Ron Thompson

Ron Thompson (January 31, 1941 – April 13, 2024) was an American actor and singer-songwriter.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Thompson was perhaps best known for his dual lead roles in Ralph Bakshi's critically acclaimed rotoscope film American Pop and the 1970s TV series Baretta in the role of Detective Nopke.

Thompson's first film appearance was as an uncredited extra in the 1960 Jerry Lewis film The Bellboy.

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.

Thompson originated the role of Shanty Mulligan in the 1969 Pulitzer Prize winning play No Place to Be Somebody by Charles Gordone. In his review for The New York Times, Mel Gussow wrote that Thompson was "splendid" in his role.

Thompson won the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for his 1973 theatre lead performance in the play Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie? A young Al Pacino had won a Tony for playing the part in 1969.

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."

Thompson did a dramatic portrayal of Henry David Thoreau on the 1976 NBC television series The Rebels.

Thompson starred in the 2018 thriller film Cargo.

Thompson died at his apartment in Van Nuys, Los Angeles, on April 13, 2024, at the age of 83. He was found dead by filmmaker Joe Black.