United Kingdom, Jan. 11 -- Noah Wyle has an enduring friendship with George Clooney.

The 54-year-old actor has been pals with the Hollywood icon since they met on the set of medical drama ER more than 30 years ago and explained how the pair share an "intimate" bond with one another.

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 ...