Noah Wyle named People’s 2026 Sexiest Man Alive

Noah Wyle has been named People magazine’s 2026 Sexiest Man Alive, adding another major accolade to a career that has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence following the success of HBO medical drama The Pitt.

The 55-year-old actor takes over the title from Jonathan Bailey, who was named the publication’s Sexiest Man Alive in 2025. Wyle’s selection comes after a year of renewed attention for his portrayal of Dr Michael “Robby” Robinavitch in The Pitt, which has earned him several major acting awards.

Wyle’s performance in the medical drama has helped introduce him to a new generation of viewers, while longtime fans have celebrated his return to the kind of television role that first made him a household name.

Before The Pitt, Wyle was best known for playing Dr John Carter in the hit medical series ER. He appeared in 241 episodes of the show, which ran for 15 seasons and became one of television’s most successful medical dramas.

His latest role has brought a new wave of recognition, with Wyle winning the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in The Pitt. He has also received a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award for the series.

The actor’s selection follows speculation about who would receive the annual title, with Wyle emerging as a strong favourite in prediction markets ahead of the announcement. Other names discussed among potential contenders included Bad Bunny, David Corenswet and Heated Rivalry stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams.

People’s Sexiest Man Alive title has been awarded annually since 1985, when Mel Gibson became the first recipient. Previous winners include Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Idris Elba, Chris Hemsworth, John Krasinski and Bailey.

Wyle’s recognition marks another milestone in a career spanning more than three decades, with the actor continuing to draw attention through his work on The Pitt and his enduring popularity among television audiences.