Former "Fringe" star John Noble has signed on to play Sherlock Holmes' father in the upcoming fourth season of "Elementary," Deadline reports.

Though the character has never appeared in the show, he has exerted some degree of influence over the character, helping Sherlock (Johnny Lee Miller) with his first stint in rehab and eventually pairing him with Joan Watson (Lucy Liu), who would become his friend throughout the show. With Sherlock back in rehab, his father will make the journey to New York City.

In addition to "Fringe," Noble's past credits include "Sleepy Hollow," "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers," "The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring" and "The Last Airbender."

"Elementary" returns to CBS this fall.