‘Baretta’ actor Ron Thompson dies aged 83

15 April, 2024

Ron Thompson

Baretta actor Ron Thompson has died at the age of 83.

The actor famously played the role of Detective Nopke in the 1970s series, and was also known for playing the roles of Tony and Pete Belinsky in the 1981 Ralph Bakshi film American Pop.

The news of Thompson’s passing was announced by his friend Professor Rel Dowdell of Hampton University, with confirmation that he died on Saturday (April 13) in Los Angeles – though no cause of death was revealed.

“Mr. Ron Thompson was a very versatile and talented character actor in all genres as well as a true and diligent student of the comprehensive craft of acting and all of its nuances,” Dowell said (via Deadline).

“He was a very congenial man with a warm and giving spirit, and was well-respected by many luminaries in the film and television industries.”

Since his death was announced, past collaborator Bakshi shared a tribute on social media, writing: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ron Thompson. Ron’s stellar performances as both ‘Tony’ and ‘Pete’ were critical to the success of American Pop. Ron was a true actor and friend. He will be missed.”

As well as Baretta and American Pop, Thompson also appeared opposite Robert Duvall in Armstrong Circle Theater, and had a number of notable stage credits.

He originated the role of Shanty Mulligan in Charles Gordone play No Place to Be Somebody and also appeared in Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?, for which he won the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for Lead Performance.

Recent roles included a part in 2018 film Cargo, as well as 2021’s Natasha Hall and 2023’s Suffrage.

Alongside his work as an actor, Thompson also had a short-lived music career in the 1960s under the name Ronnie Thompson, and wrote and recorded a few singles.

His wife Diane Sommerfield, who was also an actor, passed away in 2001.

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