Noah Wyle has been given an unexpected honor in his long-running acting career. The 55-year-old star of HBO Max’s medical drama “The Pitt” has been named People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2026 , joining a list of Hollywood actors who have received the annual honor.

“At first I thought it was a prank,” Wyle said. “I never in a million years thought this would be an honor given to me,” he said to People.

The actor also joked about what the title might mean for his future. “I hope this changes it all. Hopefully from here on in it’s wine and roses and milk and honey,” he said with a laugh. “But I expect to be teased by friends and family over the honor.”

Noah Wyle in ‘The Pitt’ HBO Max

Noah Wyle’s Career Stretches Back to ‘ER’

Wyle’s move follows a successful stint on The Pitt , where he portrays Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch, a physician at a Pittsburgh trauma center. The performance has earned him two Emmy Awards, adding to a career more than three decades long.

Wyle is best known for playing Dr.…