Noel was born in
Haverhill, Massachusetts. He was guitarist and singer with the trio
The Rhythm Boys. He decided to leave the trio in 1935. After leaving, he worked as a police officer in Chicago, Illinois. He later moved to California, where he began his film and television career. Noel's film career began with the 1944 film
The Big Bonanza. He then appeared in the 1945 film
Colorado Pioneers. He made numerous appearances in films such as
Border Saddlemates,
Ride the Man Down,
The Oklahoman,
Man from Del Rio,
The Rawhide Years,
The Fighting Chance,
North to Alaska (with
John Wayne),
The Brass Legend and
Masterson of Kansas. Noel began appearing on television in 1953, initially in the television series
The Gene Autry Show, where he made at least eleven appearances. He then appeared in the action and
adventure television series
Sergeant Preston of the Yukon. He made over 200 appearances in the American
western television series
Gunsmoke, in which he also served as the double for
Milburn Stone as Doc. He made numerous appearances in the television programs
Bonanza,
Tales of Wells Fargo,
Wagon Train,
Death Valley Days,
The Rifleman,
Bat Masterson,
The Deputy,
Tombstone Territory and
Johnny Ringo. He also made at least 140 appearances in
The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp. == Personal life and death ==