Noah Wyle was named "Sexiest Man Alive" by the magazine for the first time in 2026 People received. For the actor, it is a belated honor after decades on television, a career that remains closely tied to his role as a doctor.

In the interview, he reacted with surprise to the news: “I thought that sounded like a prank — just not in a million years did I think that this would be an honor bestowed on me,” , according to Noah Wyle People. Back in the 1990s, the 55-year-old helped create one of the most successful hospital dramas on U.S. television.

Noah Wyle became a TV star with "Emergency Room"

Wyle was introduced to television audiences as John Carter, a medical student and later a doctor, in “ER.” In the NBC series, he starred alongside George Clooney, Anthony Edwards, Sherry Stringfield, and Julianna Margulies.

During the series' run, he received three Golden Globe nominations and five Emmy nominations. He didn't win any awards at the time, but the role remained his most defining breakthrough on television. The hospital setting that launched his career continues to play a prominent role in his life to this day.

"The Pitt" earned him major TV awards in 2025 and 2026

Sixteen years after the finale of “Emergency Room” in 2009, Wyle returned to a hospital setting. In HBO’s “The Pitt,” he plays the frustrated chief of staff, Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch. The series has run for two seasons so far and has earned him his most prestigious awards.

In 2026, he won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama Series. He also won the Emmy for Best Actor in a Drama Series in 2025 and again in 2026. Season three is set to premiere in January 2027.

Wyle Takes the Title in Good Humor

Noah Wyle himself seems to be taking his new "Sexiest Man Alive" title with a sense of humor. "I hope this changes everything. I hope it's just wine and roses, milk and honey from here on out." he said jokingly in the People-Interview, and added with a wink: "[Laughs] No, I don't, but I am going to take a lot of ribbing from friends and family for sure."

The actor succeeds Jonathan Bailey, who last year was replaced by People was awarded the title. Previously, Patrick Dempsey, Chris Evans, Paul Rudd, Michael B. Jordan, John Legend, and Idris Elba had also been named “Sexiest Man Alive.”