LOS ANGELES - Oscar winner George Clooney has struck a blow for the greying generation after being named People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive."

Oscar winner George Clooney, seen in Los Angeless in 09 November 2006, has struck a blow for the greying generation after being named People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive." [AFP]

The silver-haired 45-year-old beat out a host of younger rivals to come out on top of the magazine's annual list, pipping the likes of Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio for first place.

"Brad's going to be upset," Clooney quipped to the magazine in a reference to his friend and "Ocean's Twelve" co-star Pitt, who came in 15th.

Clooney has enjoyed a successful 12 months, which included a best supporting actor Academy Award for his performance as a tormented CIA agent in "Syriana," as well as a best director nomination for "Good Night and Good Luck."

But Clooney, who also won People's "Sexiest" award in 1997, is not sure he will be able to cope with his new status.

"There's a lot of pressure," he told People. "There are all the events you have to show up for. The sash you have to wear is embarrassing."

Clooney once famously declared that he would never marry again following his divorce from actress Talia Balsam, and was coy over whether his position had softened in recent years.

"Who knows? I've been married. It's not something I'm looking out for. The truth is, I'm really happy," he said.

Patrick Dempsey, the star of television medical drama "Grey's Anatomy," was second in the poll, while Ashton Kutcher of "That '70s Show" fame was third.

Others in the top 10 included "Pirates of the Caribbean" star Depp, "The Departed" star DiCaprio and "Brokeback Mountain's" Jake Gyllenhaal.