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)

Veteran actor Tim Bagley joins John Frank Levey to discuss his remarkable three-decade career spanning hundreds of roles.

From his early days studying with renowned acting coaches to becoming a Groundlings mainstay, Tim shares how his commitment to authenticity and continuous growth has shaped his craft and journey as an openly gay performer in Hollywood.

Through candid stories about his experiences on shows like ER, Southland, and Somebody Somewhere, Tim reveals how he approaches each character with empathy and psychological depth – whether playing a flasher, an OCD patient, or a Supreme Court clerk opposite Sally Field.

The conversation explores how his background in improv and dedication to ongoing training have enabled him to tackle dramatically diverse roles while staying true to himself.

In this episode:

• How Tim discovered his comedic voice through The Young Americans and The Groundlings
• The psychology behind creating authentic characters, even in challenging roles
• His groundbreaking LGBTQ representation on Will & Grace and beyond
• Learning valuable lessons from being fired and the importance of letting go
• His experience with loss during the AIDS crisis and its impact on his career choices
• The value of continued acting training and study throughout one's career
• Working with acclaimed actors like Sally Field and Regina King

Tim's story exemplifies how embracing authenticity, both personally and professionally, while maintaining a spirit of continuous learning can lead to a rich and enduring career in the arts.

TV shows and plays discussed in this conversation:

• Curb Your Enthusiasm (TV)
• ER (TV)
• Hacks (TV)
• Hello, Dolly! (stage play)
• Perfect Couple (TV)
• Shameless (TV)
• Somebody Somewhere (TV)
• Southland (TV)
• Teachers (TV)
• The Court (TV)
• Will & Grace (TV)
• Wings (TV)

Connect

• Connect with Tim on Instagram: @iamtimbagley, and visit his website, timbagley.com
• 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

The radiant Shanola Hampton joins her longtime friend John Frank Levey to share her remarkable journey from a five-year-old with a dream to becoming the lead of NBC's "Found" after her unforgettable run as Veronica on "Shameless."

In this heartfelt conversation, Shanola opens up about how faith, family, and education shaped her path, including a touching story about a minister's prophecy during her childhood that sustained her through years of almost-but-not-quite moments in Hollywood.

In this episode:

• Shanola's leap from beloved ensemble player to leading lady, and what it really means to be #1 on the call sheet
• How she juggles her demanding career with family life, including weekly cross-country flights to be with her kids
• The changing landscape for actors of color in television, from limiting stereotypes to leading complex characters
• Fun behind-the-scenes stories about filming intimate scenes on "Shameless" and her deep friendship with co-star Steve Howey
• Her growing passion for directing and cherished mentorship from John Wells
• The fascinating dynamics of her education-driven family, where she jokes about being the "underachiever" despite her advanced degree

This conversation is a joyful masterclass in perseverance, authenticity, and the magic that happens when artists create safe spaces to do their best work.

TV shows discussed in this conversation:

• Shameless (TV)
• Found (TV)

Connect:

• To connect with Shanola Hampton, find her on Instagram: @shanolahampton
• To connect with John Frank Levey, please visit his website: https://www.johnfranklevey.com/ or connect on IG: @john_frank_levey_
• To order a signed copy of John’s memoir, "Right for the Role": https://www.johnfranklevey.com/book

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)