Noble Willingham

'Noble Willingham' (qv) has appeared in more than 30 feature films, including _Up Close & Personal (1996)_ (qv), _Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)_ (qv), _Chinatown (1974)_ (qv), _City Slickers (1991)_ (qv), and _The Distinguished Gentleman (1992)_ (qv).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.Willingham auditioned for a part in the Academy Award-winning film _The Last Picture Show (1971)_ (qv), which was filmed in Texas. He won the role, which led to another, in the Academy Award-winning comedy _Paper Moon (1973)_ (qv). On television, he had recurring roles on _Home Improvement (1991)_ (qv) and _Walker, Texas Ranger (1993)_ (qv), and appeared as a guest star on other television series, including _Matlock (1986)_ (qv), _L.A. Law (1986)_ (qv), _Quantum Leap (1989)_ (qv), _Murder, She Wrote (1984)_ (qv), and _Northern Exposure (1990)_ (qv), as well as such films and made-for-television movies as _Men Don't Tell (1993)_ (qv), _Woman with a Past (1992)_ (qv), _The Alamo: Thirteen Days to Glory (1987)_ (qv), and _Unconquered (1989)_ (qv).::Robert Sieger (updated)