The Astonishing Journey of The Thing Cast: A Look at Their Remarkable Careers Since 1982

Summary

The Thing (1982) had a strong and talented cast led by Kurt Russell.

Kurt Russell has achieved great success in his career and has recently appeared in blockbuster films like Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and The Fast and the Furious franchise. Furthermore, the cast of The Thing featured notable actors such as Keith David, Wilford Brimley, and T.K. Carter.

Since its release in 1982, The Thing has become a classic horror film. The story revolves around a group of researchers who uncover an alien spacecraft buried in Antarctica. As they investigate, they find that the alien can imitate humans, leading to a tense struggle to determine who is a genuine human and who is a disguised imposter. This movie is actually a remake of The Thing From Another World, released in 1951. There are also rumors of another film in the franchise being in development.

One of the reasons why The Thing continues to be highly regarded today is the exceptional cast that brings the characters to life. Their performances have left a lasting impact on audiences. For those curious about the whereabouts of the cast members, here is a list of their notable projects since 1982.

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9 Kurt Russell As R.J. MacReady

Kurt Russell played the iconic role of R.J. MacReady in the film The Thing. Following his success in that film, Russell went on to star in numerous other projects. In 1983, he starred alongside the renowned Meryl Streep in the movie Silkwood. Throughout the 80s, he appeared in a total of eight different films, each with varying levels of success. In recent years, Russell has become a part of major movie franchises such as Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and The Fast and the Furious series. Additionally, he has had the privilege of collaborating with Quentin Tarantino twice. Currently, Russell is preparing to star in an upcoming movie called The Rivals of Amziah King, which also features Matthew McConaughey.

8 Keith David As Childs

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Keith David, the Emmy-award-winning actor, has enjoyed continued success following his role as Childs in The Thing. Throughout the 1980s, he starred in a number of films including Hot Pursuit, Bird, and Stars and Bars. His work carried on into the 1990s, with notable projects such as Men at Work, Final Analysis, Dead Presidents, and There's Something About Mary. In more recent years, Keith David has showcased his talent in supporting roles in popular films like Nice Guys and Nope.

Furthermore, David has expanded his repertoire by lending his voice to animated projects such as Hercules, Coraline, and The Princess and the Frog. In addition to his impressive filmography, David has also made appearances on the small screen. He has taken on small roles in television shows including Blackfish, Family Guy, and SpongeBob Squarepants.

7 Wilford Brimley As Dr. Blair

6 T.K. Carter As Nauls

Wilford Brimley, known for his significant portrayal of Dr. Blair in The Thing, tragically passed away in 2020. Despite his unforgettable role in The Thing, Brimley continued to showcase his talent for many more decades. He achieved recognition for his remarkable performances in The Natural, Cocoon, and Did You Hear About the Morgans?. In addition, Brimley left his mark on popular television shows such as Seinfeld and Walker, Texas Ranger.

T.K. Carter brought his comedic genius to the role of Nauls in the 1982 film The Thing, and he has been entertaining audiences ever since. With a career that started in stand-up comedy at just 12 years old, it's no wonder that Carter was able to bring the laughs in The Thing. While he is best known for his notable work on television shows like Punky Brewster, Everybody Hates Chris, Stumptown, and How To Get Away With Murder, Carter has also made a mark in the film industry. He has appeared in movies such as The Way Back, Ski Patrol, Space Jam, and Domino, proving that he is a versatile talent in both mediums.

5 Richard Masur As Clark

4 Richard Dysart As Cooper

Richard Masur's career has thrived in various avenues of the entertainment industry since his portrayal of Clark in The Thing. While his character's fate was tragic as a dog handler, Masur's own professional journey has defied such misfortune. Notably, he served as president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) for two consecutive terms from 1995 to 1999. Furthermore, Masur has graced numerous well-known projects in both television and film, leaving a lasting imprint. His credits include roles in The Embassy, Walker, License to Drive, My Girl, and Pennywise: The Story of IT. Moreover, he has made appearances on acclaimed shows such as The Good Fight, Orange is the New Black, and Felicity.

Richard Dysart, the actor who portrayed the chief physician in the award-winning movie The Thing, had a highly successful career beyond that. Unfortunately, Dysart passed away in 2015 at the age of 86. Prior to his demise, he showcased his exceptional acting skills in numerous horror films such as Mask, Warning Sign, and Day One. Interestingly, Dysart's remarkable performance in The Thing is not his only claim to fame; he is more famously recognized for his role as Leland McKenzie in the renowned television series L.A. Law. His portrayal of this character left a lasting impression, leading him to win the prestigious 1992 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Character.

3 David Clennon As Palmer

2 Thomas G. Waites As Windows

David Clennon portrayed the character of Palmer in The Thing, bringing comedic relief as an assistant mechanic. Since then, he has ventured into various film projects, including Falling in Love (1984), Syriana (2005), J.Edgar (2011) alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, and Gone Girl (2014). What truly distinguishes Clennon's career is his remarkable ability to seamlessly transition between different genres. Whether it's horror, thriller, mystery, or romance, Clennon consistently delivers exceptional performances in a diverse range of roles.

Thomas G. Waites, one of the youngest members of The Thing's cast, portrayed Windows, a comical and easily provoked radio operator. Since his appearance in the film, Waites has pursued a multifaceted career encompassing acting, directing, and teaching. Notable roles include his lead performance in the 2012 action film Broadway's Finest and his involvement in the 2021 horror film 6:45, among several others. Moreover, Waites has made television appearances in popular shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Law & Order, and The Equalizer. Additionally, he is the proprietor of an acting studio named after himself, located in New York.

1 Donald Moffat As Garry

Donald Moffat, known for his role as Garry, the strict commander of Outpost 31 in The Thing, had a fate as dire as his character's. Nevertheless, Moffat's career took a promising path. Apart from his notable appearances in television series like The West Wing and Law and Order, Moffat ventured into film and contributed to remarkable projects such as Housesitter, The Right Stuff, and Regarding Henry. In 2018, at the age of 87, Moffat sadly passed away, leaving behind a legacy of excellence as a highly esteemed actor.