Noah Wyle, the star of medical drama ‘The Pitt’, has been named People magazine’s 2026 Sexiest Man Alive, adding another milestone to his decades-long acting career.
The 55-year-old American actor received the title in a feature published on Tuesday. He succeeds ‘Bridgerton’ star Jonathan Bailey, who won the honour in 2025.
Wyle thought the honour was a prank
Wyle said he never expected to receive the title. He initially thought someone was playing a joke on him.
“I thought that sounded like a prank — just not in a million years did I think that this would be an honour bestowed on me,” he said.
The actor credited his wife, Sara, with helping him accept the recognition. He said she believes his character as a person, father and husband makes him deserving of the honour.
“She thinks I’m a good guy and that the kind of person that I am and the kind of father I am, the kind of husband I am, is worth promoting. I thought, ‘Okay, if you say so.”
From ‘ER’ to ‘The Pitt’
Wyle’s latest recognition also recalls his earlier appearance in People magazine. In the 1990s, he and his co-stars on medical drama ‘ER’ featured on the magazine’s cover as the ‘Sexy Men of ER’.
His acting journey began shortly after high school, when he started taking acting classes. He later appeared in stage productions in Los Angeles.
At 22, Wyle focused on B-movies and plays. His agent eventually persuaded him to audition for ‘ER’, the role that brought him widespread fame.
His performances in ‘ER’ and ‘The Pitt’ have earned him six Actor Awards, a Golden Globe Award and four Primetime Emmy Awards.
Following Jonathan Bailey
Wyle takes over from Bailey, who made history last year as the first openly gay man to receive People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive title.
Other past recipients include Patrick Dempsey, Michael B. Jordan, John Legend, Paul Rudd, Idris Elba, Brad Pitt and Harrison Ford.
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