Ric Thompson: 490 Wig master, Hair & Make up has died.

Local 490 Wig master, hair & make up artist Ric Thompson lost his battle with cancer late Saturday night, November 14th, 2020 in Los Angeles. He was recovering from surgery back in August then reentered the hospital in early October. He had been fighting cancer for many years.

Ric Thompson with Carol Burnett at the Actors Fund Benefit (Photo Courtesy of Alan Muraoka)

During Ric’s professional career he worked wardrobe and hair on live theater national tours of Victor Victoria and The Music Man before touring with Natalie Cole in Europe. While in LA he pursued a variety of crafts including acting and featured extra work in "Charlie Wilson's War"," Dirty Girl", "Boston Legal" and his photos from age 10-40 were on the wall of a dead character in the TV series "Maron." He also continued working hair makeup on Actor's Fund Benefits. Even though he moved from Minnesota many years ago, he retained his membership with IATSE Local 490, telling then President Wojahn on a phone call for a swag item that, “Local 490 will always be my union and I’m proud of being a member”. In addition to acting, he was his family's genealogist and was pursuing a career as a genealogy researcher. He ran a successful food truck business when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2012. Since his diagnosis, he continued to work hair makeup gigs on short films.

His room mate and production designer Alan E. Muraoka said, “During his stay in the hospital, Ric wanted nothing more than to come home, and I was thankfully able to get him transported home on Saturday for him to pass, I want to believe that while he was not responding, he held on till he sensed he was back home before being comfortable to let go. While deeply saddened, I have a little bit of comfort knowing that he is finally at peace and rid of the body that has been giving him such trouble. I have known Ric for the past 15 years, sharing a condo in Los Angeles. I feel very fortunate to have called him a friend. Ric treasured all of his friendships. As per Ric's request, there will be no memorial service but I hope you all have a chance to personally honor him in your thoughts. Please feel free to pass this message on to anyone who may want to know. While I know his relationship with Facebook ran hot and cold, you are welcome to post his passing on there as well.

Local 490 is saddened by the loss of Ric Thompson and we respect his many years of membership in the IATSE. Special thanks to Alan Muraoka for informing the Local of his passing and for most of the contents of this story.