Rickey Thompson discusses his Career, Fashion & What’s next for Hollywood’s leading figure!
When Rickey Thompson isn’t going Viral or blessing your timeline with a skit or scene from his Podcast “We said what we said”, he’s busy walking the Runways of New York Fashion Week or sitting in a boat enjoying the Jacquemus show at Paris Fashion Week (Iconic much?). Booked and Busy is an understatement for the North Carolina-born star, whose road to stardom forced him to step from behind the camera and onto your TV Screens. With starring roles on Amazon’s hit series “Swarm” alongside Galore Cover Stars, Billie Eilish, and Dominique Fishback, to features in Music videos for Rapper Amine – Rickey is a force to be reckoned with. I had the pleasure of chatting with Rickey, who on the phone is full of energy despite just returning from a trip to Paris for Fashion Week. We’re so excited to celebrate Pride Month with Rickey Thompson – a leading figure in the LGBTQ Community.
Featured Interview:
Rickey! How are you? How was your trip to Paris and seeing the Jacquemus Le Chouchou Collection?
It was absolutely everything, I feel like this show that Jacquemus put on was his most intimate show ever we all had to sit in boats to watch the fashion show – the whole collection was so inspiring, it was so fab! It’s an honor to be a part of the Jacquemus family!
How do you navigate being a queer black man and what does pride mean to you?
Each and every day I’m just very proud of being myself. At first, I was so insecure about everything but then I was like I’m black, I’m queer, I’m fabulous and I can take over the world!
Shoes: Dr Martens
How is your creativity disrupting the culture?
I’m a queer black man following his dreams, that says it all!
You have become a fashion darling what are your favorite brands at the moment?
*laughs* Oh my god, I have so many, of course, Jacquemus, Rick Owens, ACNE, and Ann Demeulemeeste! I love black clothing so I’m finding new ways to Incorporate it into my wardrobe.
Shoes: Dr Martens
Ok gurl we caught you in Swarm and you were phenomenal how was it preparing for that role?
That role was everything! When I first got the role I didn’t know what it was going to be about, I was like okay cool I’m going to ATL to film for Donald Glover and I went there and I was like this is going to be an amazing project, I didn’t know the full story behind it so when I watched it once it was all done I was like Wow! I’m a part of this, something so Iconic next to Billie Eilish and Dominique Fishback.
Shoes: Camper
What was life like growing up in Raleigh NC and what prompted the move to California and get into fashion and comedy?
When I was growing up I literally always wanted to live in California, I would take pictures from Tumblr I would print out the Hollywood sign, like people on the beach, and peer and put them on my binders and manifest that one day I would live there – and look, we’re here! I really love this place so much, people come here and are like it’s so boring, how could you live here? But I think L.A. is so fun, the sun’s shining, and I can get in my car and drive. To add, this is where I film a lot so having that and my friends is great, I don’t think I’ll leave anytime soon.
What does being authentic mean to you?
I think it’s so important to be authentic, where in a world now where a lot of people are doing the same things and I’m like no – that isn’t for me, I feel like everybody should have their own case and everyone be themselves. Being different is more fun than being the same, if you’re authentic you do more.
Who are your comedy heroes?
Who inspires me? I would say, Chris Tucker. I feel like he’s somebody who is hilarious and I loved his career, he’s a comedy genius.
What would be your dream comedic role in a feature film?
I would defiantly want to play Ruby Rhod from The Fifth Element, I’ve been seeing a lot of comments where people are tagging me about playing that role, and I’d love to do that someday! Goals.
Shoes: Camper
Having that Vine moment where kylie re-posted while you were still in high school what did that do for your self-esteem as kid?
Well, it really made me feel good because I was like oh my god, I’m just out here being myself, and someone as big as her posted one of my videos. Growing up in North Carolina, I was so insecure about myself I was never happy about who I was and then seeing a celebrity over here enjoying me, the girl you all watch on TV is re-vining me! That was an amazing feeling.
How do you deal with the haters on social media and the cancel culture vultures?
I try to not pay attention to them honestly. With the cancel culture vultures, I just try to not say anything offensive so that I don’t get canceled. As for the haters, I just ignore them.
Shoes: Camper
What advice would you give your 16-year-old self?
Oh my goodness, I would say just have fun and be yourself. Your career is going to skyrocket, just be yourself.
Are you single and if so what type of man makes Rickey’s heart go wild?
I am single, it’s giving single summer this year baby! I definitely want to get into a relationship someday, but right now I’m very focused on me and my career. As for my type, I love tall dark, and handsome.
Paris fashion week or NY fashion week?
Paris!! Sorry, but there always so innovative and pushing boundaries.
What is your signature fragrance?
Oh my god, right now I’m wearing YSL! It’s a classic!
Headpiece: Diomãdis
You have flawless skin, What is your skin care routine?
People know that at the beginning of my career, I had struggled with what I thought was acne and it ended up being in-grown hairs. I had lasered and my skin really cleared up, after that, I started a simple skincare routine and after that, my skin really cleared up. Skin wash and moisturizer really go a long way.
What song are you playing on repeat at the moment?
Beyonce’s Renaissance album! I saw her in London and I’ll be seeing her in the States, that album really does it for me.
How did the podcast come about with you and Denzel’s “We Said What We Said’ and what has been your favorite episode?
It came about during Covid, we wanted to do something different, we’re content creators and we wanted something on a different type of platform that gives you guys a podcast of two best friends talking their shit. Spotify loved the idea and picked up it and now we’re here on our 4th season and were so glad it’s been so successful. My favorite moments so far have been how real Denzel and I can get, we’ve argued on the podcast we’ve laughed, so many great memories with my friend.
Tell us about what you have coming next.
Right now I’m really working hard on my acting career, working on myself, and attending more fashion weeks. Being the biggest star I can be.
What is some Business advice you can give that you’ve learned in the last 5 years or so?
Always keep my eyes open, never close them always make sure everything is together, save my money, invest my money well!
Belt: Pussy Pour Homme
Tiktok or Instagram?
Instagram for sure, that’s where I grew on social media and that’s where my fans connect with me most. TikTok is cute but more of my audience is on Instagram.
What advice can you give to someone wanting to do what you do?
I would say have fun, be yourself, and don’t follow other people’s careers to get to where they are, do your own thing and find what works best for you! Stay true to who you are and what your talent is.
Belt: Pussy Pour Homme
Team Credits:
Talent: Rickey Thompson
Photography: Savanna Ruedy @savannarruedy
Wardrobe Stylist: Branden Ruiz @branden.ruiz
Make-up/Hair:
Galore Art Director: Perrin Johnson @editsbyperry
Editor-in-chief: Prince Chenoa @princechenoastudio
Rickey’s PR: Jade Wiselogle,Brooklyn Nelson / Persona PR
