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Ron Thompson (actor)
American actor (1941–2024) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Ron Thompson (January 31, 1941 – April 13, 2024) was an American actor, singer-songwriter and dancer.
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Life and career
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Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Thompson was perhaps best known for his dual lead roles in Ralph Bakshi's critically acclaimed rotoscope film American Pop[2][3][4][5] and the 1970s TV series Baretta in the role of Detective Nopke.[3][6]
Thompson's first film appearance was as an uncredited extra in the 1960 Jerry Lewis film The Bellboy.[1]
Thompson had a brief career as a rock singer in the 1960s and wrote and recorded a number of singles as Ronnie Thompson under the guidance of his mentor and friend, rockabilly singer Ersel Hickey.[3]
Thompson originated the role of Shanty Mulligan in the 1969 Pulitzer Prize winning play No Place to Be Somebody[3][7][8][9][10] by Charles Gordone.[11][12] In his review for The New York Times, Mel Gussow wrote that Thompson was "splendid" in his role.[13]
Thompson won the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for his 1973 theatre lead performance in the play Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?[3][14] A young Al Pacino had won a Tony for playing the part in 1969.[1]
The Progress Bulletin praised Thompson's performance in the 1976 Felton Perry play Buy the Bi and Bye calling it an "offbeat and hilarious black satire with a zinging performance by Ron Thompson."[15]
Thompson did a dramatic portrayal of Henry David Thoreau on the 1976 NBC television series The Rebels.[16][17]
Thompson starred in the 2018 thriller film Cargo.[18][19][20]
Thompson died at his apartment in Van Nuys, Los Angeles, on April 13, 2024, at the age of 83.[21] He was found dead by filmmaker Joe Black.[1]
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Theatre
Film
Television
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References
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