Category: Richest Politicians › Republicans
Net Worth: $8 Million
Birthdate: August 19, 1942 – November 1, 2015 (73 years old)
Birthplace: Sheffield, Alabama, U.S.
Profession: Actor, Politician, Public Speaker, Lawyer, Radio Personality, Journalist, Lobbyist
Nationality: United States of America
Overview
Fred Thompson was a prominent American politician, actor, attorney, and radio host with a net worth of $8 million at the time of his death. He served as a U.S. Senator from Tennessee (1994–2003) and was known for his appearances in numerous films and television series, including Law & Order. His career also spanned legal work, lobbying, and public speaking.
Early Life and Education
- Born: August 19, 1942, in Sheffield, Alabama.
- Education:
- Lawrence County High School (Graduated in 1960).
- Memphis State University – Double degree in Political Science and Philosophy (1964).
- Vanderbilt University Law School – Juris Doctor (1967).
Legal Career
- U.S. Attorney (1969–1972): Worked as an Assistant U.S. Attorney.
- Watergate Committee Counsel (1973): Played a key role in exposing Oval Office listening devices during the Watergate hearings.
- Worked as an attorney handling personal injury claims and defending white-collar criminals.
Political Career
U.S. Senate (1994–2003)
- Elected to complete Al Gore’s Senate term in 1994 and re-elected in 1996.
- Chaired the Committee on Governmental Affairs (1997–2001).
- Advocated for campaign finance reform, government accountability, and national security.
Other Political Activities
- Headed the Federal City Council (2002–2005).
- Chaired the U.S. Department of State’s International Security Advisory Board.
- 2008 Presidential Run: Unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination.
Acting Career
Fred Thompson transitioned into acting in the mid-1980s, often portraying authority figures.
- Films:
- The Hunt for Red October (1990) – Rear Admiral Painter.
- Days of Thunder (1990) – President of NASCAR.
- Die Hard 2 (1990) – Air Traffic Flight Director.
- Cape Fear (1991) – Tom Broadbent.
- Secretariat (2010) – Bull Hancock.
- Television:
- Played District Attorney Arthur Branch on Law & Order and its spinoffs.
- Recurring roles on The Good Wife and Allegiance.
Radio Career
- Hosted “The Fred Thompson Show” on Westwood One from 2006 to 2011.
- Senior Analyst for ABC News Radio.
Personal Life
- Marriages:
- First wife: Sarah Lindsey (1959–1985); three children (Tony, Daniel, and Elizabeth).
- Second wife: Jeri Kehn (married in 2002); two children (Hayden and Samuel).
- Health: Diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2004; passed away due to its recurrence in 2015.
Legacy
Fred Thompson is remembered as a versatile figure who successfully balanced careers in law, politics, acting, and broadcasting. His commanding screen presence and dedication to public service left a lasting impact on both politics and popular culture.
