Introduction
Brian Earl Thompson (born August 28, 1959) is an American actor. His career began with a small role in the 1984 film The Terminator. He played the villainous “Night Slasher” in the 1986 film Cobra. His first named role was on Werewolf, a horror series that ran during Fox’s inaugural broadcasting year of 1987–1988. Thompson has played several characters in the Star Trek franchise—the most notable being the Klingon Lieutenant Klag, in which he informed Commander William Riker that “Gagh is always best when served live,” the Alien Bounty Hunter on The X-Files, and Eddie Fiori on Kindred: The Embraced. In 2014, he produced, wrote, and starred in the B movie parody The Extendables.
Who is Brian Earl Thompson?
Brian Earl Thompson is an American actor, best known for his roles in films like The Terminator (1984) and The X-Files (1993-2002). He has appeared in numerous TV shows and movies throughout his career.
Brian Earl Thompson Early life
Thompson was born in Ellensburg, Washington, and raised in Longview. He attended Central Washington University, where he studied business management, played football, and appeared in many school productions. He then moved to California and earned a Master of Fine Arts from the University of California, Irvine. He initially trained and pursued a career in musical theater, performing at Riverside Civil Light Opera’s production of “The King and I,” Long Beach Civic Light Opera’s “Bittersweet,” and several other musicals. In 1982, he was a resident actor at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival.
Thompson’s athletic build and unique facial structure were key in the initial roles he was offered. He has stated that it has occasionally been a double-edged sword when it comes to auditioning for roles, but it has provided him with consistent work. Thompson said, “If you’re very physical in stature, you’re going to get hired for action movies. The star’s always going to be chasing someone, so they need an equal adversary. I’m never going to play a nebbish geek.
Brian Earl Thompson Career
Thompson was cast in The Terminator while still in school. He and Bill Paxton had minor roles as punk thugs. He followed that up with roles on Moonlighting, Otherworld, Street Hawk, and Knight Rider before landing a role in the Sylvester Stallone vehicle, Cobra (1986). Although the film was critically panned, it was a commercial success. The New York Times wrote of Thompson’s portrayal, “The archvillain, a character that is a cross between a James Bond fantasy villain such as Jaws and a raging psychopath, delivers a scorching monologue—a feat of linguistic sophistication that Cobra would have a hard time matching.
In 1993, Thompson landed another comedic role on the large ensemble series Key West, which was filmed on location in the Florida Keys. The series lasted for 13 episodes. He played a “new-age sheriff,” which Thompson has stated was the favorite role of his career. The character uttered the introductory line, “I’m Sheriff Cody Jeremiah Jefferson. I’m a direct descendant of Wyatt Earp and the Lone Ranger. My personal heroes are Ted Nugent, Buddha, and Davy Crockett. I am the last real lawman and the first peace officer of the 21st century.”
The following year, Thompson began his tenure on The X-Files and followed that with roles in the science fiction-fantasy series Seven Days, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Charmed. Between these, Thompson made dozens of appearances in other series and films. In 1996, he appeared in Dragonheart as Brok, the commander of the armies of David Thewlis’ villainous king, Einon. The fantasy film, starring Dennis Quaid and Sean Connery, was a moderate success.
Thompson then returned to the big screen as lead antagonist Shao Kahn in the poorly received Mortal Kombat: Annihilation. The New York Times called it a “colossal compendium of logic-defying martial arts and noisy, hyperactive special effects. In 2014, Thompson released The Extendables, a film he produced, wrote, and starred in. A parody of movies like The Expendables, Thompson stated that it contained true-to-life instances from his own career. It was released via iTunes. In 2017, Thompson was in the indie thriller film Trafficked with Ashley Judd, and in 2019, he starred in the horror film Hoax alongside Adrienne Barbeau; in 2022, he appeared in the historical thriller film The Tragedy of Macbeth with Denzel Washington.
Brian Earl Thompson Interests and Hobbies
Brian Earl Thompson has a wide range of interests and hobbies that reflect both his professional career and his personal passions. Apart from his successful acting career, Thompson is deeply involved in martial arts, which has greatly influenced his life and many of the roles he’s taken on in films and television. He has practiced various martial arts styles, including Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do, and kickboxing. His interest in martial arts isn’t just for performance—he genuinely enjoys the discipline and philosophy that come with it. This has helped him maintain a strong physical fitness routine throughout his life, enabling him to stay in shape for demanding roles.
In addition to martial arts, Brian has a keen interest in writing and producing. He has expressed a passion for storytelling and has worked on various projects behind the scenes. His writing often explores themes that are meaningful to him, such as personal growth, strength, and resilience—ideas that align with his on-screen personas.
Thompson also enjoys being creative in other ways. He has a deep appreciation for music and has dabbled in playing instruments, though he is more known for his acting and physical pursuits. Outside of creative activities, Brian is an advocate for maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. This includes staying physically active, eating well, and focusing on overall well-being.
While Thompson enjoys keeping a low profile in terms of his personal life, he occasionally shares insights into his hobbies and interests through social media or in interviews. His dedication to staying fit and exploring different forms of creative expression has helped him maintain a long-lasting career in Hollywood, with roles that showcase his versatility and physicality.
Conclusion
Throughout his career, Brian Earl Thompson has demonstrated enthusiasm, adaptability, and dedication. From his breakthrough performance in The Terminator to his other film and television roles, he has established a solid reputation as a talented and trustworthy actor. Due to his dedication to martial arts and athleticism, he frequently appears physically on television.
Beyond acting, Thompson’s interests in writing, producing, and other creative pursuits showcase his multifaceted personality. While he keeps his personal life private, his disciplined nature and drive for growth—both professionally and personally—are evident. Thompson’s career is a testament to his ability to evolve and contribute to the entertainment industry in meaningful ways.
FAQS
What TV shows has Brian Earl Thompson appeared in?
Brian Earl Thompson has portrayed a variety of characters in a number of television series, such as Angel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and The X-Files.
Did Brian Earl Thompson have a background in acting before his career took off?
Prior to getting his big break in The Terminator, Brian Earl Thompson studied acting and had a few supporting parts.
Is Brian Earl Thompson involved in any other activities besides acting?
Brian Earl Thompson has worked in writing and production in addition to acting. He has a strong interest in martial arts and is reputed to have practiced various forms all of his life.
