Gordon Thomson has led an extraordinary life – from his early days on the Shakespearean stage to his iconic turn as the villainous Adam Carrington on the hit 80s soap opera “Dynasty.” Along the way, he’s navigated the highs and lows of the entertainment industry, weathered personal struggles, and emerged as a trailblazing figure in the LGBTQ+ community.
Born in 1945 in Ontario, Canada, Thomson’s path to fame was paved through years of rigorous training and dedication to his craft. He honed his skills on the stages of the Stratford Festival and local Toronto theaters before landing his breakout role on the children’s series “Polka Dot Door” in 1971.
Thomson’s big break came in 1981 when he was cast as the deliciously villainous Adam Carrington on the hit primetime soap opera “Dynasty.” His magnetic performance earned him critical acclaim and a legion of loyal fans, who were captivated by his character’s devious schemes and sizzling on-screen presence.
“Dynasty” catapulted Thomson into the spotlight, and he quickly became a household name. The show’s success and his role as the quintessential soap opera villain earned him numerous accolades, including Soap Opera Digest Award nominations and a Golden Globe nod.
While the success of “Dynasty” brought Thomson widespread recognition and adoration, it also came with its fair share of challenges. The actor has been candid about the difficulties of maintaining his good looks and dealing with the public’s perception of him as a “sex symbol.”
In the years following “Dynasty,” Thomson continued to work in television and film, starring in projects like “Poseidon,” “Little Miss Sunshine,” and the web series “DeVanity.” But it was his decision to come out as gay in 2014 that truly cemented his legacy as a trailblazer and inspirational figure.
Thomson’s openness about his sexuality was a powerful statement, as he became one of the few openly gay actors of his generation to achieve mainstream success. His willingness to embrace his true self has inspired countless others and paved the way for greater LGBTQ+ representation in the entertainment industry.
Today, at 78 years old, Gordon Thomson looks back on his remarkable career and personal journey with a sense of gratitude and pride. He has weathered the storms of fame, faced his own health challenges, and emerged as a beacon of resilience and self-acceptance.
Thomson’s approach to aging has been equally inspiring, as he has embraced the changes that come with time and continued to pursue his passions with unwavering dedication. His story serves as a reminder that true success is not defined by accolades or physical attributes, but by the courage to be one’s authentic self.
Gordon Thomson’s life has been a tapestry of extraordinary achievements, personal challenges, and a steadfast commitment to living authentically. From his early days on the stage to his iconic turn as the villainous Adam Carrington, he has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
More importantly, Thomson’s journey of self-acceptance and his willingness to openly embrace his sexuality have made him a trailblazer and an inspiration to countless individuals. As he continues to age gracefully and reflect on his remarkable life, his story serves as a reminder that true success is not measured by fame or accolades, but by the courage to live unapologetically and with unwavering self-love.
In the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood, there are few stories as captivating as that of Gordon Thomson’s journey from model to iconic actor. As the renowned star of the hit television series “Dynasty,” Thomson captivated audiences with his striking good looks and undeniable talent. However, his path to success was not without its challenges, as he navigated the complexities of typecasting and the objectification that often comes with being a sex symbol.
Thomson candidly acknowledged the pitfalls of being typecast due to his striking appearance, revealing that such stereotyping can have far-reaching consequences. “Oh yes, without question,” he stated when asked if he had experienced this phenomenon, “and it doesn’t help.” The actor explained how this issue not only impacted the actors themselves but also extended to the entire crew, writers, and producers, ultimately contributing to the demise of many daytime dramas.
In a surprising revelation, Thomson shared the challenges he faced in navigating the industry’s objectification of his looks. He recounted how a British gay director had taken an “appalling shine” to him, and that accepting the director’s advances had become a condition of his employment. Thomson, however, refused to compromise his dignity, stating, “I wanted to keep my dignity.”
While Thomson’s physical appearance was undoubtedly a significant part of his success, the actor revealed the surprising truth about his famous “Dynasty” waistline. During his time on the show, his waist measured a perfect 32 inches, a testament to the dedication and discipline he maintained to stay in shape. This dedication, however, extended beyond the confines of the set, as Thomson had previously supplemented his income by doing catalog modeling work, where he needed to maintain a 29-inch waist.
Despite the industry’s tendency to pigeonhole him based on his looks, Thomson proved himself to be a multifaceted and talented actor. In his early career, he had the opportunity to showcase his versatility, appearing in productions such as “Godspell,” where he earned a meager $234 per week. This experience, along with his modeling work, demonstrated Thomson’s resilience and determination to succeed in the competitive world of entertainment.
Throughout his career, Thomson has exemplified the importance of maintaining one’s authenticity and dignity, even in the face of adversity. His principled stand against the director’s unwanted advances serves as a powerful reminder that true success extends far beyond physical attributes. Thomson’s story is a testament to the power of talent, resilience, and the pursuit of one’s artistic passions.
In the glittering world of Hollywood, where fame and fortune often come at a price, the story of one actor’s tumultuous relationship has captured the public’s imagination. This is the tale of Thomson, a revered thespian, and his whirlwind romance with the equally talented actress Maureen Fitzgerald. From their clandestine beginnings to the heartbreak that followed, this article delves into the captivating details that have remained hidden from the public eye – until now.
For years, the details of Thomson’s personal life were shrouded in mystery, with the actor carefully guarding his privacy. However, a recent revelation has shed light on a long-forgotten chapter of his past – his marriage to Maureen Fitzgerald. Contrary to popular belief, Thomson was not the playboy the tabloids had painted him to be. Instead, he found himself in a “legitimate” and “genuine relationship” that lasted a remarkable 15 years.
By Thomson’s own admission, his marriage to Fitzgerald was the “best relationship” he had ever experienced. The two stars, both captivating in their own right, had found a deep and abiding connection that transcended the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. They may not have officially sealed their union with a legal document, but their bond was no less profound.
Alas, as with many fairy tales, the couple’s love story did not have a happy ending. After 15 years of shared experiences, Thomson and Fitzgerald parted ways, divorcing in 1982. Yet, even in the aftermath of their separation, Thomson remained steadfast in his support for his former wife, providing for her “very handsomely” in the years that followed.
But Thomson’s story does not end there. During the later years of his career, the actor found himself once again thrust into the spotlight – this time, for his alleged involvement with another high-profile actress, Joan Collins. Thomson’s recollection of Collins’ advances towards him, and his decision to laugh them off, sheds light on the complexities of fame and the challenges of navigating romantic entanglements in the public eye.
Yet, perhaps the most poignant aspect of Thomson’s journey is his decision to eventually come out, despite the risks it posed to his career. In a time when the specter of AIDS loomed large, Thomson’s courage to embrace his true self serves as a testament to the power of authenticity and the evolution of societal attitudes.
In a world where authenticity and self-acceptance are cherished values, the story of Gordon Thomson’s journey to publicly embrace his sexuality has captured the hearts and minds of fans across the globe. As the beloved star of the iconic 80s soap opera “Dynasty,” Thomson’s decision to come out as gay in the later stages of his career was a powerful statement that reverberated through the entertainment industry.
When the news broke that Gordon Thomson had come out as gay, the reaction from his fans was one of overwhelming support and understanding. Many expressed their admiration for his courage, with one fan commenting, “Better late than never.” Others noted that they had long suspected his sexual orientation, with one netizen remarking, “We all knew that he was gay.”
The online response to Thomson’s announcement was filled with heartfelt messages of encouragement and acceptance. In one Attitude Magazine post, a reader wrote, “Bravo, Gordon. I hope you feel free.” Another commenter on a different article expressed, “This is such a positive step forward. I’m proud of him for being true to himself.”
The decision to come out as gay marked a significant turning point in Thomson’s personal life. After the conclusion of “Dynasty,” the actor began to embrace a more active social life, eventually connecting with his long-term partner. This newfound sense of community and belonging seemed to have a profound impact on Thomson’s well-being.
Despite his newfound social life, Thomson’s journey to finding true love has not been without its challenges. In a candid interview, the actor revealed that he has struggled with issues of self-esteem, which have made him “put up with the wrong things because he didn’t believe he was worth it.” However, a chance encounter with an attractive stranger at a birthday party seemed to offer a glimmer of hope, with the stranger’s compliment leaving a lasting impression on Thomson.
While Thomson has embraced his sexuality and found companionship, he has also developed a preference for a more reclusive lifestyle. The actor has expressed a desire to be alone, stating that he enjoys his own company and has no plans to get another pet after the passing of his previous dog. This introspective outlook on life has perhaps been a coping mechanism for the actor, allowing him to find solace in his own company.
As the world eagerly awaits the reboot of “Dynasty,” Thomson’s perspective on the show’s enduring legacy has become a topic of great interest. In his recent interview with Brownstone, the actor touched on his feelings about the show’s revival, offering a unique and insightful take on the cultural impact of the iconic series.
Gordon Thomson’s journey of self-discovery and public embrace of his sexuality has been a testament to the power of authenticity and the importance of creating a supportive environment for individuals to be true to themselves. As fans continue to celebrate his bravery and support his newfound sense of freedom, Thomson’s story serves as a poignant reminder that it is never too late to live authentically and find the love and acceptance we all deserve.
In the world of iconic TV shows, few can rival the lasting impact of “Dynasty.” The prime-time soap opera captivated audiences in the 1980s, and its influence is still felt today. So, when the decision was made to reboot the series in 2017, fans were understandably excited. However, not everyone was thrilled with the new version – and one of the show’s original stars, Gordon Thomson, made his feelings known loud and clear.
When asked about his thoughts on the reboot, Thomson didn’t mince words. He described it as “crap,” admitting that he hadn’t even seen much of it but felt he had seen enough to form a strong opinion. The New York Times quoted the actor calling the reboot “an abomination,” and Thomson didn’t hold back in his criticism.
“I don’t know what they were thinking when they did that reboot. I think Aaron Spelling would be rolling in his grave.”
Thomson felt that the new “Dynasty” failed to meet the production standards of the original, and he was particularly unimpressed with the writing, casting, and acting. The only exception, in his opinion, was a single performance.
The actor believes that each generation deserves its own version of “Dynasty,” but he insists that the standards must be met. When he met his former co-star, Linda Gray, at a web soap opera screening, he told her that the original “Dynasty” had the best photographer and director – and Gray agreed.
Thomson feels that the “Dynasty” team had the best scripts, something that the “Dallas” crew was jealous of. He believes this is what helped the original show last three or four years longer than “Dynasty.”
“The writing in the reboot was execrable, and everyone was too young. In the past, we had the best scripts, and that’s what helped us last.”
In addition to his scathing review of the “Dynasty” reboot, Thomson has also been open about his experiences with aging and his diabetes diagnosis.
The actor wasn’t aware of his own fame until a trip to Norway in 1984, where he was greeted by 10,000 screaming fans. This was his first introduction to the power of Spelling’s show, and it’s a feeling he’s never quite been able to replicate.
Despite his success, Thomson isn’t a fan of aging. He’s often bothered by fans asking him to autograph pictures of himself from his “Dynasty” days, as he wants to be seen as he is now, not how he was then. The actor feels “haunted” by his old looks and has difficulty making peace with the changes that come with time.
“I didn’t think I could make peace with aging because it’s around all the time.”
However, Thomson acknowledges that he still doesn’t look bad, even if he’s not as young and handsome as he once was. He’s also adapted well to his diabetes diagnosis, making changes to his diet while still enjoying the things he loves.
Gordon Thomson’s harsh critique of the “Dynasty” reboot serves as a stark reminder that not everyone is impressed with attempts to revive beloved TV classics. The actor’s passion for the original show and his unwavering standards are clear, and his comments offer a unique perspective on the challenges of rebooting a television institution.
As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, it’s important to recognize that not all revivals will be met with universal acclaim. Thomson’s experience shows that even the most iconic shows can be difficult to recapture, and that true fans will always have high expectations.
