Tommy Noonan
ActingAbout Tommy Noonan
Tommy Noonan (born Thomas Noone ( April 29, 1921 – April 24, 1968) was a comedy genre film performer, screenwriter and producer. He acted in a 65 projects including high-profile films as well as B movies from the 1940s through the 1960s and he made several tv appearances also; he is best known for his supporting performances as Gus Esmond, wealthy fiancé of Lorelei Lee (Marilyn Monroe), in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), and as musician Danny McGuire in A Star Is Born (1954). In addition to starring alongside Marilyn Monroe, Noonan is also noted for having played love interests to Jayne Mansfield in Promises..... Promises! (1963) and Mamie Van Doren in 3 Nuts in Search of a Bolt (Which he also directed) (1964), making him the only actor to play love interests to the 3 former who were dubbed the 3 Ms of Golden Age Hollywood.
Tommy Noonan Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Tommy Noonan reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 42 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Tommy Noonan's work falls within the Comedy genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 19% of Tommy Noonan's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Tommy Noonan Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Tommy Noonan's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Tommy Noonan has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1967 | Cottonpickin' Chickenpickers | Bird-Dog Berrigan | Flop | Similar → |
| 1964 | 3 Nuts in Search of a Bolt | Tom | Flop | Similar → |
| 1963 | Promises! Promises! | Jeff Brooks | Flop | Similar → |
| 1961 | Swingin' Along | Freddy | Flop | Similar → |
| 1959 | The Rookie | Tommy Noonan / Japanese sailor | Flop | Similar → |
| 1958 | The Girl Most Likely | Buzz | Flop | Similar → |
| 1956 | Bundle of Joy | Freddie Miller | Average | Similar → |
| 1956 | The Best Things in Life Are Free | Carl Frisbee | Flop | Similar → |
| 1956 | The Ambassador's Daughter | Cpl. Al O'Connor | Flop | Similar → |
| 1955 | How to Be Very, Very Popular | Eddie Jones | Flop | Similar → |
| 1955 | Violent Saturday | Harry Reeves, Bank Manager | Hit | Similar → |
| 1954 | A Star Is Born | Danny McGuire | Hit | Similar → |
| 1953 | Gentlemen Prefer Blondes | Gus Esmond | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Starlift | Noonan and Marshall | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | FBI Girl | Tommy | Average | Similar → |
| 1950 | Holiday Rhythm | Surgeon (as Tom Noonan) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1950 | The Return of Jesse James | Charlie Ford | Flop | Similar → |
| 1949 | Adam's Rib | Reporter (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | Trapped | Bank Teller (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1949 | The Set-Up | Masher on Street (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1949 | I Cheated the Law | Sad Sam Carney (as Tom Noonan) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1949 | I Shot Jesse James | Charles Ford | Average | Similar → |
| 1948 | Jungle Patrol | Lt. 'Ham' Hamilton (as Tom Noonan) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1948 | Open Secret | Bob, Man at bar (as Tom Noonan) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | The Fabulous Joe | Elevator Operator | Flop | Similar → |
| 1947 | Riff-Raff | First Down-and-Outer at Cabaret (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1947 | Born to Kill | Bellboy (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1947 | The Big Fix | Andy Rawlins | Flop | Similar → |
| 1947 | A Likely Story | Taxi Driver (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1947 | Follow That Music | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1946 | Criminal Court | Cab Driver (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1946 | Crack-Up | Bonbon Vendor (Uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1946 | Step by Step | Counterman | Average | Similar → |
| 1946 | The Bamboo Blonde | Air Force Bomber Crewman (as Tom Noonan) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1946 | Bedlam | 1st Stonemason (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1946 | Ding Dong Williams | Zang | Flop | Similar → |
| 1946 | The Truth About Murder | Jonesy | Flop | Similar → |
| 1946 | From This Day Forward | Maxie | Flop | Similar → |
| 1945 | Dick Tracy | Johnny Moko (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1945 | The Big Beef | Steer Delivery Boy | Flop | Similar → |
| 1945 | Beware of Redheads | Doctor's Assistant | Flop | Similar → |
| 1945 | What, No Cigarettes | Cigarette Vendor | Average | Similar → |
Tommy Noonan - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Tommy Noonan?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Tommy Noonan is "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" with a rating of 7.3/10.
How many movies has Tommy Noonan acted in?
Tommy Noonan has been featured in at least 42 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Tommy Noonan?
Other notable films include "The Set-Up", "A Star Is Born", and "Adam's Rib".