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.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Tommy Noonan reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 42 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Comedy
The majority of Tommy Noonan's filmography leans towards the Comedy genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 19% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Tommy Noonan remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Tommy Noonan Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Tommy Noonan's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Tommy Noonan.
| 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".