Patrick Ball from The Pitt makes his Broadway debut in Becky Shaw

If you have been keeping up with the 2026 awards season, you know that Patrick Ball is the name on everyone’s lips. After a year that saw him transform from a theater “unknown” to a household name, the man who brought Dr. Frank Langdon to life is finally taking his bow on the Great White Way.

For fans who followed his journey from the ER to the red carpet, here is why 2026 is officially the Year of Patrick Ball.

Patrick Ball medical drama scores three Emmy Awards

It is rare for a first-year medical procedural to dominate the cultural conversation, but The Pitt did exactly that. At the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards in late 2025, the show solidified its status as a powerhouse by taking home three of the night’s biggest honors:

• Outstanding Drama Series
• Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (Noah Wyle)
• Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Katherine LaNasa)

While Patrick Ball himself earned a 2026 Critics Choice nomination for his portrayal of the struggling Dr. Frank Langdon, the show’s “Big Three” Emmy wins have turned The Pitt into the most-watched drama on HBO Max.

Actor with generational Charleston connections in ‘The Pitt’

One reason fans are so drawn to Patrick is the raw authenticity he brings to his role. While he is a proud graduate of the Yale School of Drama and UNC Greensboro, his connection to the medical world is in his DNA.

Patrick grew up in a household of first responders—his mother was an ER nurse and his father a paramedic. He has frequently noted that his “generational connection” to the medical field helped him nail the high-stress jargon and the emotional toll that comes with the job.

This deep-rooted familiarity is what made Dr. Langdon’s Season 1 downfall feel so heartbreakingly real for viewers.

Also Read: Charles Thomas Allen From Friends, Where Are They Now?

Meet Patrick Ball who plays Dr Frank Langdon in HBO

For those just joining the fandom, Patrick stars as Dr. Frank Langdon, a resident whose battle with addiction became the emotional heartbeat of The Pitt’s first season.

As Season 2 unfolds (currently airing as of February 2026), we are seeing a new side of the character. Returning to the Pittsburgh Trauma Center after a stint in rehab, Langdon is navigating a “redemption arc” that has fans glued to their screens every Thursday night.

Patrick Ball Broadway Debut in Becky Shaw

Patrick isn’t staying behind the hospital desk for long. This spring, he joins an elite ensemble for the Broadway premiere of Gina Gionfriddo’s Becky Shaw.

• The Role: Patrick stars as Andrew, a well-meaning newlywed whose matchmaking skills lead to a disastrous blind date.
• The Cast: He will be sharing the stage with Alden Ehrenreich (Solo: A Star Wars Story) and Madeline Brewer (The Handmaid’s Tale).
• The Venue: Performances begin March 18, 2026, at the Hayes Theater, with a grand opening set for April 6.