Kenneth Thomson - Actor Profile

Kenneth Thomson

Acting
Freshness: Jan 21, 2026
50Total Films
8.3 Highest Rated
Born: Jan 6, 1899
Birth Place: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

About Kenneth Thomson

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Charles Kenneth Thomson (January 7, 1899 – January 26, 1967) was an American character actor active during the silent and early sound film eras. Born in Pittsburgh, Thomson along with his wife Alden Gay were founding members of the Screen Actors Guild. The group was founded after meetings held at the Thomsons' home during 1933. During his brief twelve-year career in front of the camera, he appeared in over 60 films. After appearing in several Broadway plays during the early and mid-1920s, Thomson would make his film debut with a starring role in 1926's Risky Business. Over the next four years, he would appear in over a dozen films, in either starring or featured roles. In 1930 alone he would appear in ten films, half of which were in starring roles, such as Lawful Larceny, which also starred Bebe Daniels and Lowell Sherman (who also directed), and Reno, whose other stars were Ruth Roland and Montagu Love; the other half would see him in featured roles as in A Notorious Affair, starring Billie Dove, Basil Rathbone, and Kay Francis. During the rest of the 1930s, he would appear in numerous films, mostly in either supporting or featured roles, such as The Little Giant (1933), starring Edward G. Robinson and Mary Astor, and Hop-Along Cassidy (1935), starring William Boyd; although he occasionally would have a starring role, as in opposite Harold Lloyd in 1932's Movie Crazy.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Kenneth Thomson reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Kenneth Thomson's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 14% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Kenneth Thomson remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Fast Life, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Kenneth Thomson Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Kenneth Thomson's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Kenneth Thomson.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1980 Rivals of the Dragon - Hit Similar →
1943 Show-Business at War Self Hit Similar →
1937 Jim Hanvey, Detective W. B. Elwood Average Similar →
1936 Blackmailer Mr. Porter Flop Similar →
1935 Hop-a-long Cassidy Jack Anthony Flop Similar →
1935 Whispering Smith Speaks J. Wesley Hunt Flop Similar →
1935 Behind the Green Lights Charles T. 'Ritzy' Conrad Average Similar →
1934 Behold My Wife! Jim Curson Hit Similar →
1934 In Old Santa Fe Matt Korber - alias Mr. Chandler Flop Similar →
1934 The Hollywood Gad-About Self (uncredited) Flop Similar →
1934 Cross Streets Mort Talbot Average Similar →
1934 Many Happy Returns Motion Picture Director Flop Similar →
1934 Change of Heart Howard Jackson Average Similar →
1933 Son of a Sailor Williams Flop Similar →
1933 From Headquarters Gordon Bates Average Similar →
1933 Female Red Average Similar →
1933 The Little Giant John Stanley Hit Similar →
1933 Daring Daughters Alan Preston Flop Similar →
1933 Jungle Bride John Franklin Flop Similar →
1932 Lawyer Man Dr. Frank Gresham (uncredited) Average Similar →
1932 Fast Life Mr. Williams Super Hit Similar →
1932 Her Mad Night Schuyler Durkin Flop Similar →
1932 Movie Crazy Vance Average Similar →
1932 Thirteen Women Mr. Cousins (uncredited) Average Similar →
1932 70,000 Witnesses Dr. Collins Flop Similar →
1932 By Whose Hand? Chambers Average Similar →
1932 Man Wanted Fred Ames Flop Similar →
1932 The Famous Ferguson Case Bob Parks Average Similar →
1931 Murder at Midnight Jim Kennedy Flop Similar →
1931 The Bride's Mistake George Reynolds Flop Similar →
1930 Just Imagine MT-3 Average Similar →
1930 The Doorway to Hell Captain of Academy Average Similar →
1930 Sweethearts on Parade Hendricks Flop Similar →
1930 Lawful Larceny Andrew Dorsey Average Similar →
1930 Sweet Mama Joe Palmer Flop Similar →
1930 Wild Company Joe Hardy Flop Similar →
1930 Children of Pleasure Rod Peck Flop Similar →
1930 A Notorious Affair Dr. Alan Pomeroy Flop Similar →
1930 He Trumped Her Ace George Wilson Flop Similar →
1929 The Girl from Havana William Dane Flop Similar →
1929 Say It with Songs Arthur Phillips Flop Similar →
1929 The Veiled Woman Dr. Donald Ross Flop Similar →
1929 The Broadway Melody Jock Warriner (uncredited) Flop Similar →
1929 The Bellamy Trial Stephen Bellamy Flop Similar →
1928 The Secret Hour Joe Flop Similar →
1927 Almost Human John Livingston Super Hit Similar →
1927 The King of Kings Lazarus Average Similar →
1927 White Gold Alec Carson Average Similar →
1927 Man Bait Gerald Sanford Flop Similar →
1926 Risky Business Ted Pyncheon Hit Similar →

Kenneth Thomson - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Kenneth Thomson?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Kenneth Thomson is "Fast Life" with a rating of 8.3/10.

How many movies has Kenneth Thomson acted in?

Kenneth Thomson has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Kenneth Thomson?

Other notable films include "Almost Human", "Behold My Wife!", and "Rivals of the Dragon".