At a Glance
- George Clooney and Noah Wyle presented each other with acting honors at the 2026 AARP Movies for Grownups Awards on January 10
- The pair first met in 1993 on the set of the medical drama ER and have remained close for over three decades
- Their friendship continues through spontaneous dinners and mutual admiration, with Clooney calling Wyle “a touchstone figure”
- Why it matters: The reunion highlights one of Hollywood’s longest-running friendships born from television’s most acclaimed ensemble dramas
Noah Wyle and George Clooney stepped back into the spotlight together at the 2026 AARP Movies for Grownups Awards, celebrating both their recent work and a friendship that began when ER first premiered in 1993.
A Night of Mutual Admiration
The January 10 ceremony saw the two actors presenting each other with top honors. Wyle handed Clooney the Best Actor in film award for his performance in Jay Kelly. Moments later, Clooney returned the favor, presenting Wyle with the Best Actor in television award for his role in The Pitt.
Their on-stage reunion came more than 30 years after they first crossed paths on the ER set. Speaking exclusively with News Of Losangeles on the red carpet, Wyle reflected on how their relationship has evolved since those early days filming the medical drama.
“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.”
Spontaneous Meetups Across Continents
Despite busy schedules and demanding projects, the two have maintained their connection through impromptu dinners whenever their paths cross. Wyle recalled their most recent meeting, describing it as typical of their friendship.
“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 said. “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.”
These casual encounters have become a hallmark of their friendship, stretching from Los Angeles hotel lounges to Canadian film sets. Wyle emphasized that geography rarely determines when they’ll reconnect.
Clooney’s Perspective on a Three-Decade Bond
When Clooney took the stage to present Wyle with his award, he offered his own perspective on their long-standing friendship. He recalled their first meeting in 1993 with clear fondness.
“He was wise beyond his years from the very beginning, from the very start,” Clooney remembered. “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.”
The Ocean’s Eleven star didn’t hold back in his praise, highlighting both Wyle’s professional talents and personal qualities.
“He is a great father. He is a great husband. We all can see what an extraordinary actor he is,” Clooney 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.”
The ER Foundation
Their friendship began during ER’s first season when both actors were establishing themselves in television. The medical drama would run for 15 seasons, but Clooney departed after season 5 to pursue film opportunities. Despite their different career trajectories, the bond they formed during those early years proved lasting.
Wyle described Clooney as “a real touchstone figure” who appears at crucial moments. This sentiment reflects how their relationship has transcended typical Hollywood friendships, surviving decades of career changes, family obligations, and geographic distance.
Awards Season Reunion
The AARP Movies for Grownups Awards provided the perfect setting for their latest reunion. The organization, which recognizes films appealing to audiences 50 and older, celebrated both actors’ recent work in projects that showcase their continued relevance in an industry often focused on younger talent.
Clooney’s win for Jay Kelly and Wyle’s recognition for The Pitt demonstrate their ability to tackle complex, mature roles. Their mutual presentations added emotional weight to an already significant evening for both performers.
Maintaining Connections in Hollywood
Their friendship offers a rare example of sustained relationships in an industry known for its transient nature. While many Hollywood friendships fade as careers diverge, Wyle and Clooney have maintained genuine affection and respect.
Wyle’s comment about not needing to be “totally present in each other’s lives” speaks to a mature understanding of friendship that allows for long gaps while preserving deep connections. This approach has enabled them to celebrate each other’s successes without competition or jealousy.
Looking Ahead
Neither actor indicated any concrete plans for future collaborations, though their continued mutual admiration suggests the possibility remains open. For now, they seem content to support each other’s individual projects while maintaining their personal connection.
The awards ceremony marked another milestone in a friendship that has survived network television’s golden age, transitioned into streaming era productions, and weathered the pressures of sustained fame. Their reunion served as a reminder that some Hollywood relationships can indeed stand the test of time.
