20 Facts About Brian Thompson

Brian Earl Thompson was born on August 28,1959 and is an American actor.

Brian Thompson's career began with a small role in the 1984 film The Terminator.

Brian Thompson played the villainous "Night Slasher" in the 1986 film Cobra.

Brian Thompson was born in Ellensburg, Washington, and raised in Longview.

Brian Thompson attended Central Washington University, where he studied business management, played football, and appeared in many school productions.

Brian Thompson then moved to California and earned a Master of Fine Arts from the University of California, Irvine.

Brian Thompson initially trained and pursued a career in musical theater, performing at Riverside Civil Light Opera's production of "The King and I", Long Beach Civic Light Opera's "Bittersweet", and several other musicals.

Brian Thompson's athletic build and unique facial structure were key in the initial roles he was offered.

Brian Thompson has stated that it has occasionally been a double-edged sword when it comes to auditioning for roles, but it has provided him with consistent work.

Brian Thompson was cast in The Terminator while still in school.

Brian Thompson followed that up with roles on Moonlighting, Otherworld, Street Hawk and Knight Rider before landing the role in the Sylvester Stallone vehicle, Cobra.

In 1993, Brian Thompson landed another comedic role on the large ensemble series Key West which was filmed on location in the Florida Keys.

Brian Thompson played a "new-age sheriff", which Thompson stated was the favorite role of his career.

Between these, Brian Thompson made dozens of appearances in other series and films.

Brian Thompson then returned to the big screen as lead antagonist Shao Kahn in the film adaptation of Mortal Kombat: Annihilation.

In 1989, Brian Thompson landed his first Star Trek role on Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Brian Thompson's size worked against him at first, because the producers were originally looking to cast someone who could fit in a certain costume.

In 2005, Brian Thompson was cast as Admiral Valdore in three episodes of Star Trek: Enterprise.

Brian Thompson has since participated in Star Trek fandom, giving narrative DVD extras and appearing at conventions.

Brian Thompson is a stand up paddle surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiast and studies hapkido.