Donald Thompson
Actor
About Donald Thompson
Donald Thompson was an American actor who appeared in the critically acclaimed 1948 documentary film 'The Quiet One.' His participation in this groundbreaking documentary represents his only known film credit, suggesting he was likely a non-professional actor or someone playing himself rather than a career actor. 'The Quiet One' was a significant documentary that explored the life of a troubled young boy from Harlem, and Thompson's role, while minor, contributed to the film's authentic portrayal of urban life. The documentary was notable for its time for its sensitive treatment of juvenile delinquency and social issues. Given his single film appearance, Thompson appears to have been drawn into cinema specifically for this project rather than pursuing a sustained acting career. His contribution to this important documentary film places him within the context of post-war American cinema's exploration of social issues.
The Craft
On Screen
Likely naturalistic and non-professional, typical of documentary-style filmmaking of the era
Milestones
- Appeared in the Academy Award-nominated documentary 'The Quiet One' (1948)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Donald Thompson's cultural impact is primarily through his participation in 'The Quiet One,' a documentary that was groundbreaking in its approach to social issues and juvenile delinquency in post-war America. While his individual contribution was minor, the film itself was significant in bringing attention to urban social problems and influenced subsequent documentary filmmaking. The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for an Academy Award, helping to establish documentary film as a legitimate medium for social commentary.
Lasting Legacy
Donald Thompson's legacy is tied to his appearance in 'The Quiet One,' which remains an important document of post-war American cinema and social history. While he did not have an extensive film career, his participation in this significant documentary places him within the broader narrative of American cinema's engagement with social issues during the late 1940s.
Who They Inspired
As a one-time film participant, Donald Thompson's direct influence on other actors or filmmakers is likely minimal, though his contribution to 'The Quiet One' helped create a work that influenced subsequent documentary filmmakers in their approach to social subjects.
Off Screen
Very little is documented about Donald Thompson's personal life, consistent with his status as a one-time film participant rather than a professional actor with public profile.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in only one film throughout his entire career
- His only film credit was in a documentary rather than a narrative feature
- 'The Quiet One' was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature
- The film was one of the first American documentaries to receive international recognition
- The film's subject matter was considered controversial for its time
- Directed by Sidney Meyers, who was primarily known as a documentary filmmaker
- The film was praised for its poetic and sensitive approach to its subject matter
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Donald Thompson?
Donald Thompson was an American actor who appeared in only one film, the 1948 documentary 'The Quiet One.' He was likely a non-professional actor who participated in this acclaimed documentary rather than pursuing a career in acting.
What films is Donald Thompson best known for?
Donald Thompson is known exclusively for his appearance in 'The Quiet One' (1948), a documentary film that was nominated for an Academy Award and is considered a significant work in American documentary cinema.
When was Donald Thompson born and when did he die?
Specific birth and death dates for Donald Thompson are not documented in available sources, which is typical for someone who had only a single film appearance and was not a public figure.
What awards did Donald Thompson win?
Donald Thompson did not receive any personal awards or nominations. However, the film he appeared in, 'The Quiet One,' was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 1948.
What was Donald Thompson's acting style?
Based on his appearance in a documentary, Thompson's acting style was likely naturalistic and authentic, consistent with the documentary filmmaking approach of the late 1940s that favored realism over theatrical performance.
Was Donald Thompson a professional actor?
Given his single film appearance in a documentary, it's likely that Donald Thompson was not a professional actor but rather someone who was cast for authenticity in the documentary, possibly playing himself or a character similar to his real-life role.
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Films
1 film
