Rufus Thomas
ActingAbout Rufus Thomas
Rufus Thomas, Jr. (March 27, 1917 – December 15, 2001) was an American rhythm and blues, funk and soul singer and comedian from Memphis, Tennessee, who recorded on Sun Records in the 1950s and on Stax Records in the 1960s and 1970s. He was the father of soul singer Carla Thomas and keyboard player Marvell Thomas. A third child, Vaneese, a former French teacher, has a recording studio in upstate New York and sings for television commercials.
Rufus Thomas Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Rufus Thomas reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 10 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Rufus Thomas's work falls within the Music genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 40% of Rufus Thomas's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Sounds of Memphis, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Rufus Thomas Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Rufus Thomas's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Rufus Thomas has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Memphis '69 | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 2002 | Sounds of Memphis | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2002 | Only the Strong Survive | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Cookie's Fortune | Theo Johnson | Average | Similar → |
| 1996 | A Family Thing | Tommy | Average | Similar → |
| 1994 | The Soul of Stax | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 1990 | All Day and All Night: Memories from Beale Street Musicians | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 1989 | Mystery Train | Man in Station | Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | Great Balls of Fire! | Haney's Big House Dancer | Average | Similar → |
| 1973 | Wattstax | Self | Hit | Similar → |
Rufus Thomas - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Rufus Thomas?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Rufus Thomas is "Sounds of Memphis" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Rufus Thomas acted in?
Rufus Thomas has been featured in at least 10 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Rufus Thomas?
Other notable films include "Mystery Train", "Wattstax", and "Only the Strong Survive".




