Tom Noonan, the acclaimed actor and playwright known for his striking presence and complex performances, has died at 74. He reportedly passed away on February 14, though no official cause of death has been announced. News of his death was shared by director Fred Dekker, who worked with him on The Monster Squad.
Noonan earned praise for his role as Frankenstein’s monster in The Monster Squad, a performance remembered as a highlight of the cult classic. Dekker paid tribute to him as a “gentleman and scholar,” crediting both Noonan’s talent and the creative team—including Stan Winston, Tom Woodruff Jr., and Zoltan Elek—for bringing the character to life.
Standing 6-foot-5, Noonan often portrayed intense, mysterious, and emotionally layered figures. He became widely recognized for playing serial killer Francis Dollarhyde in Manhunter, a role frequently cited as one of the most chilling in crime cinema.
Over the years, he appeared in films such as RoboCop 2 and Last Action Hero, building a career defined by originality and depth across film, television, and theater. His distinctive performances left a lasting mark on audiences and the industry alike.