Noah Wyle Named People's Sexiest Man Alive, Recalls 'Prank' Reaction

Noah Wyle, 55, has been named People's Sexiest Man Alive. The actor, known for his roles in "ER" and the current Max medical drama "The Pitt," expressed shock and amusement at the honor, initially believing it to be a prank.

"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 told People. He added with a laugh, "I hope this changes everything. I hope it’s just wine and roses, milk and honey from here on out. No, I don’t, but I am going to take a lot of ribbing from friends and family for sure."

Wyle's wife, Sara, has encouraged him to embrace the title, noting that it reflects well on her taste and that she believes he is a good person, father, and husband worth promoting.

The actor shared that his children also had distinct reactions. His son was practical, joking that the title might make his life more difficult and could attract "haters." His older daughter expressed disbelief, anticipating teasing for decades to come.

Wyle also anticipates a humorous reaction from his former "ER" co-star and previous Sexiest Man Alive honoree, George Clooney. "I think he’ll be amused and feel, hopefully, like a proud papa, that I’ve come of gray-haired age," Wyle said.

Despite the recognition, Wyle admitted to still feeling self-conscious. "I was so hoping today was going to be the day. 'Look at you. You’re the Sexiest Man Alive. Finally you can be comfortable in your own skin,'" he stated. "Not yet. I like being in other people’s skin. I like putting on characters. I get self-conscious. It’s still the hardest kind of interaction for me, speaking without a script as myself."

Wyle, who shares a daughter Frances with Sara and has a son Owen and daughter Auden from his first marriage, reflected on fatherhood as the most life-changing event. He recounted that holding his son for the first time made him realize "it's not about me, it's about you," which led to his decision to leave "ER" in May 2005.

During an appearance on Amy Poehler's "Good Hang" podcast, Wyle playfully responded to a question about how his tenure as Sexiest Man Alive would differ from last year's winner, Jonathan Bailey. "My administration is going to really crack down on the borders of beauty," Wyle quipped.

He also mentioned historical winners like Sean Connery and Denzel Washington, humorously suggesting, "I should have trained harder for this... There's no guide book."

Past recipients of People's Sexiest Man Alive title include John Krasinski, Paul Rudd, Johnny Depp, and Tom Cruise. Some, like Brad Pitt and George Clooney, have received the honor twice. The award, which has been presented for 41 years, was first given to Mel Gibson in 1985.