American actor Noah Wyle, star of “The Pitt” and “ER”, has been named People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2026.
In his cover interview, published Tuesday, the 55-year-old recalled being surprised when he learned of the selection. “I thought that sounded like a prank,” Wyle said.
His wife, Sara Wells, helped persuade him to accept. Wyle explained that she considered his qualities as a husband and father worth recognising, alongside his public career. He also anticipated plenty of teasing from friends and relatives.
Wyle first became familiar to television audiences as John Carter in “ER”, joining a cast that included George Clooney, Anthony Edwards, Sherry Stringfield and Julianna Margulies. His work on the medical drama earned five Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe nominations.
Now he plays Dr Michael “Robby” Robinavitch in HBO Max’s “The Pitt”, returning to a hospital setting in a different role.
For that performance, Wyle won consecutive lead actor Emmys in 2025 and 2026. As an executive producer, he also shared the programme’s Outstanding Drama Series award in both years.
He received this year’s Golden Globe for best male actor in a television drama, his first win at those awards. Outside acting, Wyle is a father of three. He and Wells married in June 2014.
Read More: Jonathan Bailey Named People’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2025
People introduced its annual title in 1985. Previous recipients include John Legend, Michael B. Jordan, Denzel Washington and Idris Elba. Clooney, Wyle’s former “ER” colleague, received the distinction twice.
“The Pitt” is scheduled to return for its third season in January 2027.
(With additional input from UPI and AARP)
