Actor Noah Wyle, known for his role on NBC's "ER," has been announced as People's Sexiest Man Alive for 2026, marking his first time receiving the title.
In the People interview accompanying the award, the "The Pitt" star admitted he was stunned by 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," Wyle said.
Wyle first appeared on television as medical student and later doctor John Carter on "ER," sharing the screen with George Clooney, Anthony Edwards, Sherry Stringfield and Julianna Margulies. Although he never won the show's top prize, he accumulated three Golden Globe nominations and five Emmy nominations during its run. Earlier this year at the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards, Clooney joked about a "sexiest man still alive" issue, saying he would nominate Wyle and adding, "When I grow up, I want to be Noah Wyle."
Sixteen years after "ER" ended in 2009, Wyle returned to a hospital setting as the irritable attending Dr. Michael "Robby" Robinavitch on HBO's "The Pitt." His performance earned him the 2026 Golden Globe for best male actor in a drama series and consecutive Emmy awards for best actor in a drama series in 2025 and 2026. Season 3 of the series is slated for a January 2027 debut.
Created by Mel Gibson in 1985, the Sexiest Man Alive contest celebrates its 41st anniversary this year. Wyle follows Jonathan Bailey, the "Wicked" star who was named People's Sexiest Man Alive for 2025 and became the first openly gay recipient. Former winners include Patrick Dempsey, Chris Evans, Paul Rudd, Michael B. Jordan, John Legend and Idris Elba.