
Kenneth Thomson
ActingAbout 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.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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".




