“I Thought It Was a Prank”: Who Has Been Named the Sexiest Man Alive?

People magazine has named 55-year-old Noah Wyle the Sexiest Man Alive of 2026. The star of ER and The Pitt admitted that he initially did not believe the news and thought someone was playing a joke on him. His wife, Sara Wells, was quick to support the magazine’s decision, however, and seems to have been the one who convinced her husband to embrace his new title.

“I thought it sounded like a prank. I never imagined I would be given this honor,” Wyle told People.

The actor added that he hopes the title will bring some changes to his life, although he realizes that friends and family will now tease him about it constantly. His wife, by contrast, was enthusiastic about the news. According to Wyle, Sara believes his qualities as a husband and father deserve recognition. In the end, he simply replied, “Well, if you say so.”

The actor’s children had their own reactions. Wyle’s son immediately suggested that his father’s new title might make life more difficult for him by attracting additional attention and criticism. His eldest daughter, according to the actor, was so surprised that she will probably tease him about it for years to come.

For Wyle’s fans, the recognition offered another reason to look back on his long career. In the 1990s, the actor rose to fame playing Dr. John Carter in the medical drama ER. The series made him one of the most recognizable faces on American television. He worked alongside George Clooney, who would go on to receive People’s Sexiest Man Alive title twice.

Years later, Wyle returned to the spotlight with HBO’s The Pitt, in which he plays Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch. The drama follows medical staff in the emergency department of a Pittsburgh hospital, portraying the intense day-to-day pressures faced by doctors.

The role brought the actor a new wave of recognition. In 2025 and 2026, he won Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, as well as two awards as a producer for his work on the drama series. This has made the current year particularly successful for him.

People highlighted not only Wyle’s appearance but also his everyday habits. The actor revealed, for instance, that he enjoys doing the dishes. During the magazine’s photoshoot, he prepared breakfast for his daughter, cleaned the kitchen and folded laundry. Sara confirmed that her husband genuinely helps with household chores at home.

Wyle admitted that he never considered himself an obvious candidate for the title. This year, however, he has found himself in the spotlight not only for his looks but also for the success of The Pitt, which has returned him to the ranks of television’s leading stars.

People has awarded the Sexiest Man Alive title annually since 1985. Previous recipients include Mel Gibson, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Idris Elba, Chris Evans and Paul Rudd. In 2025, the title went to Jonathan Bailey, known for Bridgerton and the film Wicked.

Photo: Jeff Lipsky