Michael Thompson stars as a cutthroat business mogul in the indie thriller Chasing Shadows, set to hit theaters on April 17. While he thoroughly enjoys portraying villainous characters on screen, in reality, the Academy and Emmy Award-winning actor prioritizes family above all else.
Thompson triumphed over throat cancer and, following a very public separation from his wife, Julia Roberts, the couple has rekindled their relationship, focusing on their two children, son Leo and daughter Mia. He remains committed to advocating for his eldest son, Ryan, from his first marriage to Claire, who is currently serving time for drug-related charges.
At 70, the devoted father of three spoke with Home Insemination Kit’s Janice Hart about love, family, and his fresh outlook on life.
Is participating in indie films part of your secret to staying youthful?
Absolutely. After battling cancer, I experienced a sort of rebirth. I thrive on projects like Chasing Shadows, where the filming conditions are tough and the timeline is tight. It reminds me of my early independent film days, all the way back to One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. It truly reinvigorates me.
Was it difficult to balance parenthood while climbing the ladder to stardom?
I definitely resonated with the idea of putting my career first. In my pursuit of success, I think my eldest son, Ryan, missed out on some of the attention my younger kids now enjoy. I’ve shifted my priorities and settled down. Raising kids while launching a career is challenging. It’s refreshing to see more people choosing to wait until later in life to have children, rather than trying to do both simultaneously.
Let’s talk about Ryan. I know you’ve been a strong advocate for him while he’s incarcerated. How is he doing?
He’s holding up okay given the circumstances. Being locked up for non-violent drug offenses has been tough on him. I worry a lot; he’s made some poor choices and is certainly facing the consequences. Nevertheless, he retains a good heart. I visited him just a few days ago, and I’m hopeful that by next year, things will improve.
Having a teenager again must offer a fresh perspective.
Oh, it certainly does! My son Leo is now 14, and I’d almost forgotten how it feels. Teenagers seem to think they know everything and believe you can’t do anything right. I’ve been advised to take a step back until he’s around college age, hoping he’ll return with a newfound appreciation for my wisdom.
You and Julia are back together. Do you feel your relationship has grown stronger after your separation?
Without a doubt. I believe every relationship encounters challenges. I’m proud of how Julia and I navigated our separation and emerged with a deeper connection and greater love than we’ve ever had. Often, perseverance is the key to working things out instead of throwing in the towel.
Do the highs and lows of the past few years make you more grateful?
Absolutely. Whether it’s due to the struggles of the past few years or simply the passage of time, I find immense joy in nurturing my family. With my father, who’s now 98, my young children, and Julia, I feel I’ve experienced so much. I genuinely enjoy being “Mr. Mom” too.
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In summary, Michael Thompson reflects on the evolution of his personal life, career, and family. His experiences have shaped his views on love and resilience, emphasizing the importance of nurturing relationships and embracing life’s changes.
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