Bob Thompson
Actor
About Bob Thompson
Bob Thompson was an American actor who appeared during the late 1950s, a period that marked the transition from Hollywood's Golden Age to the New Hollywood era. His career, though brief, coincided with the golden age of B-movies and drive-in cinema that flourished during this time. Thompson's only known film appearance was in the 1959 science fiction horror film 'The Giant Gila Monster,' a typical example of the creature features that were popular with teenage audiences at drive-in theaters. Like many character actors of his era, Thompson was likely hired for his distinctive appearance or specific acting qualities that fit the needs of low-budget productions. The film industry of the late 1950s was filled with actors like Thompson who appeared in one or two films before moving on to other careers or returning to regional theater. His brief screen time in 'The Giant Gila Monster' represents the type of minor but memorable roles that populated the supporting casts of exploitation films during this period.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'The Giant Gila Monster' (1959)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Bob Thompson's contribution to cinema, while minimal, represents the collective work of hundreds of character actors who populated American B-movies during the late 1950s. His appearance in 'The Giant Gila Monster' places him within the context of the drive-in theater culture that dominated American youth entertainment during this period. These films, though often critically panned, have since gained cult status and are now appreciated for their nostalgic value and as examples of 1950s popular culture.
Lasting Legacy
Bob Thompson's legacy is primarily preserved through his appearance in 'The Giant Gila Monster,' a film that has become a cult classic among science fiction and B-movie enthusiasts. His brief career exemplifies the transient nature of many acting careers in Hollywood's lower-budget productions. While not a major figure in cinema history, Thompson represents the thousands of working actors who contributed to the rich tapestry of American film during the transitional period of the late 1950s.
Who They Inspired
As a minor character actor with only one known film credit, Bob Thompson's direct influence on other actors or filmmakers is difficult to trace. However, like all actors who appeared in films of this era, he contributed to the visual and narrative language that would influence future generations of filmmakers working in the horror and science fiction genres.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Bob Thompson's personal life, which is typical for minor character actors from the late 1950s who had brief film careers. Like many supporting actors in low-budget productions, he likely maintained other employment outside of the film industry.
Did You Know?
- Bob Thompson's only known film appearance was in 'The Giant Gila Monster' (1959)
- The film was produced by Gordon McLendon, a radio station owner who ventured into film production
- 'The Giant Gila Monster' was filmed in Texas, typical of many low-budget productions of the era
- The film was part of a double feature with 'The Killer Shrews' (1959)
- Like many B-movies of the period, 'The Giant Gila Monster' has since gained cult status
- The film featured a real gila monster, though enlarged through special effects
- The movie was made on a very low budget, estimated at less than $100,000
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Bob Thompson?
Bob Thompson was an American actor who had a brief career in the late 1950s, appearing in only one known film: 'The Giant Gila Monster' (1959). He was a character actor typical of the B-movie era of American cinema.
What films is Bob Thompson best known for?
Bob Thompson is known exclusively for his appearance in 'The Giant Gila Monster' (1959), a science fiction horror film that has since become a cult classic among B-movie enthusiasts.
When was Bob Thompson born and when did he die?
Bob Thompson's birth and death dates are not publicly documented, which is common for minor character actors from the 1950s who had brief film careers.
What awards did Bob Thompson win?
Bob Thompson did not receive any known awards or nominations for his acting work, which was limited to a single film appearance.
What was Bob Thompson's acting style?
Due to the limited documentation of his work and brief filmography, specific details about Bob Thompson's acting style are not available in historical records.
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Films
1 film
