George Clooney ER reunion fans had reason to celebrate as George Clooney and Noah Wyle shared the stage nearly two decades after their iconic run together on the medical drama. On January 10, the two actors appeared publicly together for the first time in 30 years at the 2026 Movies for Grownups Awards with AARP, held at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills.
The pair, who both starred in ER during the show’s rise to fame, came together at this event filled with passionate energy and nostalgia. The ceremony became especially memorable when Noah Wyle presented George Clooney with the Best Actor award for his performance as Jay Kelly. Later in the evening, Clooney returned the favor by awarding Wyle the Best TV Actor trophy for his role in The Pitt. Their heartfelt exchanges reflected both their professional achievements and their enduring friendship.
Reflections and Memories Shared on Stage
During the ceremony, George Clooney took a moment to remember their early days on the groundbreaking series. He said on stage,
“I met Noah in 1993. He hadn’t worked a lot yet and we did this show called ER and it was this crazy hit,”
George Clooney, Actor.
Recalling the show’s massive popularity, Clooney added,
“At one time we had 40 million people watching and I remember Noah going, ‘Is that good?’ I was like, ‘That’s good, that’ll never happen again.’ He was wise beyond his years from the very beginning, from the very start. He was the kindest person I ever met. We became very dear friends very quickly, and remained that way.”
George Clooney, Actor.
Emphasizing his deep respect and affection, Clooney continued,
“I’m very proud to call him a friend, I’m also proud to call him a colleague. When I grow up, I want to be Noah Wyle,”
George Clooney, Actor.
Noah Wyle responded by sharing how much Clooney’s tribute moved him. After coming on stage, Wyle described one of his most vivid memories from ER, saying,
“I remember vividly, the first week of ER, he called the entire cast into his trailer and said ‘OK everybody, this is how it’s gonna be. We’re going to be nice to everyone. There’s not going to be any divisions between the cast and crew or foreground and background, we’re going to learn our lines, we’re going to be on time, and take the work seriously themselves,”
Noah Wyle, Actor.
Wyle added,
“After that, that was the way it worked, and the first 15 years of my career, that is how it worked. And I spent the next 15 years trying to find that feeling — that sense of family, that sense of commitment. It was only with The Pitt that I found it again.”
Noah Wyle, Actor.
Lasting Legacy and What’s Next
Both Clooney and Wyle were part of ER’s original ensemble, with Clooney leaving after season five and Wyle after season eleven. Their dynamic both on and off-screen established lasting friendships and inspired many of their colleagues in the entertainment world.
Highlighting their ongoing success, both actors are nominees at the upcoming 2026 Golden Globes, scheduled for January 11. This ongoing recognition underscores the enduring impact of their work, both from their time on ER and in more recent projects such as Jay Kelly and The Pitt.
The evening at the Beverly Wilshire was a powerful reminder of the influence a strong, supportive cast can have over an actor’s career. The George Clooney ER reunion not only celebrated individual achievements but also highlighted the importance of camaraderie within the industry, promising further exciting moments as both stars continue their journeys.
