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Noah Wyle has claimed the title of Hollywood’s sexiest man — but some fans think People should have gone back to the drawing board.
The 55-year-old “The Pitt” star has been named People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” for 2026, sparking a social media debate over whether the longtime TV heartthrob was the right man for the title.
“Out of all of the people in the world…this is who you pick? You’ve got to be kidding,” one critic fumed.
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Noah Wyle’s new title as People’s 2026 “Sexiest Man Alive” has fans divided, with some celebrating the Hollywood veteran and others questioning the magazine’s choice. (Jeff Lipsky/PEOPLE)
Another took a swipe at Wyle’s competition, writing, “Not even the sexiest in that show.”
And one commenter wasn’t about to let the announcement slide without a pun.
“More like Noah WHY-le! Ha ha but no seriously who’d you actually pick?” the user joked, while another asked, “is this a joke?”
“Poor Noah. I like him. Good actor but he’s not sexiest man alive. Come on,” another wrote.
“Not bad… not great…” one person assessed.
Noah Wyle appears on the cover of People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” issue. (Jeff Lipsky/PEOPLE)
The criticism came alongside plenty of support for Wyle, whose journey from “ER” favorite Dr. John Carter to leading man of “The Pitt” has brought him back into the spotlight.
Noah Wyle is turning heads — and raising eyebrows — after landing People’s coveted “Sexiest Man Alive” crown at 55. (Jeff Lipsky/PEOPLE)
“Thank you for getting it right finally!” one fan declared.
“This is actually an incredible win for anyone who grew up watching ER. why did it take Hollywood this long to give him the crown,” another wrote.
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One admirer argued that Wyle brings more to the table than a handsome face, writing, “#NoahWyle does not just have the looks. He’s the whole damn package. That’s why he’s The Sexiest Man Alive!”
“Just accept we have a 55-year-old as the Sexiest Man Alive! Noah Wyle, just know that you’re hot!”
“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,” Noah Wyle told People of their decision. (Jeff Lipsky/PEOPLE)
Other social media users suggested alternative candidates.
“they could’ve just had patrick dempsey do it again if they wanted someone older,” one commenter suggested.
Another backed a different contender, writing, “@Deancain would have been a good choice. Just saying.”
And for fans still mourning last year’s winner, one person offered a simple solution: “it’s not too late to choose jonathan bailey again.”
Patrick Dempsey, Dean Cain and Jonathan Bailey were thrown out by some social media users as better options for the title. (Stefanie Keenan/WireImage; Paul Archuleta; Mauricio Santana)
For Wyle, the “Sexiest Man Alive” title marks another milestone in his Hollywood comeback.
The actor first became a household name as Dr. John Carter on “ER,” spending years at the center of one of television’s defining medical dramas before making his final appearance on the series in 2009.
Noah Wyle’s career comeback on “The Pitt” has earned him critical acclaim. (Jeff Lipsky/PEOPLE)
Years later, he returned to the medical drama genre as Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch in “The Pitt,” winning the Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a drama series in both 2025 and 2026 and introducing himself to a new generation of viewers.
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Off-screen, the 55-year-old is a husband and father of three who has spoken candidly about the pressures of fame, his devotion to his family and his support for healthcare workers.
Wyle has three children — Owen and Auden from his first marriage to Tracy Warbin, and Frances with his wife, Sara Wells, whom he married in 2014.
Noah Wyle as Doctor John Carter in “ER.” (Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
Wyle himself admitted the honor caught him off guard.
“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,” he told People editor-in-chief Charlotte Triggs in an exclusive cover interview.
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His wife, Sara, was more enthusiastic, encouraging him to embrace a title he initially struggled to believe was real.
“She was very pleased that this reflects well on her taste,” Wyle said. “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. I thought, ‘Okay, if you say so.’”
His children also had some concerns.
Wyle told People magazine that his wife was “very pleased” with his new title. (Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for The Daily Front Row)
Wyle said his son immediately worried about the unwanted attention that could come with the new title.
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“My son is super practical. He was like, ‘Oh, this is going to make my life so much harder now. But that’s cool, Dad. But also, you invite a lot of haters too.’ My older daughter was just like, ‘No way, no way.’ Because I think she’s going to tease me about this for the next 50 years.”
While speaking with People, he credited fatherhood with changing his priorities and said becoming a parent helped prompt his decision to leave “ER.”
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Get the Sexiest Man Alive issue early with People VIP in the People app, two days earlier than its newsstand release.