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Actor Hugh Jackman poses before a news conference in Sydney on the day of the world premier of his new film "Australia" November 18, 2008. REUTERS/Tim Wimborne

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - People magazine on Wednesday dubbed Australian actor Hugh Jackman the "sexiest man alive" in its annual issue that previously put George Clooney and Brad Pitt atop the list of Hollywood hunks.

It was not only good looks and physical stature that earned the 40-year-old, 6-foot-2-inch Jackman his new title.

"Hugh Jackman is the real package -- humble, romantic, drop-dead gorgeous and a star of the moment. He is so much more than his movies -- that's sexy," said Elizabeth Sporkin, executive editor at People.

The magazine said he wields weapons with the best of Hollywood action heroes, and he sings romantic ballads to his wife of 12 years, Deborra-Lee Furness. Jackman also bakes pancakes for his children, Oscar and Ava, when he is not busy sweating it out at the gym, People said.

The actor has wooed audiences in a range of films from action-packed blockbusters like the "X-Men" movies to critically acclaimed "The Prestige." He won a Tony award, Broadway's highest honor, for his role in "The Boy from Oz."

Jackman next appears in epic film drama "Australia," which will debut in the United States next week.

As the "sexiest man alive," he joins the ranks of Pitt, Clooney, Matthew McConaughey and Matt Damon, but People said Jackman is different from the others.

"Brad is unattainably sexy, George is brainy-suave, Matt is boy-next-door sexy, and Hugh's sex appeal is the fact that he is gritty, has a great accent, and is physical," Sporkin said.

(Reporting by Syantani Chatterjee; Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)