A Distinctive Screen Presence
Standing 6-foot-5, Noonan’s imposing frame and quiet intensity made him a natural fit for roles that required psychological depth or an edge of menace. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of serial killer Francis Dollarhyde in Manhunter, directed by Michael Mann. The performance established him as a compelling figure in crime and thriller cinema.
Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Noonan continued to build a reputation for portraying layered antagonists. He appeared as Cain in RoboCop 2 and as the Ripper in Last Action Hero, bringing intensity and gravitas to each role.