Noah Wyle has officially been named People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive for 2026, and fans have plenty to say about the choice.
The The Pitt star, 54, has been a familiar face on television since the 1990s, first winning over audiences as Dr John Carter in the hit medical drama ER before making a major career comeback in recent years.
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Speaking to People about the honour, Wyle admitted he initially thought the announcement was a prank.
“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,” he said.
Joking about what the title might mean for his future, he added: “I hope this changes everything. I hope it’s just wine and roses, milk and honey from here on out.”
Noah Wyle. Editorial credit: MLM IMAGES Los Angeles , Shutterstock
He quickly added that he expected plenty of teasing from his friends and family.
Wyle first became a household name playing medical student and later doctor John Carter on ER, appearing alongside George Clooney, Anthony Edwards and Julianna Margulies.
The series ran for 15 seasons, ending in 2009, and earned Wyle multiple Golden Globe and Emmy nominations.
@cawoot0 #noahwyle #eredit #drcarter #johncarter #er ♬ original sound - ykhurting
More than a decade later, he returned to the hospital setting with HBO's The Pitt, playing Dr Michael “Robby” Robinavitch, a senior attending physician dealing with the pressures of working in an emergency department.
The series has proved a major success, earning Wyle back-to-back Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2025 and 2026. He also won the Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Series – Drama in 2026.
A third season of The Pitt is scheduled to premiere in January 2027.
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Wyle's win follows fellow actor Jonathan Bailey, who received the title in 2025 after starring in Wicked. He joins a long list of previous winners, including Patrick Dempsey, Chris Evans, Paul Rudd, Michael B. Jordan and Idris Elba.
However, as always with the annual announcement, the internet has been quick to weigh in on whether the magazine got it right.
Noah Wyle. Editorial credit: Carla VanWagoner, Shutterstock
While many fans have celebrated Wyle's win, others have questioned the decision, with the announcement sparking plenty of discussion across social media.
One unhappy user chimes in: 'not in the world I'm living in', while another piles on: 'This is so disappointing.'
One jokes: 'Is this a recession indicator?!'
A 'Pitt' fan pointed out his costar desevered the praise: 'It should have been Shawn Hatosy!'
Shawn Hatosy. Editorial credit: MLM IMAGES Los Angeles , Shutterstock
Some viewers have pointed out that Wyle has been considered a heartthrob since his ER days, while others are delighted to see the actor receive recognition after decades in the industry.
One user states: 'We’ve known so since ER & the Librarians' while another jokes: 'Thank you, PEOPLE for finally reviewing the evidence we submitted in 1994.'
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One confesses why they agree with the vote: 'Of course he is. Because being sexy is also being kind, sweet, loving, supportive and wanting to do good in the world. And being a total smokeshow, of course!'
One fan even came to Wyle's defense, pointing out how cruel comment sections can get on social media: 'My goodness. The comments are always so disappointing. Clearly not everyone is going to agree with their choice. It's supposed to be fun. But it's very subjective, obviously. We don't have to be mean. Nothing kind to say? Move on.'
Noah Wyle. Editorial credit: MLM IMAGES Los Angeles , Shutterstock
The title was first awarded in 1985, when Mel Gibson became the inaugural winner, and has since become an annual pop culture talking point.
