“The Pitt”’s Shabana Azeez Says She Was ‘Scared for My Job’ After Playing a Prank on Noah Wyle (Exclusive)

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, actress Shabana Azeez revealed a humorous incident involving her co-star Noah Wyle on the set of the second season of their hit medical drama, *The Pitt*. Azeez, who plays medical student Victoria Javadi, recounted a prank she executed that left Wyle temporarily perplexed.

During filming, Azeez decided to swap the sizes of the hospital gloves intended for Wyle’s character, Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch. This playful alteration resulted in Wyle attempting to put on gloves that were far too small for his hands. “The look on his face when he put the glove on and it didn’t go exactly where he thought it was going to go was priceless,” Azeez said, recalling the moment with a mix of amusement and relief.

Despite the overwhelming hilarity of the situation, Azeez admitted feeling a wave of apprehension afterwards. “I shouldn’t have and I was scared for my job for like a week after,” she commented, reflecting on her fear of repercussions after the light-hearted stunt. For Azeez, the risk seemed worth it as the moment spawned laughter that resonated throughout the set.

Wyle, a seasoned actor with extensive experience from his role in *ER*, handled the unexpected moment with professionalism. According to Azeez, even as he donned the incorrectly-sized gloves and moved forward into the scene, he did not let the prank interfere with his performance. “He put the gloves on and then threw them away and got a new pair of gloves and they were still smalls. And it happened again,” she noted, showcasing Wyle’s ability to maintain his composure amid the teasing.

Azeez couldn’t help but laugh as the scenes unfolded, admitting to a fit of giggles that disrupted the filming. “I just was laughing and crying. It was so worth it,” she remarked, emphasising her enjoyment of the light-hearted moment on set.

This season of *The Pitt* presents a gripping narrative that follows the staff at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Centre as they navigate a challenging 15-hour shift on the Fourth of July. Notably, this shift signifies the final day before Wyle’s character takes a three-month sabbatical.

Azeez’s character, Victoria Javadi, has evolved this season to reveal a surprising facet of her life — she ascends to popularity as a medical influencer known as Dr. J. Azeez expressed her excitement about this development, recognising the impact of social media on younger audiences. “Young women have such purchasing power. They’re such an important market in terms of our society. They build culture in a way that other demographics don’t really do, and we need to take them more seriously,” she articulated.

The portrayal of Javadi as a savvy and relatable character signals a broader commentary on the intersectionality of intelligence and social media presence. Azeez elaborated on this, stating, “To get the social media storyline was really exciting because it’s an opportunity to be like, this TikTok thing is not antithetical to her intelligence. It’s a part of it.”

The second season of *The Pitt* has captured viewers with its engaging storylines and dynamic character development, offering a blend of medical drama and relatable humour. The season finale is set to air on Thursday, April 16 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO Max, promising an impactful conclusion to the current story arc.

Azeez’s reflections on the set antics and the evolution of her character showcase both the camaraderie among the cast and the modern themes that resonate with the audience, blending entertainment with reflection on contemporary societal dynamics. As the season nears its end, fans remain eager to see how the narratives of each character will unfold, both on screen and through the nuances of their personal journeys.