Fred Thompson Returning To Acting

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson is going back to the small screen after his foray into Republican presidential politics over the last year.

Thompson, best known on TV for his role as a gruff district attorney on NBC's "Law & Order," dropped out of the crowded GOP primaries in January after his much-anticipated presidential campaign failed to gain strong support among conservatives.

He campaigned heavily for eventual nominee John McCain, and had recently tried to gain support to be in charge of the Republican National Committee.

But his former finance chairman, B.C. "Scooter" Clippard, said Thompson told him Wednesday that he was returning to acting and dropping his RNC bid.

"He seriously considered it, but he called and said that it was not in the cards," Clippard said.

Clippard said he did not know which television programs might be interested in Thompson.

"He has some wonderful opportunities back in the television market that probably financially far outweigh being chair of the RNC," Clippard said.

Thompson, 66, was a lawyer and character actor before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 1993, only to turn his back on politics after his first full term in favor of a full-time acting career in 2002.

Thompson began his acting career playing himself in the film "Marie" in 1985, about a high-profile legal case he handled in Tennessee.

And while his presidential ambitions didn't pan out, at least Thompson got to play the commander in chief as Ulysses S. Grant in the 2007 TV movie "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee."

Comments

[ndolomar]

Like most Republicans, does he still hate Hollywood?

[lioness39]

Oh crikey! I hope he's not expecting to replace the retiring Joaquin Phoenix.

[proudliberal4truth]

Now if only we coul read a headline saying: "Sarah Palin returning to her mobile home roots to live out the rest of her days", my joy would be complete.

[DogTown]

HE NEVER QUIT......

[SethBLiNK]

Maybe if he had "acted" like he cared a bit more about the plight of Americans... he would have done a little better.

[Ajegunle]

GOOD RIDDANCE MR. FOGHORN LEGHORN!

I SAY... I SAY....I SAY.

[wm1066]

He has branded himself with politics to such a degree what casting person will want him on any project. He will be reduced to playing himself on cameo walk on roles.

[2008FedUP]

Actor...Republican Senator...all ACTING!!

[Forester]

Well, if it ain't ma 'ol pal Longhorn Leghorn!

Th-th-th-that's a joke son!

[Marie9]

He should definitely stay out of politics, at least in the real world! He was not a good actor either.

[jayhawk67]

If you consider the absolute lack of any verve or skill when he made the speech introducing John McCain at the GOP convention, it would be surprising that any tv show might want him. Too bad for him the Gong Show no longer is on the air.

[Invox]

I'm always amused when I hear the right wing bashing Hollywood for supporting the Democrats. I think....Reagan, Schwarzenegger, Thompson....Huh?

[Techboy308]

Ron Silver, Charlton Heston...the list is endless.

[proudliberal4truth]

Chuck Norris, Hank WIlliams Jr., Lee Greenwood

[JamesInDenver]

I guess politics is just about fame and attention for Thompson, not about public service. So back to Hollywood. He was pretty good on Law and Order, but I might boycott him in the future. (I know kind of petty, but there's a principle there somewhere.)

[Linda31]

I hope he doesn't go back to Law & Order. I can't look at him the same and television is my escape.

[kevinw]

Perhaps he could play an actor running for the Republican nomination and pick up a few pointers.

[eden4barack08]

Well, if Hollywood or TV land are that dumb to give him a job, all I can say is, let those five cats who will watch him rejoice.