Noah Wyle Reflects on Friendship with “ER” Costar George Clooney: ‘He's Been a Real Touchstone Figure in My Life’ (Exclusive)
- - Noah Wyle Reflects on Friendship with “ER” Costar George Clooney: ‘He's Been a Real Touchstone Figure in My Life’ (Exclusive)
Desiree Anello, Scott HuverJanuary 11, 2026 at 11:16 PM
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Noah Wyle and George Clooney in 1994; George Clooney and Noah Wyle pose for a portrait during the 2026 Annual AARP Movies for Grownups Awards -
Noah Wyle exclusively told PEOPLE how his and George Clooney’s friendship has changed since they first met on the set of ER in 1993
“It's catching up when we can, but always from the point where we last left each other,” he explained
The pair both presented each other with awards during the 2026 AARP Movies for Grownups Awards on Saturday, Jan. 10
Noah Wyle is reflecting on more than 30 years of friendship with George Clooney.
While catching up with PEOPLE at the 2026 AARP Movies for Grownups Awards on Saturday, Jan 10, the Pitt actor, 54, reminisced about first meeting the Jay Kelly star, 64, on the set of ER more than three decades ago and shared insight into where their friendship stands now.
“It's catching up when we can, but always from the point where we last left each other,” Wyle explained. “Those bonds that were forged during that show are so lovely and intimate that I feel like we don't have to be totally present in each other's lives to be able to have a context for each other's lives.”
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Noah Wyle and George Clooney during the 2026 AARP Movies for Grownups Awards on Jan. 10
“But he's been a real touchstone figure in my life and one who seems to pop up with great regularity at the right moments,” he added of Clooney. “So I'm honored to be here to share this one tonight.”
Wyle presented Clooney with the award for Best Actor in film for his role in Jay Kelly. In return, Clooney presented his longtime friend with the same award in the TV category for his role in The Pitt.
Even before their reunion at the awards ceremony, Wyle emphasized that he and the Ocean's Eleven actor would occasionally meet up when their schedules aligned.
“It was either here in L.A. at the Chateau Marmont one night when he was in between jobs, or it was in Vancouver when I was working on something and he was in New Vancouver,” he recalled of the last time they met up for dinner. “It's one of those... ‘Are you in New York right now?’ kind of spur-of-the-moment, spontaneous evenings that you think are going to last a couple of hours and end up taking half the night.”
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Sven Arnstein/NBCU George Clooney and Noah Wyle in 'ER' in the 1990s
For his part, Clooney recalled first meeting Wyle in 1993 while onstage presenting him with his Best Actor award.
“He was wise beyond his years from the very beginning, from the very start,” he recalled of their early days working together. “He was also the kindest person ever. We became very dear friends very early. We have remained that way for well over 30 years now.”
“He is a great father. He is a great husband. We all can see what an extraordinary actor he is,” he continued. “I'm very proud to call him a friend. I'm also proud to call him a colleague. And when I grow up, I want to be Noah Wyle.”
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
