Noble Willingham

Noble Willingham

Deceased · Born: Aug 31, 1931 · Died: Jan 17, 2004

Personal Details

BornAug 31, 1931 Mineola, Texas, USA
Spouse
  • Patti Ross

    ( Dec 27, 2000 to Jan 17, 2004 )
  • Doris Jewel Humphreys

    ( Aug 22, 1954 to Nov 15, 1984 )

Biography

Noble Willingham, a talented actor, has made a significant impact in the film industry with his presence in over 30 feature films. His notable roles include appearances in Up Close & Personal (1996),Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994),Chinatown (1974),City Slickers (1991),and The Distinguished Gentleman (1992).

Born in the small town of Mineola, Texas, east of Dallas, Willingham's early life laid the foundation for his future endeavors. He graduated from North Texas State College in 1953 and later earned a master's degree in educational psychology from Baylor University. Prior to pursuing his passion for acting, Willingham worked as a teacher, ultimately deciding to follow his long-time dream.

Willingham's breakthrough role came when he auditioned for the Academy Award-winning film The Last Picture Show (1971),which was filmed in Texas. He won the part, which led to another notable role in the Academy Award-winning comedy Paper Moon (1973).

In addition to his work in film, Willingham had recurring roles on the popular television shows Home Improvement (1991) and Walker, Texas Ranger (1993). He also made guest appearances on other television series, including Matlock (1986),L.A. Law (1986),Quantum Leap (1989),Murder, She Wrote (1984),and Northern Exposure (1990).

Career

2003
Blind Horizon
Blind Horizon as Deputy Shirl Cash
2000
1999
The Corndog Man
The Corndog Man as Ace Barker
1996
Up Close & Personal
Up Close & Personal as Buford Sells
The Hudsucker Proxy
The Hudsucker Proxy as Zebulon Cardozo
Guarding Tess
Guarding Tess as Sheriff Janson (uncredited)
1993
Fire in the Sky
Fire in the Sky as Blake Davies
1992
Article 99
Article 99 as Inspector General
1991
Career Opportunities
Career Opportunities as Roger Roy McClellan
City Slickers
City Slickers as Clay Stone
The Last Boy Scout
The Last Boy Scout as Sheldon Marcone
Sweet Poison
Sweet Poison as Sheriff
1990
Pastime
Pastime as Clyde Bigby
1989
The Heist
The Heist as Stuckey
Blind Fury
Blind Fury as MacCready
Unconquered
Unconquered as Bear Bryant
The Road Raiders
The Road Raiders as Crankcase
Shooter
Shooter as Rizzo
Splash, Too
Splash, Too as Karl Hooten
1987
Summer Heat
Summer Heat as Strother
Born in East L.A.
Born in East L.A. as Border Patrol Sergeant
La Bamba
La Bamba as Howard
1985
Badge of the Assassin
Badge of the Assassin as Airport Guard
The Atlanta Child Murders
The Atlanta Child Murders as Jerry Armstrong
Independence Day
Independence Day as Andy Parker
Harry's War
Harry's War as Major Andrews
First Monday in October
First Monday in October as Nebraska Attorney
The Howling
The Howling as Charlie Barton
1980
The Georgia Peaches
The Georgia Peaches as Jarvis Wheeler
The Gambler
The Gambler as Conductor
Brubaker
Brubaker as Dr. Fenster
Norma Rae
Norma Rae as Leroy Mason
1978
Just Me and You
Just Me and You as Gas Station Owner
The Boys in Company C
The Boys in Company C as Sergeant Curry
Cindy
Cindy as Sergeant
1977
Greased Lightning
Greased Lightning as Billy Joe Byrnes
1976
Fighting Mad
Fighting Mad as Senator Hingle
1975
Aloha Bobby and Rose
Aloha Bobby and Rose as Uncle Charlie
Black Bart
Black Bart as Fern Malaga
Big Bad Mama
Big Bad Mama as Uncle Barney
Evel Knievel
Evel Knievel as Jack Decataur
Chinatown
Chinatown as Councilman
1973
Paper Moon
Paper Moon as Mr. Robertson
The Girls of Huntington House
The Girls of Huntington House as Harry, Sara's Father
Sunshine
Sunshine as Bartender
Hit!
Hit! as Warden Springer
1970