5 Things You Never Knew About Noah Wyle, Star of ‘The Pitt’

Lauren Novak January 9, 1:36 pm

E.R., Noah Wyle, (Season 8), 1994-2009 — NBC/Everett Collection

Fifteen years after Noah Wyle ended his run on ER, he is back in scrubs in the new Max series The Pitt. Wyle plays Dr. Michael Robinavitch, one of the medical professionals at a Pittsburgh hospital. The role is fitting, as he got his big break on ER playing Dr. John Carter.

In honor of his return to a new hospital drama, let’s learn some interesting facts about the star:

1Got Heckled by Apple’s CEO

PIRATES OF SILICON VALLEY, Noah Wyle (as Steve Jobs), 1999

TNT/Everett Collection

In 1999, Wyle took on the role of Apple CEO Steve Jobs in a TV movie called Pirates of Silicon Valley. During the 1999 keynote presentation of Macworld Expo, Wyle went on stage and gave a speech posing as Jobs. The real Jobs then came onstage and heckled him, in good fun, saying, “You’re out of a job!” Jobs had invited Wyle to the Expo as a joke for audiences after being impressed with his portrayal in the film.

2His Least Favorite ER Scene

NBC/Everett Collection

Being a doctor in a TV drama comes with intense and emotional moments. Hospital shows aim to reflect the raw and sometimes uncomfortable realities of the medical world, and ER was no exception. However, not every scene was a hit for Wyle. He revealed that his least favorite scene involved giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to a dog!

Throughout his time on ER, Wyle delivered countless powerful performances. By the show’s ninth season, he began to feel less enthusiastic about the role. Balancing his career and family life became increasingly important, leading to his departure after Season 11. However, fans were delighted to see him return for guest appearances in later seasons.

3Skipped School to Audition

ER, Noah Wyle, 'Beginning of the End', (Season 15, ep. 1516, aired Feb. 19, 2009), 1994-

James Stenson/NBC/Everett Collection

From a young age, Wyle showed determination to make it in the acting world. At just 14 years old, he skipped school to audition for the 1989 film Valmont. Armed with a headshot and a picture from a school play, he hoped to land the role, but was ultimately unsuccessful. His patience eventually paid off when he secured his breakout role on ER.

4Human and Animal Rights Advocate

FALLING SKIES, Noah Wyle in 'Reborn' (Season 5, Episode 10, aired August 30, 2015)

James Dittiger/TNT/Everett Collection

Outside of acting, Wyle is a passionate advocate for human and animal rights. He has actively supported organizations such as Doctors of the World, Human Rights Watch and Cover the Uninsured. Wyle is also a vocal supporter of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and ADAPT, a disability rights group. His philanthropic efforts highlight his commitment to making a positive impact beyond the screen.

5Involved with the Blank Theatre Company

THE PITT, from left: Krystel Mcneil, Noah Wyle, 'Pilot', (Season 1, ep. 101, aired Jan 9, 2025)

Warrick Page/HBO MAX/Everett Collection

Wyle has a longstanding relationship with the Blank Theatre Company in Hollywood, where he serves as the voluntary artistic producer. The company is dedicated to nurturing the theater community and fostering young talent. One of its most notable initiatives is the annual Young Playwrights Festival, which gives emerging writers a platform to showcase their work.