John Noble

Highest Rated: 100% Superman: Unbound (2013)

Lowest Rated: 0% Risen (2008)

Birthday: Aug 20, 1948

Birthplace: Port Pirie, South Australia, Australia

A stage veteran in his native Australia, actor John Noble had been performing for over two decades before earning his star-making turn as the emotionally corrupt Lord Denethor in "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" (2002). His rich, Shakespearean turn won him worldwide favor and prime roles in films and on television, most notably "24" (Fox, 2001-10) as a villainous Russian spy. However, his most acclaimed small screen turn was as the eccentric scientist Walter Bishop on "Fringe" (Fox, 2008-13). Produced by J.J. Abrams, the cult science fiction series was anchored by Noble's performance as a man seemingly driven mad by his experiments who then emerged from an institution after nearly 20 years to continue investigating strange phenomena. His work as Bishop made him a perennial favorite during Emmy season, as well as a much-loved character among the show's devoted fans. Having made the successful transition from Down Under to American productions, there was no doubt that for Noble the best was yet to come.