Fatherhood on the Fringe

John Noble, 62, is an Australian actor and theater director who's formerly best known for his role as Denethor in the Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. But playing eccentric genius Walter Bishop on the Fox TV network's science-fiction drama Fringe has made him much more visible of late, and afforded him perhaps the meatiest role of his career. Walter, a researcher in fringe science who had previously spent 17 years in a mental hospital, is just one half of Noble's challenge. Fringe takes place in two alternate universes, and in the other, Walter — referred to as "Walternate" — is far more put together than his other-dimensional counterpart, serving as our country's secretary of Defense. Noble spoke to AARP about Walter Bishop and how the role relates to aspects of his real life. … Back to Article