Marshall Thompson

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James Marshall Thompson (November 27, 1925 - May 18, 1992) was an American film and television actor. He was born in Peoria, Illinois. In 1943, Thompson, known for his boy-next-door good looks was signed by Universal Pictures. He played quiet, thoughtful teens in Universal's feature films, including a lead opposite singing star Gloria Jean in Reckless Age and was paid $350 weekly.

In 1946, Universal discharged most of its contract players. That same year Thompson moved to MGM and his roles steadily increased and improved. In the 1950s, Thompson became a freelance actor and worked for various studios. Like many screen veterans, he appeared in a number of horror and science-fiction films.

By the 1960s, Thompson's boyish looks had matured and his screen persona became more authoritative. He first co-starred with Annie Fargé in the 33-episode CBS sitcom Angel (1960-1961) about an American architect with a charming but scatterbrained French wife who often gets into Lucille Ball-type situations caused in part by her lack of understanding of English. Thompson was thereafter cast in CBS's Daktari, a series about a veterinarian in Africa. He also appeared occasionally in films. Later in his career, he appeared in many television programs and such films as The Turning Point (1977) and The Formula (1980).

Thompson died from the effects of congestive heart failure. He was a brother-in-law of actor Richard Long, best known for his role as Jarrod Barkley in ABC's The Big Valley. Thompson's wife Barbara was Long's sister.