Erik Thomson New Zealand-Australian actor Date of Birth: 27.04.1967 Country: New Zealand

1. Early Life and Education
2. Career Beginnings
3. Move to Australia and Television Success
4. "Packed to the Rafters" and "800 Words"
5. Theatre and Film
6. Awards and Honors
7. Personal Life

Early Life and Education

Eric Thomson was born in Inverness, Scotland, and moved to New Zealand with his family at the age of seven. He pursued a Bachelor of Performing Arts degree at the New Zealand Drama School in Wellington and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Drama at Victoria University of Wellington.

Career Beginnings

Thomson's acting career commenced in New Zealand, with notable roles in the casino and resort drama "Marlin Bay." He gained further recognition through his recurring appearances as the god Hades in the popular television series "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys," "Xena: Warrior Princess," and "Young Hercules," all filmed in his adopted country.

Move to Australia and Television Success

In 1995, Thomson relocated to Australia and landed regular roles in the drama series "Pacific Drive," the medical dramas "All Saints" (1999-2003) and "Ali's Kitchen" (2005). He also made guest appearances in series such as "Wildside" and "Always Greener."

"Packed to the Rafters" and "800 Words"

From 2008 to 2013, Thomson's portrayal of Dave Rafter in the Seven Network drama series "Packed to the Rafters" catapulted him to widespread popularity. Subsequently, he took on the lead role in the series "800 Words" from 2015 to 2018.

Theatre and Film

Thomson's theatre credits include roles in "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare," "Julius Caesar," "Twelve Angry Men," and "Angels in America." In film, he has appeared in "Black Balloon" (2008) as soldier Simon Mollison, "Somersault" (2004) with Abbie Cornish and Sam Worthington (for which he won an AFI Award), and "Accidents Happen" (2009) with Gina Davis. In 2019, he played Malcolm Downer in the film "Storm Boy" alongside Geoffrey Rush and Finn Little.

Awards and Honors

Thomson has received an Australian Film Institute Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in "Somersault" and was nominated for his work in "Black Balloon." In television, he has received five Logie Award nominations and won two Silver Logies for Most Popular Actor.

Personal Life

Thomson is married to actress Caitlin McDougall and has two children, a daughter named Eilish and a son named Magnus.