He apparently failed enlistment in the U.S. Navy, because he was missing too many teeth. Combined with his menacing physique, he was also said to have a penetrating, maniacal stare which made him the perfect villain in many a Hal Roach comedy.
Dropped out of films a few years after the advent of sound as his voice was not well-suited.
The 6', 215 pound silent actor made over 170 films between 1918 and 1935. Most of them were as imposing but dull-witted villains, brutes and bully types, and most were in association with the 'Hal Roach' Studios. His best known role was as the cop in Harold Lloyd's classic silent comedy Safety Last! (1923).
Was a member of the Hal Roach Studio's renowned brass band. Roach himself played the saxophone, '"Snub' Pollard' played the trombone and Noah played the bass horn.
Died of a heart attack four days after entering Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital for a hernia operation. Buried at Forest Lawn, his old friend from the silent days Harold Lloyd attended his funeral services.