Noah Wyle has an enduring friendship with George Clooney

Speaking to People at the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards on Saturday (10.01.26), Noah said: "It's catching up when we can, but always from the point where we last left each other.

"Those bonds that were forged during that show are so lovely and intimate that I feel like we don't have to be totally present in each other's lives to be able to have a context for each other's lives."

The Pitt star continued: "But he's been a real touchstone figure in my life and one who seems to pop up with great regularity at the right moments.

"So I'm honoured to be here to share this one tonight."

Wyle and Clooney, 64, presented each other with awards for their roles in The Pitt and Jay Kelly respectively and the former explained how he would meet with the Ocean's Eleven star whenever their schedules would allow.

Reflecting on their last dinner together, he said: "It was either here in LA at the Chateau Marmont one night when he was in between jobs, or it was in Vancouver when I was working on something and he was in New Vancouver.

"It's one of those... 'Are you in New York right now?' kind of spur-of-the-moment, spontaneous evenings that you think are going to last a couple of hours and end up taking half the night."

Clooney remembered how he first met Wyle back in 1993 as he presented him with his Best Actor award in the ceremony's TV category.

The Gravity star said: "He was wise beyond his years from the very beginning, from the very start.

"He was also the kindest person ever. We became very dear friends very early. We have remained that way for well over 30 years now."

George added: "He is a great father. He is a great husband. We all can see what an extraordinary actor he is. I'm very proud to call him a friend. I'm also proud to call him a colleague. And when I grow up, I want to be Noah Wyle."