossible to hide Chan’s sex appeal.
Dizzy Feet Foundation’s Celebration of Dance (2009)
Tatum went for an uncharacteristically disheveled look for the 2009 Dizzy Feet Foundation’s Celebration of Dance. Spoiler alert, he still looks like a million bucks.
‘Dear John’ (2010)
A day at the beach has never looked better.
‘The Dilemma’ (2011)
Tatum sported chest tatts and especially swoopy hair for 2011’s The Dilemma, and damn, we’re suddenly feeling very thirsty.
‘The Vow’ (2012)
If you didn’t fall in love with Tatum in The Vow, you are almost definitely an alien sent to destroy the earth.
‘Magic Mike’ (2012)
We know this is what you’ve been waiting for, y’all. And while pictures just don’t do this film justice, here’s a memorable scene to get your blood pumping.
‘Magic Mike’ (2012)
Tatum was fine as hell in Magic Mike even when he wasn’t gyrating on a stage. Or on a woman. Or on a woman on stage.
MTV Movie Awards (2012)
We’d like to track down the person who picked a turquoise backdrop for the MTV Movie Awards in 2012, because it made Tatum’s eyes pop.
‘G.I. Joe: Retaliation’ (2012)
I mean, you could never, ever go wrong by pairing Tatum with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
‘White House Down’ (2013)
Listen, Tatum’s rippling muscles weren’t just gratuitous here, guys. He saved the White House. He couldn’t have a shirt interfering with all that.
MTV Movie Awards (2013)
Is there anything hotter than a man who is funny and, well, hot? We think not. And we’d also love it if Tatum and Rebel Wilson would collaborate on something new, like, immediately.
‘Side Effects’ (2013)
We get weak in the knees just looking at the way Tatum is holding Rooney Mara’s face in this scene.
Vanity Fair Oscar Party (2014)
Oh, my. We don’t know who Tatum was looking at here, but we do know one thing: That look is T-R-O-U-B-L-E. In the best way, of course.
‘Magic Mike XXL’ Promo Poster (2015)
Because dreams do come true, Tatum blessed us all with a Magic Mike sequel. Truly, it’s the gift that keeps on giving.
‘Magic Mike XXL’ (2015)
Speaking from a purely technical perspective, we’d like to point out that Tatum’s thrusting form is on point.
‘The Eagle’ (2010)
Weird, we don’t remember telling anyone about our oddly specific fantasy of Tatum laying on a bed covered only in a rustic animal pelt.
‘Hail Caesar’ (2016)
Well hello, sailor! If you’re partial to a man in uniform, Tatum’s turn in Hail Caesar could be just what you need in your life.
‘Magic Mike Live Las Vegas’ Opening Night (2017)
We’re not sure what we dig most about Tatum’s suit at the Magic Mike Live Las Vegas opening — the color, or the way it fits.
‘Britain’s Got Talent’ (2018)
Granted, Tatum only appeared on Britain’s Got Talent as a promo for Magic Mike the Musical. However, it was enough to convince us that he and his guys deserve all the awards.
In London (2018)
Bruh, you been liftin’? When Tatum popped up in London after a few low-key months, it was impossible not to take note of his super-sleek physique.
‘Frozen: The Musical’ (2019)
Cute and a Disney thespian? Can this man be cloned? Please and thank you.
‘Magic Mike Live’ Germany Premiere (2020)
Tatum says he no longer has the body to appear in his Magic Mike Live shows, but we beg to differ.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tLTEpKWor6NjsLC5jp6lrZ2iqa6qusyepa1no6G2pbHSoaawZ2Jnf3V8j3BmnKCRo7uqusZmq5qspaJ6qbvTZqehp6SkwHA%3D