Brian Thompson nbc, reporter, actor, movies, married, wife, divorce

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<h2>Early Life and Education</h2>
<p>Brian Thompson was born on August 28, 1959, in Ellensburg, Washington. He was raised in Longview, Washington. Thompson studied business management at Central Washington University, where he developed an early interest in acting by participating in several school productions. During his time at the university, he also played collegiate football. After graduating, he moved to California and earned a Master of Fine Arts degree. Initially, Thompson aspired to pursue a career in musical theater and performed in a production of <em>The King and I</em> staged by the Riverside Civic Light Opera.</p>

<h2>Breakthrough in Film and Television</h2>
<p>Thompson made his film debut with a small but career-launching role in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Cameron">James Cameron</a>’s <em>The Terminator</em> (1984), playing a punk gang member. Following this, he found a niche playing villains in science fiction, horror, and thriller genres. Notable early television appearances include roles in <em>Knight Rider</em>, <em>Street Hawk</em>, and <em>Otherworld</em>, where he consistently portrayed tough or antagonistic characters.</p>

<h2>Signature Roles and Acting Style</h2>
<p>Known for his distinctive facial features, Thompson has often been cast in intense, physically imposing roles. According to the actor, his look has been both an asset and a limitation—helping him secure parts in action-packed roles while making it less likely for him to be cast in more subdued or "geeky" roles. He rarely, if ever, portrayed calm or unassuming characters.</p>

<p>One of Thompson’s most recognizable performances came in 1986 with the film <em>Cobra</em>, starring <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylvester_Stallone">Sylvester Stallone</a>. Despite receiving mostly negative critical reviews, the film was a commercial success. He continued to play compelling characters in both film and television through the 1990s, appearing in titles such as <em>Rage and Honor</em> (1992) and the series <em>Key West</em> (1993), in which he played a sheriff across its 13-episode run—a role he described as one of his personal favorites.</p>

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<h2>Work in Science Fiction and Fantasy</h2>
<p>Since the mid-1990s, Thompson has become closely associated with science fiction and fantasy. He appeared in popular series such as <em>Buffy the Vampire Slayer</em>, <em>Charmed</em>, and <em>Seven Days</em>. In 1996, he played a significant role in the fantasy adventure film <em>Dragonheart</em>, and the following year appeared in <em>Mortal Kombat: Annihilation</em>, a film that failed to impress critics and underperformed commercially.</p>

<p>In 2014, Thompson ventured into writing and producing alongside acting with the release of <em>The Extendables</em>, a parody of action ensemble films like <em>The Expendables</em>. He played the lead role in the film, continuing his trend of portraying exaggerated action-hero types.</p>

<h2>Appearances in Star Trek</h2>
<p>Thompson also has a notable connection with the <em>Star Trek</em> franchise, beginning with an appearance in <em>Star Trek: The Next Generation</em> in the 1989 episode "A Matter of Honor." He subsequently featured in <em>Star Trek: Deep Space Nine</em> and the film <em>Star Trek: Generations</em>, often portraying <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klingon">Klingon</a> characters—roles well-suited to his commanding presence and unique facial structure.</p>

<h2>Additional Film and TV Credits</h2>
<p>Other films in which Thompson has appeared include <em>Jason and the Argonauts</em>, <em>Doctor Mordrid</em>, <em>The Order</em>, <em>Fist of the Warrior</em>, and <em>Flight of the Living Dead: Outbreak on a Plane</em>. He also had memorable roles in the TV series <em>Kindred: The Embraced</em> and <em>The X-Files</em>, further solidifying his reputation in supernatural and science fiction genres.</p>

<h2>Personal Life</h2>
<p>Brian Thompson is known for enjoying activities such as kitesurfing and windsurfing. He was previously married to Isabelle Mastorakis; the couple divorced in 1998. He later married Shari Braun, with whom he has two children. It is worth noting that “Brian Thompson” is also the name of a different individual—a reporter for NBC News. The actor and the journalist are not the same person.</p>

<h2>Legacy and Future Projects</h2>
<p>With a career spanning decades and a wide array of genre work, Brian Thompson remains a respected figure in the film and television industry. His distinct presence and consistent portrayal of complex, often villainous roles have earned him a loyal following. While his most recent film credit is <em>The Extendables</em> (2014), fans remain optimistic about his return to the screen—likely once again in the role of a formidable antagonist.</p>

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