Rickey Thompson

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]

Rickey Thompson
Born (1996-02-06) February 6, 1996
Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
OccupationActor
Years active2013–present

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 2016-2018.[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]

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]

References
  1. 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. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
  3. Anderson, Summer. "Where are they now?". Cat Talk. Retrieved 27 June 2019.
  4. "Rickey Thompson Has 2.8 Million Instagram Followers—Here's Why". NYLON. 22 February 2019. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
  5. "Rickey Thompson is dancing, ranting, and thriving after Vine". The FADER. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
  6. "Social Media Star Rickey Thompson Werks The Catwalk For Alexander Wang". Essence. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
  7. "Rickey Thompson is a Joyous Face Among Vocal, Visible Queer Black Men". www.out.com. 16 October 2018. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
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