Ron Thompson, a veteran character actor, passed away at the age of 83 in Los Angeles. Born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1941, Thompson and his family relocated to Miami, Florida when he was just four years old. As a child, he began to show talents as a singer and performer, which eventually led him to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
Thompson had a brief stint as a rock singer in the 1960s under the name Ronnie Thompson. He wrote and recorded several singles during this time. He also originated the role of Shanty Mulligan in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play No Place to Be Somebody by Charles Gordone. Thompson’s acting career gained momentum when he appeared in Ralph Bakshi’s rotoscope film American Pop and portrayed Detective Nopke in the 1970s TV series Baretta.
Throughout his career, Thompson was recognized for his outstanding performances. He won the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for his lead performance in the play Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie? His versatility and talent as a character actor earned him respect and admiration from his peers in the film and television industries. Director of film studies at Hampton University, Professor Rel Dowdell, described Thompson as a diligent and versatile actor who was well-respected by many.
Thompson was married to actress Diane Sommerfield until her passing in 2001. His legacy as a talented and versatile character actor lives on through his memorable performances on screen and stage. Despite not achieving mainstream success as a rock singer in the 1960s, Thompson’s acting career flourished, with appearances on various television shows over the course of 25 years.
Ron Thompson’s contributions to the entertainment industry as a character actor have left a lasting impact on audiences and fellow actors alike. His dedication to his craft, versatility, and warm spirit made him a beloved figure in the industry. Thompson’s legacy as an actor will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
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