Name: Kevin Thompson
Profession: Host/Mr. Moviefone
Age: 27, but I feel like I’m 12. 1999 was a really good year for me
One Word That Describes You: Entertaining
In 2014, Moviefone was relaunched with a new look, an expansion into TV content, and a comprehensive search tool that allows users to find theaters, channels, and streaming services offering movies and television shows. The new look also came with a new face. Kevin Thompson, a TV host was named the new “Mr. Moviefone,” and spokesperson for the brand. After the AOL-owned entertainment info and ticketing service issued an open casting call Thompson, former warm-up man for “The Wendy Williams Show” and host of BET’s “Claim to Fame” game show, beat out several hundred other hopefuls. Thompson’s combination of hosting experience and his passion for movies and TV matched with his charisma and bright smile made him stand out as the total package for the job.
After completing his undergraduate studies at St. John’s, Thompson was a step away from joining the Navy until his mother stepped in and put a halt to her son heading to sea. “I have an aunt that’s been in the army for over 20 years and it drives my mother crazy that she’s gone for months at a time,” Thompson tells BE Modern Man exclusively. “So my mom drove me to Walmart and told me to get a job.” His career at Walmart did not last to long either. “I started interning at CBS on “The Early Show” and 2 weeks after my Walmart visit I started working at ‘”Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?”
The kid from Brooklyn, New York wanted to do nothing more than make his mother proud. Education has always been top billing to Thompson who credits his St. Johns education as a key catalyst to his success. “Education is the only thing people can’t take from you,” says Thompson. “It was during my time as an undergrad when a microphone was first placed in my hand. If I never received my Bachelors degree from St. John’s I wouldn’t be where I am today. I look up to the Stephen A. Smith’s, Nick Cannon’s & Wayne Brady’s of the world because they’ve worked very hard to get to where they are and they’re excellent at what they do. It’s important to learn ones craft because being the best at something doesn’t happen over night. Some people are not only born with talent, but they’re blessed with the vision. School tends to be more of a burden for visionaries because all the classes that are unnecessary stand out like a sore thumb. Unfortunately I’m not a visionary, school for me was necessary.”
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ith a great education, a strong and supportive mother, and internships that put Thompson to work on “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”, it seemed like nothing could go wrong. But what is life without a challenge. What is a BE Modern Man without adversity? “The beginning of every job is always a little tough for me,” says Thompson. “When I first started warming up “The Wendy Williams’ Show” at the age of 22 it was stressed to me how important my job was. Everyone was older than me and everyone had an opinion on how I should carry myself. Five years later when I became the brand ambassador for Moviefone, I didn’t feel the pressure immediately but eventually it was there. In both cases I had to remind myself who I was and why I was hired. I’m the guy that brings out the joy in everyone.”Read on to learn more about how Kevin’s gratitude and professionalism led to unexpected opportunities…
Maintaining a level of respect and professionalism towards people who may not have held the same opinion or worked the same has be critical to Thompson’s success. The ability to remain thankful for opportunities even when they don’t work out the way you would like them to shows true character. “The best piece of advice I could tell the younger generation is to always be a professional about things, ESPECIALLY when they don’t work out,” Thompson tells BE Modern Man. “In 2012 after I left the Wendy Williams Show I was picked up
by BET’s 106 & Park. Terrence J and Rocsi Diaz were moving on with their careers and the show held a nationwide contest for new hosts. I made it all the way to the end as a finalist, but never won. I was distraught, depressed, and felt pathetic. Nevertheless, I still thanked the producers for giving me an experience of a lifetime. Two years later when BET was looking for a host for a new show in their mobile app my name came up. Within 2 weeks I became the host of their show “Claim to Fame” and I’m still a part of the BET family today.”
Never one to shy away from the spotlight, Thompson personality and attitude towards career success is mirrored in his everyday walk as a leader. “I’m not afraid to take risks or embarrass myself,” says Thompson. “People can see how much fun I’m having with everything I do, and it reminds them that life is meant to be lived happily.”
Supplied with the propensity to make others smile, enjoy themselves, and live is what allows Kevin “Mr. Moviefone” Thompson to standout as a BE Modern Man. Growing up in Brooklyn, Thompson knows that the youth need to be exposed to as much as they possibly can to see that success is possible. Whether joining the Big Brothers and Sisters, or volunteering at local youth events Thompson’s message is the same. “As a successful host I’ve spoken at several Junior High Schools as well as my alma mater St. John’s,” Thompson tells BE Modern Man. “A lot of the younger kids all want to be rappers or basketball players. They see it as an easy means to escape the old neighborhood. When I tell them what I do and show them the red carpet events I cover and talent that I’m around they change their tune. They want to know who I am and how I did it. Once I’ve gained their interest I let them know how important English & Speech class was for me. Also, that without an education I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
A smile that lights the room up, charm, and a fun filled energy allows Thompson to bring happiness to faces across the world. “BE Modern Man is a balanced man,” says Thompson. “A BE Modern Man man is a man who plays off his strengths while trying to better his weaknesses.”
The BlackEnterprise.com team congratulates Kevin Thompson on all of his success and contributions as a host and Mr. Moviefone. Continue to bring your contagious energy and excitement to homes across the world in your unique way.
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