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Noah Wyle has fond memories of watching “Saturday Night Live” growing up, but one childhood experience with one of the former cast members, Eddie Murphystanding out for a reason. “The Pitt” star looked back on the experience recently, sharing the story with a smile rather than any bitterness. While the timing may have been awkward, it’s clear that he left a lasting impression that inspired one of his rules when it came to dealing with fans.
Eddie Murphy killed young Noah Wyle with a curse
In a conversation with Amy Poehler on the “Good Hang” podcast, Noah Wyle talked about his love for “Saturday Night Live.” He recalled watching the show as a child and being such an avid fan that he could imitate sketches and pieces made by the cast members.
At one point, he shared a bad encounter with Eddie Murphy, who was a member of “SNL” from 1980 to 1984.
Wyle recalled asking the comedian for an autograph, telling him how much he enjoyed seeing him on the show. Instead of giving in to the request, Murphy asked young Wyle, “What are you doing up so late?” He responded with an awkward smile and tried again to get an autograph, to which Murphy reportedly replied, “F-ck it, man.”
The Actor always makes room for children who want autographs
In Wyle’s story Poehler burst into laughter before asking the actor how old he was when the incident happened. “Nine,” Wyle replied with a smile, sending the host into another round of laughter.
Despite what could be seen as an awkward interaction, especially since Wyle was just a child, the actor said that the experience inspired a personal rule for how he treats his own fans.
He said, “I always sign autographs. When a 9-year-old needs to write from me, I sign it so fast.”
The Eddie Murphy Story by Noah Wyle has become an inside joke in his family
Wyle told Poehler that for his birthday in 2025, he got the best birthday present from his then 10-year-old daughter, Frances.
Frances got creative and printed out a picture of Murphy and wrote, “Noah, you’re a good kid. Eddie Murphy.”
“She said Eddie EDDY, and I have it in my office. It’s the greatest gift,” Wyle said.
Frances even came up with a backstory, saying how she and her mother ran into Murphy. “We got what you always wanted. His autograph,” she told him before handing over the gift.
‘The Pitt’ star wants chance to host ‘SNL’
Wyle’s enthusiasm for “SNL” has never waned. In fact, the actor told Poehler that, as a longtime fan of the sketch comedy show, he’d love to have the opportunity someday.
He has already pitched the idea to “SNL” creator Lorne Michaels, whom he recently met. “I put the bee in the bonnet, as they say,” he said.
Although Wyle has yet to take on hosting duties, he has appeared on the show. In 2000, the actor teamed up with his “ER” co-star Julianna Margulies in a parody of the hit medical drama. Margulies hosted that episode, allowing the co-stars to bring their on-screen worlds to the “SNL” stage.
Noah Wyle is the sexiest man in 2026
PEOPLE magazine recently named “The Pitt” this year’s Sexiest Man Alive. In an interview with the outlet, the 55-year-old actor said he never “in a million years” thought he would ever receive the honor.
This wasn’t the first time the magazine recognized Wyle’s good looks, however, as he previously graced the magazine’s cover with his “ER” co-stars George Clooney, Eriq La Salle, and Anthony Edwards for a feature titled “Sexy Men of ER” in 1996. That same year, Wyle earned a spot on the magazine’s list of 50 Most Beautiful People.
As for whether he thinks the new title will change anything for him, he said, “No, not really, but I’m going to take a lot of flak from friends and family for sure.”
