“It’s harder than anyone thinks for guys to actually be sexy.”

Channing Tatum (No. 50 on Empire magazine’s list of 100 Sexiest Movie Stars) was on the back patio at Cinema Bar in Culver City, Calif., commiserating with Matthew McConaughey (People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” in 2005) and Joe Manganiello (No.1 on Men’s Health magazine’s best Summer Bodies of 2011).

Although a heady cloud of easy charm and testosterone was forming spontaneously above the picnic table, slowly expanding and intoxicating any females in proximity, Tatum elicited enthusiastic nods from his fellow actors as he explained just how much work it takes for guys like them to be sexy — especially when they’re nearly naked. And oiled. And onstage. Gyrating.