Many Canadians are familiar with the renowned and successful actor Gordon Thomson. He began his acting career at a young age and gained widespread recognition for his roles in the television series Dynasty and Santa Barbara. However, not many Ottawa residents realize that Gordon Thomson is one of their own. Read more on ottawaski.com.
Gordon Thomson’s Journey
Gordon Thomson was born in Canada’s capital in 1945, a challenging post-war era. Later, the Thomson family moved from Ottawa to a smaller city—Montreal. It was there that young Gordon completed his education and enrolled at McGill University. His acting career began within the university walls.
Gordon Thomson’s Roles
While still studying at McGill University, in 1971, Gordon Thomson landed his first acting role as Sir Robin the Brave on The Muppet Show. By the early 1970s, The Muppets had transitioned into a theatrical film series.
Gordon Thomson frequently participated in various theatrical productions. One of his most notable performances was in The Divine Spell. Through numerous stage appearances, Gordon explored a variety of roles, gaining invaluable acting experience.
Beyond his acting career, Gordon Thomson also pursued modeling in his youth. With his striking and distinguished looks, he capitalized on his appearance, earning additional income by featuring in various catalogues.
At 33, Gordon Thomson secured his first leading role, starring in the Canadian soap opera High Hopes as Michael Stewart Jr. This was soon followed by another role in the American soap opera Ryan’s Hope, where he played an Egyptologist in an episodic role.
Parallel to his work in television, Gordon Thomson continued performing on stage. He participated in numerous productions, earning acclaim from critics and audiences alike.
In 1982, Gordon Thomson attended another audition, successfully landing the role of Adam Carrington in Dynasty. This role brought the Ottawa-born actor his first major success. He starred in the American soap opera from 1982 until the show’s conclusion in 1989. His portrayal of Adam Carrington in Dynasty earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Following Dynasty, Gordon Thomson spent time acting in various television series. Then, in 1990, he was cast in the iconic American soap opera Santa Barbara, playing the role of Mason Capwell.
After his successful run in Santa Barbara, in 1991, Gordon was invited back for the miniseries Dynasty: The Reunion. He reprised his role as Adam Carrington but was later replaced by a British actor.
Throughout the 1990s and into the early 21st century, Gordon Thomson remained active in television, appearing in numerous series and programs.
In 2002, he had an episodic role in the tragicomedy Little Miss Sunshine. The film was widely acclaimed and even received an Academy Award nomination. Gordon Thomson continued acting throughout his life, taking on various roles in both television and film. Acting came naturally to him, and he was highly skilled at his craft. Most of his career was dedicated to television, particularly soap operas.
Among Gordon Thomson’s last notable roles was Maximilian Winterkorn in the 2015 soap opera Winterthur. In 2017, he portrayed Parker Rutledge in the romantic film The New York Times Presents: Modern Love.
Every Ottawa resident should be aware of the talented individuals the city has produced, including Gordon Thomson. Recognizing their contributions and honoring their legacy is essential.
