American actor Noah Wyle has been named People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2026. The magazine announced the 55-year-old star of the medical drama The Pitt as this year’s choice on Tuesday, 27 October.
Wyle plays Dr Michael Robinavitch, known as Dr Robby, in the series. The role has given his career a big new boost, and the show has a following among South African viewers too.
“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,” Wyle told People.
According to IOL, his first reaction to the news was disbelief. His wife, actress Sara Wells, helped him decide to accept the title. Wyle joked that she was happy the choice showed she has good taste.
“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,” he told People.
Wyle also said the title would probably lead to some friendly teasing from his friends and family.
He has won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series twice, in 2025 and in 2026. The Pitt also won the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series in 2026.
In The Pitt, Dr Robby is a senior doctor who works in a busy emergency department. The show has brought Wyle a new generation of fans.
Many older television viewers already know him well. He first became famous as John Carter in the hospital drama ER, which ran from 1994 to 2009. In that show, Carter grew from a medical student into a doctor.
George Clooney also starred in ER. Clooney received the same People title twice, in 1997 and in 2006.
Wyle married Wells in 2014. He has three children, shared between Wells and his former wife, Tracy Warbin.
He now joins a list of Hollywood stars who have held the title. They include Idris Elba, Michael B. Jordan, Patrick Dempsey, Chris Evans and John Krasinski.
The 2025 title went to Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey. He was the first openly gay man to appear on the cover as the magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive.
People magazine started the yearly tradition in 1985. Mel Gibson was the first man to receive the title that year.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Entertainment. Image: IOL Entertainment. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Entertainment desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Rirhandzu Baloyi writes about entertainment for Tzaneen Voice. Rirhandzu covers South African music, film, TV, streaming, awards and celebrity news, from amapiano and local soapies to Showmax and Netflix releases. Stories stick to what happened, who was involved and when fans can watch or listen.