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John Douglas Thompson

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BIO

Broadway: A Time to Kill, Cyrano de Bergerac, Julius Caesar.


Off-Broadway: Othello, Tamburlaine, The Father/A Doll's House (TFANA), Troilus and Cressida (The Public), The Iceman Cometh (BAM), Satchmo at the Waldorf (Westside Theatre), The Emperor Jones (Irish Rep), Joe Turner's Come and Gone (Mark Taper).
Film/TV: "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," Wolves, The Bourne Legacy, Glass Chin, Michael Clayton, "Bull," "Person of Interest," "Madam Secretary," "Law & Order."
Awards: Obie, Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, Outer Critics, Ovation, AUDELCO, Samuel H. Scripps, NAACP and Robert Brustein awards.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
The Public Theater Shakespeare in the Park Production, 2023
Claudius


[Off-Broadway]
Irish Repertory Company Off-Broadway Production , 2023
Hamm


[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2019
Earl of Kent


[Broadway]
2018 Broadway Revival, 2018
Starkeeper


[Off-Broadway]
Shakespeare in the Park Revival, 2017
Caius Cassius


[Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Original Broadway Production, 2017
Becker


[Off-Broadway]
Shakespeare in the Park Production, 2016
Agamemnon


[Off-Broadway]
Women's Project Theater Original Off-Broadway Production, 2015
Robert [Replacement]

[Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
2014
Louis Armstrong


[Broadway]
Broadway Premiere, 2013
Carl Lee Hailey


[Off-Broadway]
Public Theater Production, 2011
Kent


[Off-Broadway]
Theatre For A New Audience Production, 2011
Macbeth


[Off-Broadway]
2009
Othello


[Off-Broadway]
2008
Enobarbus


[Off-Broadway]
2008
Orombo


[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2007
Le Bret


[Off-Broadway]
2006
Edgar


[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2005
Flavius

Ensemble


Flavius

[Off-Broadway]
2004
Judge Brack


[Off-Broadway]
1996
Performer


Movies

Michael Clayton
[ 2007 ] Jail Guard
The Bourne Legacy
[ 2012 ] Lt. General Paulsen
Glass Chin
[ 2014 ] Lou Gibson
A Most Violent Year
[ 2014 ] Male Radio Reporter
Wolves
[ 2016 ] Socrates
21 Bridges
[ 2019 ] Reverend
Let Them All Talk
[ 2020 ] Dr. Mitchell
The 355
[ 2022 ] Larry Marks
Till
[ 2022 ] Moses Wright

TV Shows

For Life
Spencer Richardson
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Mel Cantor, E. R. Doctor

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play

John Douglas Thompson, Endgame

Drama League Awards - 2023 - Distinguished Performance Award

John Douglas Thompson, Endgame

The Lortels - 2023 - Outstanding Lead Performer in a Play

John Douglas Thompson, Endgame

Drama Desk Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

John Douglas ThompsonThe Merchant of Venice

Drama League Awards - 2018 - Distinguished Performance Award

John Douglas Thompson, Julius Caesar

Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

John Douglas Thompson, Jitney

Drama League Awards - 2017 - Distinguished Performance Award

John Douglas Thompson, Jitney

Tony Awards - 2017 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play

John Douglas Thompson, August Wilson's Jitney


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2015 - Special Award

John Douglas Thompson

Drama League Awards - 2015 - Distinguished Performance Award

John Douglas Thompson, Tamburlaine, Parts I and II


winner
Obie Awards - 2015 - Performance

John Douglas Thompson, Tamburlaine, The Iceman Cometh


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Solo Performance

John Douglas Thompson, Satchmo at the Waldorf

Drama League Awards - 2014 - Distinguished Performance Award

John Douglas Thompson, Satchmo at the Waldorf


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Solo Performance

John Douglas Thompson, Satchmo at the Waldorf

Drama Desk Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

John Douglas ThompsonThe Emperor Jones

The Lortels - 2010 - Outstanding Lead Actor

John Douglas ThompsonThe Emperor Jones


winner
Obie Awards - 2009 - Performance

John Douglas Thompson, Othello


winner
The Lortels - 2009 - Outstanding Lead Actor

John Douglas Thompson, Othello

Videos

News


Video: Watch THE GILDED AGE Season 3 Mid-Season Trailer
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 14, 2025

Last night's episode of The Gilded Age marked the halfway point for Season 3 of the series, and now, HBO Max has shared a brand-new teaser trailer, previewing what's to come in the final four episodes of the season. Check it out now!
Video: THE GILDED AGE Sneak Peek Teases Andrea Martin's Character
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 7, 2025

A new sneak peek has been released for Season 3 of The Gilded Age, previewing the upcoming fourth episode, along with Andrea Martin's introduction to the series. Watch it now!
Every Broadway Actor in Season 3 of THE GILDED AGE
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 30, 2025

The Gilded Age is back for Season 3, and with it, a new and returning crop of Broadway talent. The New York-based costume drama is known for its vast array of theater actors, utilizing a total of 163 across its three seasons. Take a look here to see which of your favorite stars appear in the new season!
THE GILDED AGE Season 3 Premiere Breaks Series Record with 2.7 Million Viewers
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 25, 2025

Season three of The Gilded Age, which premiered this past Sunday, saw a rise in viewership from the premieres of the first two seasons. Within its first three days, the premiere episode brought in 2.7 million viewers across platforms, up 27% from season two's 2.1 million and 30% from season one's 2 million.
Video: THE GILDED AGE Season 3 Trailer Teases Upcoming Twists
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 23, 2025

The Gilded Age is back! Season 3 of the starry series premiered last night, and Max has just released a new trailer, teasing what is to come in the coming weeks. Check it out now.
Video: THE GILDED AGE Stars Morgan Spector and Carrie Coon Discuss Theater's Impact on the Series
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 17, 2025

With the debut of Season 3 of The Gilded Age just around the corner, stars Morgan Spector and Carrie Coon sat down with ABC News’ Linsey Davis to tease what fans can expect from the latest season.
HAMLET Podcast Audioplay All Episodes Now Available For Free
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 11, 2025

Make-Believe Association's HAMLET, a new 6-episode audio adaptation of the classic play by William Shakespeare. Adapted and directed by Jeremy McCarter with binaural sound design by Tony Award-winning Mikhail Fiksel.
Photos: HAMLET Audio Play Premieres At Tribeca Film Festival
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 10, 2025

Last week, HAMLET, a new 6-episode audio adaptation of the classic play by William Shakespeare, celebrated its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival. At this special one-night-only event, hosted by The Public Theater, the audience wore headphones to listen to the riveting first 30 minutes of the project. Check out photos from the premiere.
Video: Audra McDonald, Kelli O'Hara, & More Star in THE GILDED AGE Season 3 Trailer
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 3, 2025

HBO has released the official trailer for the Emmy-nominated HBO Original drama series, The Gilded Age, starring Broadway alums Audra McDonald, Kelli O'Hara, Donna Murphy, and more. Watch it now!
Rob McClure, John Douglas Thompson and More to Star in SPARE PARTS Industry Reading
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 12, 2025

Spare Parts, a new play by David Glass will receive an industry presentation. Directed by Michael Herwitz, the reading features Tony Nominees John Douglas Thompson (Jitney, End Game) and Rob McClure.
Video: Watch THE GILDED AGE Season 3 Teaser Feat. Audra McDonald, Kelli O'Hara, & More
by Josh Sharpe - May 1, 2025

HBO has released the first official teaser trailer for the third season of The Gilded Age, also revealing that the new season of the hit series will premiere Sunday, June 22 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. Watch it here!
Theatre for a New Audience Appoints Arin Arbus as Artistic Director
by Stephi Wild - Apr 30, 2025

Theatre for a New Audience has announced that OBIE Award-winning director Arin Arbus will be its next Artistic Director when Founding Artistic Director Jeffrey Horowitz steps down on August 31, 2025.
John Douglas Thompson and More to be Honored at Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 28, 2025

John Douglas Thompson will be presented with the Matador Award for Extraordinary Achievement and more when Red Bull Theater presents the annual Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit. Learn more and see how to attend.
HAMLET New Audio Drama Starring Daniel Kyri to be Released by Make-Believe Association
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 24, 2025

Make-Believe Association will present HAMLET, a new 6-episode audio adaptation of the classic play by William Shakespeare. Learn more and see how to listen!
THE GILDED AGE to Return in June; See New First-Look Photos Feat. Audra McDonald, Carrie Coon, & More
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 16, 2025

The Gilded Age will return for its eight-episode third season this June on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. Take a look at first-look photos of the new season, featuring Broadway alums Audra McDonald, Phylicia Rashad, and more.
John Douglas Thompson and Rocco Sisto Will Lead Red Bull Theater's OEDIPUS
by Stephi Wild - Apr 2, 2025

Red Bull Theater has announced the cast for the next offering of Revelation Readings season: Sophocles’s OEDIPUS, translated by Timberlake Wertenbaker and adapted and directed by Carey Perloff.
Shakespeare & Company to Honor Annette Miller And John Douglas Thompson
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 31, 2025

Shakespeare & Company will present its Gala 2025, which will honor award-winning actors Annette Miller and John Douglas Thompson. Learn more about the honorees and see how to attend the gala.
Shakespeare & Company's 2025 Women Of Will Directing Fellowship Accepting Applications
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 31, 2025

Shakespeare & Company of Lenox, Mass., is presenting the return of the Tina Packer Women of Will Directing Fellowship. Learn how to apply.
Shakespeare & Company's 2025 Women Of Will Directing Fellowship Accepting Applications
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 31, 2025

Shakespeare & Company of Lenox, Mass., has announced the return of the Tina Packer Women of Will Directing Fellowship, launched in 2024 to further the development of early-career directors who identify as women and have a passion for Shakespeare.
Review: THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, The Royal Lyceum Edinburgh
by Mary Baillie - Jan 27, 2025

Arin Arbus's bold reimagining of The Merchant of Venice trades Venetian canals for tech bro skyscrapers in a near-future America dominated by corporate giants. Presented by New York-based TFANA (Theatre For A New Audience), the production’s corrosive bigotry and blinding vengeance feel eerily familiar - in a world shaped by Silicon Valley billionaires, power and prejudice still reign supreme. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has John Douglas Thompson been in?

John Douglas Thompson has appeared on Broadway in 6 shows.

How many West End shows has John Douglas Thompson been in?

John Douglas Thompson has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has John Douglas Thompson been nominated for?

Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Endgame, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Endgame, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Play (The Lortels) for Endgame, Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Merchant of Venice, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Julius Caesar, Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Jitney, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Jitney, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for August Wilson's Jitney, Special Award (Drama Desk Awards), Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Tamburlaine, Parts I and II, Performance (Obie Awards) for Tamburlaine, The Iceman Cometh , Outstanding Solo Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Satchmo at the Waldorf, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Satchmo at the Waldorf, Outstanding Solo Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Satchmo at the Waldorf, Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Emperor Jones, Outstanding Lead Actor (The Lortels) for The Emperor Jones, Performance (Obie Awards) for Othello and Outstanding Lead Actor (The Lortels) for Othello.

What awards has John Douglas Thompson won?

John Douglas Thompson has received several prestigious awards, including a Special Award from the Drama Desk Awards. He won Performance awards from the Obie Awards for his roles in Tamburlaine and The Iceman Cometh, as well as for Othello. Thompson also earned Outstanding Solo Performance honors from the Drama Desk Awards and the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Satchmo at the Waldorf. Additionally, he was recognized as Outstanding Lead Actor by The Lortels for his performance in Othello.

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Videos