Biography for
Noble Willingham More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

31 August 1931, Mineola, Texas, USA

Date of Death

17 January 2004, Palm Springs, California, USA (natural causes)

Birth Name

Noble Henry Willingham

Mini Biography

Noble Willingham has appeared in more than 30 feature films, including Up Close & Personal (1996), Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994), Chinatown (1974), Good Morning, Vietnam, City Slickers, City Slickers II, and The Distinguished Gentleman. He was born in the small town of Mineola, Texas, east of Dallas. After graduating from North Texas State College, he earned a master's degree in educational psychology from Baylor University. Willingham was a teacher before following his long-time dream of becoming an actor. He auditioned for a part in the film The Last Picture Show, which was filmed in Texas. He won the role, which led to another, in Paper Moon. On television, Willingham had a recurring role in the series Home Improvement and appeared as a guest star in the series Murder, She Wrote and Northern Exposure, both on CBS, and Quantum Leap. He appeared in the television film Men Don't Tell on CBS. His additional television film credits include Woman with a Past, The Alamo, and Unconquered. Willingham has a daughter, Stori. His birthday is August 31.

IMDb Mini Biography By: DANIEL

Spouse

Patti Ross	(27 December 2000 - 17 January 2004) (his death)
Doris Humphrey	(1955 - 15 November 1984) (divorced) 1 child

Trivia

Before launching his career in television and film, Willingham taught economics at Sam Houston High School in Houston, Tx.

Unsuccessful Republican nominee for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2000 for the First Congressional District of Texas against Representative Max Sandlin.

1953 graduate of North Texas State University (became University of North Texas - May 1988) Denton, Texas USA

Returned to acting after he lost his bid for a Republican congressional seat. His last film appearance was in Blind Horizon (2003), starring Val Kilmer and was released posthumously.

Worked as a roustabout and steamfitter in the Texas oil fields before receiving his master's degree in educational psychology at Baylor University and teaching government and economics at a Houston Texas high school.

Has one daughter, Stori Willingham, and two stepchildren, Meghan McGlohen and John Ross McGlohen. Has one grandson, Noble Willingham III.

An only child.

Buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California.

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