David Howard Thornton is a name well-known in the world of horror films, primarily for his iconic portrayal of Art the Clown in the “Terrifier” film series. However, beyond his frightening on-screen persona, David’s life is full of intriguing details that go beyond the movies. From his humble beginnings to his current status as a rising star in the genre, David continues to expand his repertoire, earning recognition as a versatile performer in both horror and voice acting.
Early Life and Background
David Howard Thornton was born on November 30, 1979, in Huntsville, Alabama, making him 44 years old as of 2024. Growing up in the South, David had a fascination with acting from a young age, inspired by his love for performance art. He credits his mother for encouraging him to pursue acting, which led him to study theater at the University of Montevallo in Alabama, and later receive further training at The Simon Studio and Scott Powers Studio.
From Voice Acting to Horror Fame
David’s acting journey began with voice work in the gaming industry. He voiced various characters in the 2011 video game “Two Worlds II: Pirates of the Flying Fortress”, which gave him a platform to display his knack for doing impressions—he is known to perform over 200 impressions and 25 dialects.
Over time, his vocal talents earned him recognition, leading to roles in several animated series and games such as “Invizimals: The Lost Kingdom”.
However, his true breakout came when he took on the role of Art the Clown in the 2016 indie horror hit “Terrifier”.
Age, Height, and Physical Attributes
As of 2024, David Howard Thornton is 44 years old. In terms of his physical appearance, David stands tall at 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) and weighs approximately 70 kg (154 lbs). His distinctive features include his slim build, green eyes, and salt-and-pepper hair, which add to his striking on-screen presence.
Career Highlights and Achievements
David’s career truly skyrocketed with his portrayal of Art the Clown, a role that has cemented him as a beloved figure among horror fans. He reprised this role in “Terrifier 2” (2022) and will continue in the recent “Terrifier 3” (2024). His chilling performance earned him a 2019 Fangoria Chainsaw Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, and in 2018, he won a Fright Meter Award for Best Actor for his work in the horror genre.
In addition to horror films, David has also made appearances in several TV shows, including “Gotham” (2017) and “Nightwing: Escalation”, where he played The Joker.
His versatility extends to voice acting, where he has voiced characters in animated films and TV shows such as “The Bravest Knight” and “Alma’s Way”.
Personal Life – Marital Status and Family
David is known for keeping his personal life private, with little information publicly available about his relationships. As of 2024, he has not been married, nor does he have any children. Speculation has circulated regarding his romantic life, but David has remained tight-lipped on these matters.
This desire for privacy extends to his family life, as details about his parents are sparse, though his mother’s role in encouraging his acting career is known.
Notable Roles in Film and Television
David Howard Thornton’s filmography reflects his broad range of skills, from horror to voice work in animated features. Some of his notable roles include:
| Year | Title | Role | Medium | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Terrifier | Art the Clown | Film | Breakout role in this indie horror movie. |
| 2016 | Nightwing: Escalation | The Joker | TV Series | Portrayed The Joker in this fan-made YouTube series. |
| 2017 | Gotham | Orderly | TV Series | Appeared in an episode of this Batman prequel series. |
| 2019 | The Exigency | Bumbo (Voice) | Animated Film | Voice work for this sci-fi animated film. |
| 2021 | The Dark Offerings | Tim Cobb | Film | Featured in this indie horror movie. |
| 2022 | Terrifier 2 | Art the Clown | Film | Sequel to Terrifier, solidifying his status in cinema. |
| 2022 | The Mean One | The Mean One (Grinch) | Film | Played Grinch in this parody. |
| 2023 | Bupkis | Guest Appearance | TV Series | Appeared as Pete Davidson. |
| 2024 | Terrifier 3 | Art the Clown | Film | The third installment of the Terrifier series. |
Hobbies and Interests
Beyond acting, David has a number of hobbies that reflect his artistic and philanthropic nature. He is an avid traveler, enjoying nature and often exploring the great outdoors.
Additionally, David is passionate about animal welfare, frequently donating to animal shelters and engaging in charity work for underprivileged children.
Key Facts and Takeaways
- Born: November 30, 1979, in Huntsville, Alabama
- Height: 6’2″ (188 cm)
- Age: 44 (as of 2024)
- Famous Role: Art the Clown in the Terrifier series
- Marital Status: Unmarried, no children
- Career: Actor and voice artist, with over 200 impressions in his repertoire
Conclusion
David Howard Thornton’s journey from a voice actor to a horror icon is a testament to his versatility and dedication to the craft. His portrayal of Art the Clown in the Terrifier series has cemented him as a modern horror legend, and with the release of Terrifier 3 in 2024, his chilling performance continues to capture the attention of horror fans worldwide. Beyond the horror genre, David’s diverse work in animated series, television, and independent films showcases his wide-ranging talents. Though he keeps his personal life under wraps, his contributions to entertainment, charity work, and love for animals paint a fuller picture of a multifaceted individual. With a bright future and a growing fan base, David Howard Thornton’s career shows no signs of slowing down.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How old is David Howard Thornton?
As of 2024, David Howard Thornton is 44 years old.
Q2: What is David Howard Thornton’s height?
David stands at 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm).
Q3: Is David Howard Thornton married?
No, David Howard Thornton is not married, nor does he have any children as of 2024.
Q4: What is David Howard Thornton’s most famous role?
David is best known for portraying Art the Clown in the Terrifier horror movie series.
Q5: What other TV shows has David Howard Thornton appeared in?
He has appeared in “Gotham” (2017) and played The Joker in “Nightwing: Escalation”.