There are a lot of actors that made an impact with a particular role, but Tom Noonan did that a few times in his career. And while he was in the first adaptation of where we first get to see the character of Hannibal Lecktor (the way it’s spelled in the film), Manhunter (1986), playing the Tooth Fairy, Francis Dollarhyde, is one of those performances. Nothing against Ralph Fiennes, but Noonan was just incredible in his performance. But then the following year, he played a completely different kind of monster in The Monster Squad (1987), bringing the heart of the character to the screen again. While he was an imposing figure, he always gave such good performances, no matter how small they might be.

In looking up a little on him for this piece, I came across a quote from him that I will now be quoting going forward. A lot of fans of film saying that it is a nice escape from reality, something I’ve said and believed in many times. But Noonan said, “I don’t think you go to a play to forget, or to a movie to be distracted. I think life generally is a distraction and that going to a movie is a way to get back, not go away.” I just love that.

So, thank you once again, Mr. Noonan, for making me think outside the box, and to see you much more than just a tall actor. Rest in peace. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family during this difficult time.