And these days, that’s saying something. Not since “The Brady Bunch” era have there been so many kids on prime-time TV–approximately 50 at last count, even if a few are played by adults, like 24-year-old Amy Davidson on “8 Simple Rules.” Some of this can be attributed to television’s usual copycatting–the Everybody loves Raymond’s ratings syndrome. And in recent years, audiences have generally rejected edgy network programs (not that “Coupling” didn’t deserve to die). “Families have become the in thing right now,” says Bonnie Liedtke, a top kids’ talent agent. “It’s kind of like comfort food.”
Thompson, though, may be more than just the flavor of the month. With his craggy voice and tough-guy walk, Thompson really makes you think he’s got an irascible old man trapped inside him, like a mini Redd Foxx you want to pinch and spank at the same time. “Tracy Morgan” is his first show–in fact, it’s the first time he’s acted. The youngest of nine kids from Kansas City, Mo., Thompson thinks of himself as a rapper (hence the bling thing). NBC discovered him after he’d appeared on “Showtime at the Apollo.” “We’ve been in so many auditions where the kids are so perfect, they know how to make small talk before they do their read,” says “Morgan” executive producer Jim O’Doherty. “Every once in a while, a kid comes along like Bobb’e who doesn’t know this world and is really refreshing. He’s got a raw talent.” So raw that he showed up for his audition hiding his head in his jacket. “I was scared because I had never acted before,” says Thompson, who asked to do this interview at McDonald’s. “But now I’m used to it.” He may be small, but the kid learns fast.
