Tom Noonan is an American actor, screenwriter, and director, known for his imposing stature and for his portrayal of complex and often menacing characters. His career is marked by his role as the serial killer Francis Dolarhyde in Michael Mann's *Manhunter* (1986), a critically acclaimed performance that defined his cinematic image. He has played other memorable antagonists, such as Cain in *RoboCop 2* and the Ripper in *Last Action Hero*. In addition to acting, Noonan has achieved significant recognition as a writer and filmmaker. His directorial debut, *What Happened Was...* (1994), which he also wrote and starred in, won the Grand Jury Prize and the Screenwriting Award at the Sundance Film Festival, establishing him as a prominent figure in independent cinema. His filmography also includes roles in films such as *Heat* and *Synecdoche, New York*, and in the television series *The Leftovers*, confirming his versatility as a character actor of great depth.