The Roles That Form & Change Us: Noah Wyle on ER, Activism & Longevity in Show Biz

Actor, director, writer, and producer Noah Wyle joins John Frank Levey to share the fascinating story behind his legendary ER audition and explore his remarkable three-decade career in television. 

In this intimate conversation, Noah reflects on how his role as Dr. John Carter evolved from an uncertain medical student to a confident physician, mirroring his own growth as an actor and person.

From his early resistance to television work to becoming one of the medium's most enduring presences, Noah discusses how ER's groundbreaking approach to diversity, storytelling, and medical authenticity changed both his career trajectory and emergency medicine itself. 

He shares moving insights about working alongside acting legends and the powerful mentorship dynamic between his character and Eriq La Salle's Dr. Peter Benton.

In this episode:

• The complete story behind Noah's memorable ER audition that won over Michael Crichton
• How the Dr. Carter/Dr. Benton relationship broke new ground in TV representation
• Working with legendary actors like John Randolph, Eli Wallach, and Alan Alda
• Noah’s real-world activism inspired by ER's Africa storylines
• The evolution of emergency medicine before and after ER's influence
• Finding creative fulfillment through three decades of television work
• Balancing his career with fatherhood and family life

Through candid stories and thoughtful reflection, Noah illuminates how finding the roles you're right for – both on-screen and off – can lead to profound personal and professional growth.

TV shows discussed in this conversation

• China Beach (TV)
• Dark Shadows (TV - unaired pilot)
• ER (TV)
• Leverage: Redemption (TV)

Connect

• Connect with Noah on Instagram: @therealnoahwyle
• Connect with John on Instagram: @john_frank_levey_
• Click here to order a signed copy of John's memoir, Right for the Role.

Acknowledgments

Photographer Eusebio Hernandez specializes in "hero shots" — his own artistic spin on headshots. He helped John Frank Levey, who typically hates having his picture taken, feel comfortable enough to get a great shot for his memoir "Right for the Role." Learn more at www.heroshots.la.

The Right for the Role podcast would not have been possible without the generous support of PBS Management, Karen Cease, and the estate of Peg Sweesy.

Many thanks to my producers, Jerod Morris and Trudi Roth of It's the TruStory (https://www.itsthetrustory.com)