Noah Wyle has a secret "support group" of character actor friends

Noah, known for his breakout role as Dr. John Carter on 'ER', plays Dr. Michael 'Robby' Robinavitch in the hit medical drama 'The Pitt', with the star also serving as an ex ecutive producer and writer on the series.

He told TV Guide about the backing behind the scenes he's experienced from his close-knit group of famous pals: "I have this little support group of actor friends, we're the eating club called the Character Actor Dining Society - the CADs, we refer to ourselves.

"It's made up of a group of actors who I hold in the highest regard and esteem, and I'm honored to be among them when we're together."

The CADs include an impressive roster of talents, such as Alfred Molina, Bryan Cranston, Steven Weber, Laurence Fishburne, LeVar Burton, Eric McCormack, Jason Alexander and Kevin Pollak.

Noah added: "And when they weighed in and were complimentary (about 'The Pitt'), I felt that those meant the most to me, because I really do hold them in such higher regard."

While Wyle did not elaborate on the specifics of the CADS' feedback, his co-star Fiona Dourif, who plays second-year resident Dr. Cassie McKay in 'The Pitt', has shared high praise for his work.

She said: "It was so deeply hard and interesting to watch Noah Wyle do it, who's just like effortless.

"It was like watching a champion ice skater twirl around on the ice."

Noah also admitted returning to a medical drama was not initially his top choice after 'ER', but 'The Pitt' offered him a chance to shine a light on the essential role of first responders in today's world.

He previously told People: "It's an opportunity to shine the spotlight back on the first responders who really need it right now.

"The show offers a vehicle for people to go on a journey and get a new look at what hospitals are like and what healthcare is like these days."