Wonder Boys Movie Site

Supporting Cast

Richard Thomas(Walter Gaskell)

Richard Thomas was seven years old when he made his first Broadway appearance in Sunrise at Campobello (1958). The wide-eyed, mole-cheeked, sensitive-looking Thomas soon found himself very much in demand for television roles. He was seen in the distinguished company of Julie Harris, Christopher Plummer and Hume Cronyn in a 1959 TV presentation of Ibsen's A Doll's House, worked as a regular on the daytime soap operas As the World Turns and Flame in the Wind, and co-starred with Today Show announcer Jack Lescoulie in the captivating 1961 Sunday-afternoon "edutainment" series 1-2-3 Go. While attending Columbia University, Thomas made his theatrical-film debut in Downhill Racer, then settled into a series of unpleasant, psychologically disturbed characters in films like You'll Like My Mother (1971) and such TV series as Bracken's World. In 1971, Thomas was cast as John-Boy Walton in the Earl Hamner-scripted TV movie The Homecoming. Though there would be a number of cast changes before The Homecoming metamorphosed into the weekly series The Waltons in 1972, Thomas was retained as John-Boy, earning a 1973 Emmy for his performance and remaining in the role until only a few months before the series' cancellation in 1981. During the Waltons years, Thomas starred in several well-mounted TV movies, including the 1979 remake of All Quiet on the Western Front. Ever seeking opportunities to expand his range, Thomas has sunk his teeth into such roles as the self-destructive title character in Living Proof: The Hank Williams Jr. Story (1983) and the amusingly sanctimonious Rev. Bobby Joe in the satirical Glory! Glory!. In 1980, Thomas made his first Broadway appearance in over two decades as the paralyzed protagonist of Whose Life is It Anyway. Working through his own Melpomene Productions, Thomas has continued seeking out creative challenges into the 1990s. Richard Thomas has also served as national chairman of the Better Hearing Institute. -- Hal Erickson, All-Movie Guide

Richard Thomas Credits



Rip Torn(Quentin Morewood)

A success on stage, screen and television, supporting, character and occasional lead actor Rip Torn originally took up acting as a means to buy a ranch. Born Elmore Rual Torn -- his father nicknamed him Rip -- in Temple, Texas, he studied animal husbandry at Texas A &M, and the University of Texas. After hitchhiking to Hollywood, his naive notions of instant stardom were quickly replaced by the reality of taking odd jobs to survive until he managed to snag the occasional television role. Torn made his feature film debut with a small part in Baby Doll (1956). More parts followed until Torn moved to New York to study under Lee Strasberg at the Actor's Studio. Torn also went to Martha Graham for dance lessons. On television, he made a name for himself between 1957 and 1960 appearing on such prestigious live shows as ~Omnibus}, ~Playhouse 90} and Alfred Hitchcock Presents. A burly man, Torn frequently plays volatile, violent and highly sensitive characters. Most his roles have been dramatic, but occasionally he jumps into comedy roles. Fans of the acclaimed cable sitcom The Larry Sanders Show (1992- ) will recognize Torn for playing talk show producer Arthur. This role has earned Torn a pair of Cable Ace Awards, three Emmy nominations and one Emmy for "Best Supporting Actor" in a Comedy Series. Torn made his feature film directorial debut with the critically panned The Telephone (1987) and has not directed since. His acting career continues to flourish; in 1997, he appeared in four major features, including the popular Men in Black. -- Sandra Brennan, All-Movie Guide

Rip Torn Credits



Matt Ross
No bio available at this time
Matt Ross Credits



David Lean II (Student)
No bio available at this time
David Lean II Credits





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