The schedule of David Howard Thornton is usually jam-packed with horror conventions, where droves of fans from across the country convene to show their love for Art and other characters. However, this wasn’t always the case. In fact, before stepping into the role of the maniacal clown for 2016’s “Terrifier,” Thornton was unknown in the world of horror. That’s because, prior to this, his work was largely seen on stage in feel-good musical productions.
As a kid, Thornton was a performer at Fantasy Playhouse, a children’s theater in his hometown of Huntsville, Alabama. He made his debut with a small part in “Rapunzel,” and went on to land roles in local productions of “Aladdin,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and other high-energy shows. Eventually, he advanced to the big leagues of national Broadway tours, appearing in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical!” for five years. “I was a song and dance guy before this,” Thornton told AL.com.
Though he obtained a degree in elementary education from the University of Montevallo with the goal of pursuing a career in teaching, Thornton’s love for acting called him away from the classroom. Still, he never could have predicted what his life would become after responding to a horror movie casting notice that fit his exact description: A tall, skinny actor with physical comedy experience. It was Thornton’s background as a children’s entertainer, which requires lots of over-the-top movement, that helped him land the life-changing role of Art.
