Brian Thompson (born August 28, 1959) is an American actor. His distinctive square-jaw profile, powerful voice, and imposing stature (193 cm, six-foot-four) has led him to star in many action films, and a large number of comedies: Joe Dirt, The Three Amigos, Weird Science, Key West, and Life Stinks. Thompson was born in Ellensburg, Washington, and raised in Longview. He attended Central Washington University, where he studied business management, played football, and appeared in many school productions. He then moved to California and earned a Master of Fine Arts from the University of California, Irvine. He initially trained and pursued a career in musical theater, performing at Riverside Civil Light Opera's production of "The King and I", Long Beach Civic Light Opera's "Bittersweet", and several other musicals. In 1982, he was a resident actor at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival.