In 1989, “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” captivated audiences with its inventive storyline and special effects, introducing the world to a charming young actor named Thomas Wilson Brown.
As Russell ‘Russ’ Thompson, Jr., Brown won hearts with his portrayal of the courageous and empathetic teenager next door. But as the credits rolled and years passed, many fans have found themselves wondering: What happened to Thomas Wilson Brown, the teen idol from this beloved family adventure?
Background Info
Thomas Wilson Brown, born in a car in sparsely populated yet vast Wyoming, was raised on a 14,000-acre ranch in Lusk by his strong-willed mother and cowboy father, growing up amidst a large, close-knit family and developing a passion for the arts, influenced by his grandmother’s readings and various paintings and photographs.
Brown, supported by his parents, began his journey into the arts with classical dance lessons from his aunt after his family moved from Wyoming to New Mexico. Despite being the only boy in his dance group, he excelled and enjoyed it. His acting career took off following a tragic turn when his father passed away when Thomas was nine, driving him to pursue the arts with renewed determination.
His first significant opportunity came when a film crew for “Silverado” arrived in California, leading to his casting as Augie, a pivotal character in the film.
This role sparked his passion for acting, leading to parts in “Down the Long Hill,” “St. Elsewhere,” and his breakthrough role as Little Russ Thompson in the culturally successful “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.”
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
In the family sci-fi comedy Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, Thomas Wilson Brown plays the role of Russell “Russ” Thompson Jr., the eldest child of the Thompson family. Russ is portrayed as an archetypal sports-obsessed, girl-crazy older brother to youngest sibling Amy (Amy O’Neill), with whom he reluctantly embarks on an adventure after their inventor neighbor’s experiment accidentally shrinks them and two other neighborhood kids to a quarter-inch in height.
Brown would star in the movie alongside Robert Oliveri and Amy O’Neill.
After playing Russell “Russ” Thompson Jr. in the 1989 hit Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, Thomas Wilson Brown went on to have a steady acting career, primarily in supporting TV and film roles spanning a variety of genres. Throughout the 90s, he made guest appearances on popular shows like Knotts Landing, Beverly Hills 90210, Walker Texas Ranger, Nash Bridges, and Boy Meets World.
What is Thomas Wilson Brown doing now?
In recent years, Thomas Wilson Brown has continued his acting career with roles in short films and minor movie parts, notably appearing as a Bartender in the 2019 drama short “The Hour After Westerly” and as Hammer in the 2020 thriller short “Last Three Days.”
While he may not be a fixture in mainstream Hollywood, Brown remains active in the independent film scene. His involvement in “Last Three Days” was particularly fulfilling for him, as he expressed in an interview, praising the script, crew, and the opportunity to work under the direction of Brian Ulrich, whom he admires for his vision and collaborative approach.
Away from the screen, Brown’s personal life is anchored by his long-standing marriage to Lisanne Brown. The couple, who have been together for over 30 years and married since November 2, 1998, share a deep bond. They split their time living in New Mexico, Montana, and California, enjoying the diverse landscapes and lifestyles of these states. Brown is a devoted father to his two daughters, Mylah and Libby, and he also had a son, Elijah, who tragically passed away at a young age. Additionally, he is a proud grandfather to three grandchildren, embracing the joys of family life alongside his professional pursuits.
Theodore Lee is the editor of Caveman Circus. He strives for self-improvement in all areas of his life, except his candy consumption, where he remains a champion gummy worm enthusiast. When not writing about mindfulness or living in integrity, you can find him hiding giant bags of sour patch kids under the bed.