J. Lee Thompson Biography

Fast Facts

• Got his start in film in 1934 when he signed on as a screenwriter with British International Pictures
• Would write crime plays in his spare time while studying at Dover College
• Known for collaborating with actors, casting many of them multiple times, including Gregory Peck, David Niven, Charles Bronson, Jacqueline Bisset, etc
• Widely regarded for his strict preparedness when shooting films, culminating in their quick completion
• During World War II, he worked as a wireless operator for the Royal Air Force
• Was given the nickname of "Mighty Mouse" by actor Gregory Peck during the filming of "The Guns of Navarone․"
• Was orignally slated to direct the 1968 film "Planet of the Apes," but was forced to back out of the project due to scheduling conflicts