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'''Robert Thompson''' (sometimes credited as '''Bob Thompson''') (October 9, 1933 – June 13, 1984) was a dancer and choreographer known for his work in both stage and film productions, particularly in ballet. A member of ] troupe, ''"Ballets USA"'', he is also known for his association with ], in which he performed in the 1961 film adaptation and later revivals, as well as his later contributions as choreographer to high profile productions, such as the film ]. '''Robert Lee Thompson''' (sometimes credited as '''Bob Thompson'''; October 9, 1933 – June 13, 1984) was an American dancer and choreographer known for his work in both stage and film productions, particularly in ballet. A member of ] troupe, ''"Ballets USA"'', he is known for his association with '']'', in which he performed in the ] and stage revivals, as well as his later contributions as choreographer to projects such as the film '']''.


==Early life== ==Early life==
Robert Lee Thompson was born on 9 October 1933,<ref name="Death LA">California, U.S., Death Index, 1940-1997, Los Angeles; 13 Jun 1984; Social Security: 456469098</ref> in ], ]<ref name="1940C">1940 United States Federal Census. Harris, Texas</ref> the oldest of three sons to Robert Lee Thompson Snr<ref name="1940C"/> and Thelma Marie (née Devillier<ref name="DaughertyM">''Robert Thompson, Miss Daugherty wed in Texas'', Daily World, Opelousas, Louisiana, p26, Sunday, July 26, 1953</ref>). His mother was from a long-established ] family. His father, Robert, had worked in the Research and Development department for ].<ref>Robert L Thompson Obituary, Daily World Jan 18, 1991 ·Page 16, Opelousas, Louisiana</ref>. Robert Lee Thompson Snr had taken his mother's maiden name. He was the son of Charles Emery, a Lumber Inspector from Missouri<ref>Year: 1930; Census Place: Houston, Harris, Texas; Page: 14A; Enumeration District: 0054; FHL microfilm: 2342079</ref> and Lennie Shields Thompson, the daughter of a Tennessee-born farmer, Robert Lee Thompson<ref>1910 United States Federal Census, Louisiana, Saint Landry</ref>. Thompson was born on October 9, 1933,<ref name="Death LA">California, U.S., Death Index, 1940-1997, Los Angeles; 13 June 1984; Social Security: 456469098</ref> in ], Louisiana<ref name="1940C">1940 United States Federal Census. Harris, Texas</ref> the oldest of three sons of Robert Lee Thompson, Sr.<ref name="1940C"/> and Thelma Marie {{née}} Devillier.<ref name="DaughertyM">''Robert Thompson, Miss Daugherty wed in Texas'', ''Daily World'', Opelousas, Louisiana, p. 26, July 26, 1953</ref> His mother was from a long-established ] family. His father had worked in the Research and Development department for ].<ref>Robert L Thompson Obituary, ''Daily World'', January 18, 1991, p. 16, Opelousas, Louisiana</ref>


Thompson's family moved to ], ] when he was a teenager. It was there that at age sixteen he was enrolled in dance classes with Jean Blinka and Vivian Guiles by his mother<ref name="Baytonian">Wanda Orton, ''Baytonian is Choreographer, Dancer for Movies, Television'', The Baytown, Jan 09, 1970, Page 9</ref>. Whilst still at High School he was employed at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio and was featured in a floor show at the Shamrock Hotel. He soon began to take advanced classes in ] and after graduating from ], he received a scholarship from the ]<ref name="Visit"/> and danced several shows in Houston, his first being opposite Caroline Richter in ''The Golden Apple'' at Theatre Inc, Houston.<ref name="Baytonian"/>. He received extensive training in classical ballet and tap dancing<ref name="Visit"/> and operated a dance studio in Baytown. In the late 1950s he moved to California where his career would take off. Thompson's family moved to ], Texas, when he was a teenager. At age sixteen, he enrolled in dance classes.<ref name="Baytonian">Wanda Orton, ''Baytonian Is Choreographer, Dancer for Movies, Television'', ''The Baytown'', January 9, 1970, p. 9</ref> While still at high school, he was employed at the ] and was featured in a floor show at the Shamrock Hotel. He soon began to take advanced ballet and tap classes in ], Texas, and after graduating from ], he received a scholarship from the ]<ref name="Visit"/> and danced several shows in Houston, his first being in ''The Golden Apple'' at Theatre Inc. in Houston.<ref name="Baytonian"/>


==Career== ==Career==
After three months in California, Thompson landed a position in the ] Act<ref name="Daily World"/> with whom he danced on the nightclub circuit in ].<ref name="Baytonian"/> He then did freelance dancing with ] and then more engagements in Las Vegas and Miami with ].<ref name="Daily World"/> In the mid-1950s, Thompson moved to California and appeared in ]'s act,<ref name="Daily World"/> dancing with her on the nightclub circuit in ], Nevada.<ref name="Baytonian"/> He then did freelance dancing with ] and in engagements in Las Vegas and Miami, Florida, with ].<ref name="Daily World"/> He appeared in a Los Angeles production of '']'' with ] and made his first appeared on television when the show was filmed as a TV as a special in 1957.<ref name="Baytonian"/>


⚫ In 1960 Thompson performed in the film '']''. In the 1961 film '']'', he played Luis, one of the Sharks.<ref name="Baytonian"/> He then joined ]’ Ballets U.S.A., with whom he performed in The Concert, New York Export: Opus Jazz, and Moves, and starred in '']''.<ref>Siegel, M. B. (1985), ''The Shapes of Change: Images of American Dance'', United Kingdom: University of California Press. ISBN 9780520042032, 0520042034)</ref> From 1963, he toured Europe for two years with Robbins' group, performing in ''Anonymous Figure with Music'' by ] in the ] at the Teatrino delle Sette in ], Italy.<ref>Jowitt, D. (2004). ''Jerome Robbins: His Life, His Theater, His Dance'', p351, United Kingdom: Simon & Schuster, ISBN 9780684869858, 0684869853</ref>
Having been in the Los Angeles stage show version of ] with ] he landed his first television role when the show was transferred intact to TV as a special in 1957.<ref name="Baytonian"/> He went on to perform on numerous TV programs with numerous stars including ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref name="Baytonian"/>


⚫ Thompson next appeared in dance roles in movies such as '']'' and '']'' in 1967,<ref name="Visit"/> a series of films starring ]: '']'' in 1968, '']'' (1969) and '']'' (1972).<ref name="Visit"/><ref name="Daily World"/><ref name="Baytonian"/> Meanwhile, he appeared in more shows with ] and ],{{which|date=January 2025}} and began to work as a choreographer, starting as assistant choreographer, including a show with ] in ], and two years at the ] from 1969 to 1970.<ref name="Daily World"/>
⚫ In 1960 he performed in the film ] with ] and Frank Sinatra. He then landed a role in the multi-Academy Award winning film production of West Side Story in 1961, playing a featured role as Luis, one of the Sharks.<ref name="Baytonian"/> Following his role in West Side Story (1961), Thompson joined Jerome Robbins’ Ballets U.S.A.. With the company, he performed in The Concert, New York Export: Opus Jazz, and Moves, and starred in Interplay with Chris Mayer and Susan Bourree.<ref>Siegel, M. B. (1985), ''The Shapes of Change: Images of American Dance'', United Kingdom: University of California Press. ISBN:9780520042032, 0520042034)</ref> From 1963, he toured Europe for two years with Robbins’ group, performing Anonymous Figure with music by ] in the ] at the Teatrino delle Sette in ].<ref>Jowitt, D. (2004). ''Jerome Robbins: His Life, His Theater, His Dance'', p351, United Kingdom: Simon & Schuster, ISBN:9780684869858, 0684869853</ref>

⚫ On returning from the tour, Thompson found himself in demand and landed dancing roles in numerous movies including '']'' and '']'' in 1967<ref name="Visit"/> and a series of films with ] started with '']'' in 1968 and went on to include '']'' and '']''<ref name="Visit"/><ref name="Daily World"/>. He enjoyed working with Streisand, stating in an interview that she was great and loved by the cast.<ref name="Baytonian"/>

Having done more shows with ] and ], Thompson began to turn his attention towards choreography. He secured numerous jobs as assistant choreographer, including one with ] in ], and two years at the ] from 1969 to 1970.<ref name="Daily World"/>

⚫ By 1974, he had moved to ] and was in a business partnership specialising in Victorian Home Decoration and landscaping in the San Francisco area. However, he also continued to occasionally choreograph when a project that took his interest was offered to him. He continued to choreograph into the early 1980s, including the film ] as well as popular TV shows such as '']'' and '']''.


⚫ By 1974, he had moved to ] where he was a partner in a Victorian Home Decoration and landscaping business. However, he also continued to occasionally choreograph into the early 1980s, including for the film '']'' and TV shows such as '']'' and '']''.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}}


==Personal life== ==Personal life==
Thompson married Joan Patricia Daugherty in July 1953<ref name="DaughertyM"/>. In November of that year, their daughter Kristy Lin was born<ref name="Texas Births">Texas, U.S., Birth Index, 1903-1997</ref> and in February 1955 they had a second child, a son Chadley Blake<ref name="Texas Births"/> (known as Chad).<ref name="Baytonian"/> In 1969, Thompson became interested in photography, creating a record of the lavish and colourful costumes on the set of Hello Dolly.<ref name="Baytonian"/> Thompson married Joan Patricia Daugherty in July 1953.<ref name="DaughertyM"/> In November of that year, their daughter Kristy Lin was born,<ref name="Texas Births">Texas, U.S., Birth Index, 1903-1997</ref> and in February 1955 they had a son, Chadley Blake<ref name="Texas Births"/> (known as Chad).<ref name="Baytonian"/> In 1969, Thompson became interested in photography, creating a record of the lavish and colorful costumes on the set of ''Hello Dolly''.<ref name="Baytonian"/>


Robert Thompson passed away on June 13, 1984, in Los Angeles, California.<ref name="Death LA"/> Thompson died on June 13, 1984, in Los Angeles.<ref name="Death LA"/>


==Productions== ==Productions==
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*'']'', revival with ]<ref name="Visit"/> *'']'', revival with ]<ref name="Visit"/>


===Dance focussed productions=== ===Dance===
*''"Ballets USA"'', 1958, Thompson was part of the ensemble as a dancer. The show featured a collection of ballet pieces choreographed by Jerome Robbins including: *''"Ballets USA"'', 1958, Thompson was part of the ensemble as a dancer. The show featured a collection of ballet pieces choreographed by Jerome Robbins including:
**'']'' **'']''
Line 57: Line 50:
*'']'' (1960 film)<ref name="Daily World"/> *'']'' (1960 film)<ref name="Daily World"/>
*'']'' (1961 film) - Luis, member of the Sharks *'']'' (1961 film) - Luis, member of the Sharks
*'']'' (1965) – Dancer (uncredited) *'']'' (1965) – Dancer (uncredited)
*'']'' (1967)<ref name="Visit"/> *'']'' (1967)<ref name="Visit"/>
*'']'' (1967)<ref name="Visit"/> *'']'' (1967)<ref name="Visit"/>
*'']'' (1967) – Dancer, Barfly (uncredited) *'']'' (1967) – Dancer, Barfly (uncredited)
*'']'' (1968)<ref name="Visit"/> *'']'' (1968)<ref name="Visit"/>
*'']'' (1969) *'']'' (1969)
*'']'' (1969)<ref name="Visit">''Show Business Dancer from Opelousas Visits'', Daily World *'']'' (1969)<ref name="Visit">''Show Business Dancer from Opelousas Visits'', Daily World
Opelousas, Louisiana, p10, September 24, 1968</ref> Opelousas, Louisiana, p10, September 24, 1968</ref>
*'']'' (1972)<ref name="Daily World">''Native Dancer Recounts Years as a Professional'', Daily World, Opelousas, Louisiana. p8, January 01, 1974</ref> *'']'' (1972)<ref name="Daily World">''Native Dancer Recounts Years as a Professional'', Daily World, Opelousas, Louisiana. p8, January 01, 1974</ref>


===Television=== ===Television===
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===Choreography=== ===Choreography===
As a choreographer, Thompson was predominantly credited as Bob Thompson Usually credited as Bob Thompson


====Film==== ====Film====
*'']'' (TV Movie, 1972) – Assistant Choreographer *'']'' (TV Movie, 1972) – Assistant Choreographer
*'']'' (1980) – Assistant Choreographer *'']'' (1980) – Assistant Choreographer
*'']'' (1982) – Choreographer *'']'' (1982) – Choreographer
Line 99: Line 92:
==References== ==References==
{{reflist}} {{reflist}}



{{DEFAULTSORT:Thompson, Robert}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Thompson, Robert}}

Latest revision as of 18:58, 3 January 2025

Robert Thompson
BornRobert Lee Thompson
( 1933 -10-09)October 9, 1933
Louisiana, United States
DiedJune 13, 1984(1984-06-13) (aged 50)
California, United States
Known forDance and choreography
MovementBallet/Modern/contemporary dance

Robert Lee Thompson (sometimes credited as Bob Thompson; October 9, 1933 – June 13, 1984) was an American dancer and choreographer known for his work in both stage and film productions, particularly in ballet. A member of Jerome Robbins troupe, "Ballets USA", he is known for his association with West Side Story, in which he performed in the 1961 film adaptation and stage revivals, as well as his later contributions as choreographer to projects such as the film Xanadu.

Early life

Thompson was born on October 9, 1933, in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana the oldest of three sons of Robert Lee Thompson, Sr. and Thelma Marie née Devillier. His mother was from a long-established French Louisiana family. His father had worked in the Research and Development department for Exxon.

Thompson's family moved to Baytown, Texas, when he was a teenager. At age sixteen, he enrolled in dance classes. While still at high school, he was employed at the Fred Astaire Dance Studios and was featured in a floor show at the Shamrock Hotel. He soon began to take advanced ballet and tap classes in Houston, Texas, and after graduating from Robert E. Lee High School, he received a scholarship from the Houston Youth Ballet Foundation and danced several shows in Houston, his first being in The Golden Apple at Theatre Inc. in Houston.

Career

In the mid-1950s, Thompson moved to California and appeared in Rhonda Fleming's act, dancing with her on the nightclub circuit in Las Vegas, Nevada. He then did freelance dancing with Cyd Charisse and in engagements in Las Vegas and Miami, Florida, with Ann-Margret. He appeared in a Los Angeles production of Annie Get Your Gun with Mary Martin and made his first appeared on television when the show was filmed as a TV as a special in 1957.

In 1960 Thompson performed in the film Can Can. In the 1961 film West Side Story, he played Luis, one of the Sharks. He then joined Jerome Robbins’ Ballets U.S.A., with whom he performed in The Concert, New York Export: Opus Jazz, and Moves, and starred in Interplay. From 1963, he toured Europe for two years with Robbins' group, performing in Anonymous Figure with Music by Teiji Ito in the Festival dei Due Mondi at the Teatrino delle Sette in Spoleto, Italy.

Thompson next appeared in dance roles in movies such as Thoroughly Modern Millie and Doctor Dolittle in 1967, a series of films starring Barbara Streisand: Funny Girl in 1968, Hello, Dolly! (1969) and Up the Sandbox (1972). Meanwhile, he appeared in more shows with Danny Kaye and Dean Martin, and began to work as a choreographer, starting as assistant choreographer, including a show with Mama Cass in Las Vegas, and two years at the Hollywood Palace from 1969 to 1970.

By 1974, he had moved to San Francisco where he was a partner in a Victorian Home Decoration and landscaping business. However, he also continued to occasionally choreograph into the early 1980s, including for the film Xanadu and TV shows such as Happy Days and Hart to Hart.

Personal life

Thompson married Joan Patricia Daugherty in July 1953. In November of that year, their daughter Kristy Lin was born, and in February 1955 they had a son, Chadley Blake (known as Chad). In 1969, Thompson became interested in photography, creating a record of the lavish and colorful costumes on the set of Hello Dolly.

Thompson died on June 13, 1984, in Los Angeles.

Productions

Theatre

Dance

  • "Ballets USA", 1958, Thompson was part of the ensemble as a dancer. The show featured a collection of ballet pieces choreographed by Jerome Robbins including:

Film

Television

Choreography

Usually credited as Bob Thompson

Film

Television

References

  1. ^ California, U.S., Death Index, 1940-1997, Los Angeles; 13 June 1984; Social Security: 456469098
  2. ^ 1940 United States Federal Census. Harris, Texas
  3. ^ Robert Thompson, Miss Daugherty wed in Texas, Daily World, Opelousas, Louisiana, p. 26, July 26, 1953
  4. Robert L Thompson Obituary, Daily World, January 18, 1991, p. 16, Opelousas, Louisiana
  5. ^ Wanda Orton, Baytonian Is Choreographer, Dancer for Movies, Television, The Baytown, January 9, 1970, p. 9
  6. ^ Show Business Dancer from Opelousas Visits, Daily World Opelousas, Louisiana, p10, September 24, 1968
  7. ^ Native Dancer Recounts Years as a Professional, Daily World, Opelousas, Louisiana. p8, January 01, 1974
  8. Siegel, M. B. (1985), The Shapes of Change: Images of American Dance, United Kingdom: University of California Press. ISBN 9780520042032, 0520042034)
  9. Jowitt, D. (2004). Jerome Robbins: His Life, His Theater, His Dance, p351, United Kingdom: Simon & Schuster, ISBN 9780684869858, 0684869853
  10. ^ Texas, U.S., Birth Index, 1903-1997
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