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Norman Thomson may not be a name instantly recognizable by the vast majority of the moviegoing public, nor should it be, for his contributions to the medium were no more or less important than any other actor. In theater, however, Thomson has a bit more significance. He was a founding member of Orson Welles' Mercury Theatre troupe, performing alongside some of the most famous and talented actors in the history of American theater. He also took part in the historic radio broadcast of H.G. Wells' science fiction story, War of the Worlds. His professional acting career lasted until World War II, after which he was assigned by the U.S. Department of Defense to the post of entertainment supervisor for all U.S. bases in the Far East. Thomson held the position, which had him stationed in Tokyo, Japan, for a little over 30 years; at the same time he was earning more success as a novelist. Under the nom de plume Earl Norman, Thomson wrote a total of ten novels. In 1978, the actor/novelist returned to the United States and continued to write. In early 2000, Thomsondied at the age of 84.