Tom Noonan, Character Actor Known for ‘The Monster Squad’ and ‘Last Action Hero,’ Dies at 89

Tom Noonan, a prolific character actor with a career spanning decades, has died at the age of 89. News of his passing was confirmed by director Fred Dekker on social media, where Dekker fondly remembered Noonan’s iconic role as Frankenstein’s monster in the 1987 cult classic, The Monster Squad.

Early Career and Notable Roles

Noonan began his acting journey on the New York stage before transitioning to film in the 1980s. Some of his early film credits include Heaven’s Gate (1980), directed by Michael Cimino and The Man with the Red Shoe (1985) alongside Tom Hanks. IMDb provides a comprehensive list of his filmography.

Collaboration with Michael Mann and Sundance Recognition

He first collaborated with director Michael Mann in 1986, portraying the chilling serial killer Francis Dolarhyde in Red Dragon, an adaptation of Thomas Harris’ novel. He would later appear in Mann’s 1995 action film, The Merciless Duel (also known as Heat).

Beyond acting, Noonan was a talented playwright, penning the stage plays What Happened Was… and Wifey. He also directed film adaptations of both plays, with the film version of What Happened Was… winning the Grand Jury Prize at the 1994 Sundance Film Festival.

The Monster Squad Legacy

Noonan’s portrayal of Frankenstein’s monster in The Monster Squad remains a beloved performance for fans of the horror genre. The film, which features a group of young monster enthusiasts, has gained a significant cult following over the years. GBHBL notes the film’s enduring appeal and its place alongside other 1980s adventure films like The Goonies.

Additional Roles

According to Johnnyalucard, Noonan also appeared in Duncan Regehr’s The Monster Squad (1987) as Frankenstein’s monster.