Rickey Thompson

Last updated

Rickey Thompson
Born (1996-02-06) February 6, 1996 (age 28)
Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
Education Millbrook High School
OccupationActor
Years active2013–present

Rickey Thompson (born February 6, 1996) [1] is an American actor, comedian, and Internet personality. He rose to prominence for comedic videos he posts to Instagram, and previously Vine. Thompson starred in the YouTube Red series Foursome (2016-2018). [1] [2]

Contents

Early life and career

Thompson grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina. He attended Millbrook High School, [3] where he regularly performed in theater productions and was also bullied for being gay. [1] During this time, Thompson posted YouTube videos about his experience with bullying as well as about fashion. [4] [5] He also used Vine to post comedic videos of himself, usually speaking directly to the camera. [1]

When he was 17, Kylie Jenner shared one of his videos, which led to an increase in his profile on the platform. He amassed 2.5 million followers by the time Vine shut down in 2016. [1] Thompson then began posting short videos to Instagram and continued to grow his social media following. He has monetized his videos with promotional posts and guest appearances at events and in other videos. [1]

Thompson starred in the YouTube web series Foursome from 2016 to 2018. [5]

In 2018, Thompson narrated several interludes for Aminé's album OnePointFive and also appeared in the "Reel It In" music video. [5] Aminé sent Thompson a direct message on Instagram to invite him to be on the album. That December, he walked in his first runway show for designer Alexander Wang. [6]

Thompson appeared in the 2022 stoner comedy Good Mourning with Machine Gun Kelly and Mod Sun.

He hosts the Spotify original podcast We Said What We Said with fellow internet personality Denzel Dion.

Personal life

Thompson moved to Los Angeles after high school to pursue a career in the entertainment industry and decided to forego college. [4] [7] He also has great interest in fashion. [4]

Thompson is openly gay. He came out on Twitter in 2016. [7]

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
2016BetchStormy Dee WatsonEpisode: "A Rickey Thompson Sketch Show"
2016–2018 Foursome Dakota GreenMain role (29 episodes)
2016Sleep TightBobbyEpisode: "Exorsitter"
2017Mourners, Inc.TonyEpisode: "Pilot"
2019Trend or End with Rickey ThompsonHimself
2022 Good Mourning Workout Demon
2023 Swarm KennyEpisode: "Girl, Bye"
2023 Savage X Fenty Show HimselfCameo

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Mzezewa, Tariro (2 April 2019). "How to Be Famous Online, According to Rickey Thompson". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved 2 April 2019.
  2. "YouTube Red Picks Up Gigi Gorgeous Documentary, High School Comedy 'Foursome'". The Hollywood Reporter. 10 February 2016. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
  3. Anderson, Summer. "Where are they now?". Cat Talk. Retrieved 27 June 2019.
  4. 1 2 3 "Rickey Thompson Has 2.8 Million Instagram Followers—Here's Why". NYLON. 22 February 2019. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
  5. 1 2 3 "Rickey Thompson is dancing, ranting, and thriving after Vine". The FADER. 24 October 2017. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
  6. "Social Media Star Rickey Thompson Werks The Catwalk For Alexander Wang". Essence. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
  7. 1 2 "Rickey Thompson is a Joyous Face Among Vocal, Visible Queer Black Men". www.out.com. 16 October 2018. Retrieved 2 April 2019.