‘Robocop 2’ & ‘Manhunter’ star dies at 74

Tom Noonan, the actor and playwright known for his distinctive screen presence and memorable portrayals of complex characters, has died at the age of 74. Reports say he passed away on February 14, though an official cause of death has not been publicly released.

News of his passing was first shared by director Fred Dekker, who collaborated with Noonan on the cult classic The Monster Squad. In the film, Noonan delivered a widely praised performance as Frankenstein’s monster.

In a heartfelt tribute posted online, Dekker described Noonan as a “gentleman and scholar,” praising the actor’s professionalism, talent, and lasting contribution to film. He highlighted Noonan’s performance as one of the most memorable elements of his own career.

Dekker also credited the creative team behind the character’s visual design, including legendary makeup artist Stan Winston, sculptor Tom Woodruff Jr., and makeup artist Zoltan Elek, whose work helped bring the character to life.

Standing 6-foot-5, Noonan’s physical presence often led to roles that were unsettling, mysterious, or emotionally layered. His ability to portray quiet intensity made him a memorable figure across multiple genres.

He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of serial killer Francis Dollarhyde in Manhunter, a performance frequently cited as one of the most chilling in crime cinema and a defining moment in his career.

Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Noonan continued to appear in notable films, including his role as Cain in RoboCop 2 and the Ripper in Last Action Hero, further cementing his reputation for distinctive character work.

Across film, television, and theater, Noonan built a career defined by originality and depth. His performances left a lasting impression on audiences and collaborators, ensuring his work will continue to be remembered by fans of genre cinema and character-driven storytelling.