Noah Wyle, the 53-year-old actor best known for staving off crisis after crisis on the hit series ER, is in a bit of legal trouble. This conflict forms the basis of his latest interactive art installation, The Pitt. Sherri Crichton, widow of ER creator Michael Crichton, has filed a suit. First, she argues that Wyle violated the contract and tortiously interfered with the parties’ contractual relationship. Wyle has been making waves recently for curating a very special culture on the production of The Pitt. On set he has shone the brightest through the provisions for the cast and crew, presenting them with an astounding library of resources.
In Wyle’s case, the lawsuit is notable for the questions it raises about his actions during production. If Crichton’s claims are to be believed, Wyle’s work in cultivating such an environment got well beyond the bounds of his contract. One report indicates that he frequently initiated discussions with extras around the set regarding what they were reading. This maintained an exciting and electric culture on set.
In protest of the cellphone ban while shooting, Wyle organized a series of actions. The artist donated copies of his books to a library he established for The Pitt. We applaud his transparency in explaining the policy rationale behind this decision. I do remember thinking for every book I brought in, I had to definitely not bring in anything that would create tension or break this beautiful utopia we had established. His objective, he explained, was to make sure the choices—by whomsoever—would be fun for everyone concerned.
Wyle thoughtfully brought his passion for the written word to fans and coworkers over the years. In August 2024, he posted a selfie with a book titled What’s Next: A Backstage Pass to The West Wing, Its Cast and Crew, and Its Enduring Legacy of Service by Mary Elizabeth McCormack and Melissa Fitzgerald. This post was one small slice of an overall practice he started in earnest last summer, when he began offering book suggestions across social media.
The Tony Award winning actor’s passion for reading has made quite an impression. Quietly and not-so-quietly, he has built a reputation as a powerful reader, sharing lessons learned and book recommendations to his followers. Wyle remarked on his approach to selecting books for the library, emphasizing inclusivity: “So I went with books that I thought would be enjoyed by the most amount of people… If I did it, but because that would be foolish for me to do, I didn’t do it.”
Wyle continues to be passionate about his work. He continues their work, keeping their legacy alive, even as the lawsuit continues. He said the effect is to make him feel heartbroken about what happened, adding, “This is what tarnishes the legacy, and it didn’t have to.” Wyle believes that collaboration and partnership are essential in creative environments, asserting, “At one point, this could have been a partnership. And when it wasn’t a partnership, it often didn’t have to become so acrimonious.”
Wyle’s commitment to developing a fulfilling culture, learning environment, and work/life balance even led him to win over industry-veterans supportive of his mission. He is known for modestly downplaying his contributions: “I don’t like taking credit for anything.” His initiatives aside, his presence has for sure made an impact on the culture on set.
While the lawsuit is still in process, Wyle remains hard at work, pursuing his love for storytelling and the written word. Just a few weeks ago, he sent congratulations to McCormack on the publication of her book. He underscored its importance in considering what The West Wing was really about.
“Congrats to my dear friend Mary McCormack on the completion and release of this fabulous book.” – Noah Wyle
The continuing legal fight against those who would have Wyle toe the line makes her artistic pursuits more complicated. As he works through these challenges, though, his desire to make the experience better for his peers is clear. He strives to protect the original intent of the projects he oversees in the face of political and media pressure.