‘Perfect’ film villain actor and Robocop legend lifeless at 74 as tributes paid
Actor and director Tom Noonan, best known for playing villain Francis Dollarhyde in Manhunter and supervillain Cain in RoboCop 2, has died aged 74 as fans expressed shock and disbelief
Tom Noonan has died at 74(Image: NY Daily News via Getty Images)
RoboCop star Tom Noonan has passed away at the age of 74. The actor and filmmaker, who also gained recognition for portraying a serial killer in Francis Dollarhyde’s critically acclaimed thriller Manhunter, died peacefully on Valentine’s Day 2026, according to his former co-star Karen Sillas.
Taking to Instagram to pay tribute to Tom, Karen wrote: “My dear friend and co star, Tom Noonan passed peacefully on Valentine’s Day 2026. 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.”
Noonan was most famous for his portrayal of Francis Dolarhyde, the villain in 1986’s Manhunter, and reunited with director Michael Mann for Heat in 1995. He also took on the role of supervillain Cain in 1990’s RoboCop 2, part of the blockbuster film franchise.
Beyond performing, Tom was also a film and theatre director. He stepped behind the camera for his directorial debut with What Happened Was… in 1994.
The drama received critical acclaim as ‘outstanding’ and earned recognition on the festival circuit. Throughout his career, the star balanced his cinema work with theatre as both a playwright and director, reports the Mirror.
Following news of his passing, Tom’s fans rushed to X, previously known as Twitter. One wrote: “Perfect bad guy. RIP.”
Another commented: “Robocop 2 is one of the most underrated sequels of all time. And his great turn as the villain is a big reason why.”
Meanwhile, a third made reference to the passing of Godfather legend Robert Duvall, who also died this week. They mourned: “Aw, man. What a week.”
The Godfather icon Duvall passed away aged 95 as tributes poured in for the acting great. The performer became a familiar face through his memorable role in the acclaimed film and its follow-ups, portraying Tom Hagen.
Robert died at his residence in Middleburg, Virginia with his wife beside him. He was recognised for his performances in The Godfather, alongside other Hollywood blockbusters including Apocalypse Now and Wild Horses.
The actor’s spouse, Luciana, released a statement, confirming his death: “Yesterday we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the greatest actors of our time. Bob passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort.
“To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything. His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court.
“For each of his many roles, Bob gave everything to his characters and to the truth of the human spirit they represented.”
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