Tom Noonan, the character actor widely recognized for his roles inRoboCop 2 and Last Action Hero, has died at the age of 74.
His What Happened Was co-star Karen Sillas shared the heartbreaking news on Wednesday, according to the Daily Mail, revealing that Noonan “passed peacefully” on Saturday.
A cause of death has not been disclosed.
“My dear friend and co-star, Tom Noonan passed peacefully on Valentine’s Day 2026,” Sillas posted on Instagram per Page Six.
“Working with him in his original off Broadway play, ‘What Happened Was…,’ at the Paradise Factory Theatre in the early nineties, was a turning point for me and my career that still resonates throughout my life and work as an actor,” she added.
Sillas, 62, went on to describe their 1994 film adaptation of What Happened Was as one of the “most iconic indies in American cinema” as she honored her late co-star’s lasting impact.
Reflecting on their time together, she said it was both a privilege and an unforgettable experience to work alongside him, adding that she was grateful to call him a friend until the end. She closed her tribute by expressing hope that his legacy will continue to shine for years to come.
Tom Noonan (April 12, 1951 – 2026) was an American actor, writer and director known for his distinctive voice, imposing presence and gift for portraying complex, often unsettling characters. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he became a memorable figure in both film and television.
He was widely recognized for playing the villain Cain in RoboCop 2 (1990) and the Ripper in Last Action Hero (1993), and earned critical praise for his chilling turn as serial killer Francis Dolarhyde in Manhunter (1986).
In addition to acting, Noonan wrote and directed the 1994 indie film What Happened Was, which won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. He went on to appear in films including Heat (1995), Eight Legged Freaks (2002), Synecdoche, New York (2008) and The House of the Devil (2009). His final film role was in Todd Haynes’ 2017 drama Wonderstruck, according to Page Six.
On television, Noonan had recurring roles on The Blacklist and 12 Monkeys, along with guest appearances on series such as The X-Files, CSI, Law & Order, Damages and Hell on Wheels.
