Noah Wyle has officially been named People's Sexiest Man Alive for 2026, adding another milestone to his career resurgence thanks to HBO Max's The Pitt . The 55-year-old actor, who first became a household name playing Dr. John Carter on ER , admits he initially thought the magazine's offer was a joke.

“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 tells People in an interview published Tuesday, October 27.

His wife, Sara, needed considerably less convincing.

“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,” Wyle explains. He adds that Sara was particularly happy because the recognition “reflects well on her taste.”

The announcement arrives during another major chapter in Wyle's career. His performance as Dr.…