Here is the biography of Bill Thornbury:
Bill Thornbury's love for music and scenic arts began in his childhood. He graduated from the California State University at Fresno with a teaching degree in music and currently teaches in Northern California.
Thornbury's sporadic and short cinematic career started at the age of 22 with a small role in the independent film Summer School Teachers (1975) directed by Barbara Peeters. He appeared in a couple of productions made for TV, including the drama movie Sarah T. - Portrait of a Teenage Alcoholic (1975) and an episode for The Rockford Files (1974).
In the early years, Thornbury was featured in many national television commercials, including "Honda Motorcycles", "Chrysler/Plymouth", and "Coca-Cola". His breakthrough came in 1978 when he portrayed the character Jody Pearson, elder brother of Mike, the young protagonist of Phantasm (1979).
Thornbury set a strong friendship with director Don Coscarelli and fellow actors A. Michael Baldwin, Reggie Bannister, and Angus Scrimm that still lasts today. He was given the chance to perform on-screen a theme composed by himself, the country ballade "Sittin' Here at Midnight", which became one of the most unforgettable moments of the saga.
During the eighties, Thornbury focused more on his musical career, leaving acting aside. He was casted on a couple of episodes in a brief soap opera called Secrets of Midland Heights (1980) and had a small role in The Lost Empire (1984). After that, he practically retired from acting to turn his talents into music and teaching.
Due to his friendship with Don Coscarelli, Thornbury returned to the world of Phantasm and delighted many fans reprising his role of Jody in Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead (1994) and in Phantasm IV: Oblivion (1998). He has been a professional singer/songwriter, having been a staff songwriter for 20th Century-Fox in Los Angeles, and MTM Records in Nashville.
In addition to recording albums, Mr. Thornbury also performs with the critically acclaimed band The Sons of the San Joaquin. He resides in Northern California with his wife Sharon, his son Ben, and a great variety of adorable pets.
