Ron Thompson was an actor best known for playing Detective Nopke on “Baretta” and his multiple roles in Ralph Bakshi’s 1981 animated film, “American Pop,” where he played father and son duo Pete and Tony.
- Died: April 13, 2024 (Who else died on April 13?)
- Details of death: Died in Los Angeles at the age of 83.
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Ron Thompson’s legacy
Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Ron Thompson first garnered attention on the stage, originating the role of Shanty Mulligan in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, “No Place to Be Somebody.” His performance earned him his way to Broadway and a national tour. Three years later, his stage work in “Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?” won him a Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award.
Thompson soon transitioned to the screen, where he played Detective Nopke on the police drama “Baretta” for six episodes. He also appeared on shows like “Mannix,” “Ironside,” “The Waltons” and “Cagney & Lacey.” He also had a brief career as a rockabilly music artist.
He is perhaps best known for his dual roles in Ralph Bakshi’s 1981 animated film, “American Pop.” There, Thompson played a father and son, Tony and Pete, his highly physical performance coming to life through Bakshi’s rotoscoping technique, in which live actors are traced over to animate them.
Tributes to Ron Thompson
Full obituary: Deadline
