O'Neal Compton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
O'Neal Compton
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O'Neal Compton in his studio in Venice, California in 1996
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| Born |
Belton O'Neal Compton Jr.
February 5, 1951 Sumter, South Carolina, U.S.
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| Died | February 18, 2019 (aged 68) Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
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| Alma mater | Clemson University Wofford College |
| Occupation | Actor, Writer, Producer, Photographer, Director |
| Years active | 1977–2019 |
Belton O'Neal Compton Jr. (born February 5, 1951 – died February 18, 2019) was an American actor and director. He was known for playing many different characters in films and on television. O'Neal was also a talented writer, producer, and photographer.
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Early Life and Education
O'Neal Compton was born in Sumter, South Carolina. His parents, Belton O. Compton Sr. and Dorothy Brunson Compton, were both teachers.
He attended Clemson University for a year. After spending four years serving in the United States Navy, he went to Wofford College. There, he really enjoyed college life again.
O'Neal studied biology, which he found very interesting. However, his true passion was the theater. In 1977, he discovered the Wofford Theatre Workshop. This was where he began his journey into acting.
Acting and Photography Career
O'Neal Compton became famous as a character actor. He appeared in many well-known movies. These included Life, Nixon, Nell, Primary Colors, and Deep Impact. He also acted in popular TV shows like Seinfeld.
Beyond acting, O'Neal was an award-winning writer, producer, and commercial director. He was also a very talented photographer.
His photographs were shown in art exhibitions in places like London and Vienna. They were also displayed in private galleries in major cities such as Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. Many famous people, including Morgan Freeman and Johnny Depp, owned his photographs.
Jerry Seinfeld even asked O'Neal to take special portraits of the cast and crew during the final year of his TV show.
Life and Travels
O'Neal made his living as an actor, screenwriter, and photographer. He also worked as a commercial producer and director. His work allowed him to travel to many places around the world.
He lived in cities like New York and Los Angeles in the Americas. He also spent time in places like Buenos Aires, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. In Europe, he worked and lived for months in cities such as London, Paris, and Vienna.
Later in his life, O'Neal moved into a new home in western Sumter County, Florida. He continued to write screenplays and worked on a book about his life and travels.
Later Years and Passing
O'Neal Compton passed away on February 18, 2019, at the William Jennings Bryan Dorn Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Columbia, South Carolina. He was 68 years old.
Film and Television Roles
O'Neal Compton appeared in many films and TV shows. Here are some of his roles:
- Kill Me Later (2001) - Agent McGinley
- Picking Up the Pieces (2000) - Texas John
- Big Eden (2000) - Jim Soams
- Life (1999) - Superintendent Abernathy
- Party of Five (1998) (TV series) - Les (1 episode)
- Deep Impact (1998) - Morten Entrekin
- LateLine (1998) (TV series) - Harlan (1 episode)
- Primary Colors (1998) - Sailorman Shoreson
- Orleans (1997) (TV series) - Lawyer Curtis Manzant (5 episodes)
- Seinfeld (1995–1997) (TV series) - Earl Haffler (2 episodes)
- Diabolique (1996) - Irv Danziger
- Nixon (1995) - Texas Man
- The Single Guy (1995) (TV series) - TY (1 episode)
- Coach (1995) (TV series) - Hal (1 episode)
- Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1995) (TV series) - Gene Newtrich (1 episode)
- Nell (1994) - Don Fontana, Lovell's Attorney
- Roadracers (1994) (TV) - J.T.
- Little Big League (1994) - Major League Umpire
- Murder Between Friends (1994) (TV) - Det. Easby
- Grace Under Fire (1993) (TV series) - Doctor (1 episode)
- Attack of the 50 Ft. Woman (1993) (TV) - Sheriff Denby
- The Thing Called Love (1993) - Singing Cop
- What's Love Got to Do with It (1993) - George (the Ramada Inn Manager)
- Made in America (1993) - Rocky
- The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom (1993) (TV) - Principal James Barker
- The Wonder Years (1993) (TV series) - Zeke (1 episode)
- Home Improvement (1993) (TV series) - Phil (1 episode)
- Delta (1992) (TV series) - Mr. Boone (1 episode)
- A Message from Holly (1992) (TV) - Burly Man
- Parker Lewis Can't Lose (1992) (TV series) - Fez Man (1 episode)
- Quantum Leap (1992) (TV series) - Russ (1 episode)
- Brother Future (1991) (TV) - Turner
- Don't Tell Her It's Me (1990) - Gas Station Attendant
- Martin (1993) (TV series) - Trooper Williams (1 episode)
