In a recent interview, Noah Wyle revealed that he has had to pass on a number of high-profile projects throughout his career. The star of HBO Max’s The Pitt said that he had to turn down roles in movies like Steven Spielberg‘s Oscar-winning war film Saving Private Ryan due to other professional commitments at the time.
Noah Wyle reveals why he missed out on a role in Saving Private Ryan
During his recent appearance on the Still Here Hollywood podcast, Noah Wyle opened up about how he was offered two parts in Saving Private Ryan, including the lead role. However, he had to decline the opportunity due to his obligation to ER.
Reflecting on the roles that had gotten away from him in his career, Wyle noted, “Happens all the time. We talked about a couple of them, actually. Good Night, and Good Luck, George [Clooney] offered me a part in that. I couldn’t get out of ER to do it. I was offered the part of Private Ryan in Saving Private Ryan, couldn’t get out of ER to do it.”
However, the 55-year-old actor doesn’t regret missing out on any of these roles. “I almost am glad that I didn’t do them, because, you know, those guys made those parts,” said Noah Wyle. “Matt Damon was Private Ryan. There were two. I got offered the part of Upham, which was Jeremy Davies’ part, and he was so phenomenal in that I couldn’t imagine doing anything close to what he did.”
Despite the lost opportunities, Wyle earned multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations through his time on ER. He finally won the accolades through The Pitt, taking home the awards for the medical drama’s debut season. The Pitt aired its second season earlier this year and has already been renewed for a third.
