David Howard Thornton

David Howard Thornton is an American actor originally from Huntsville, AL. Recently relocating to the Los Angeles area where David continues his stage, film, and voice over work. Most notably, David portrays "Art the Clown," the unrelenting silent killer in the fan and critically acclaimed horror film franchise, “Terrifier." David’s superb acting brings “Art” to life as the silent and deadly Clown of your nightmares! He reprised the role in "Terrifier 2" in 2022. In 2024, David once again put on the “Art the Clown” costume for “Terrifier 3” which was released in theatres on October 11, 2024. “Terrifier 3” has since gone on to become the “highest grossing, non-rated movie” in movie history. David will reappear as “Art the Clown” in “Terrifier 4.”

David has appeared as “Art the Clown” in the Ice Nine Kills music video, “A Work of Art” and as “The Joker” in the award winning short, “Joker’s Wild.”

He is known for his roles as "Grandpa Who" in the 1st to 5th national tours of "Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical", the voice of "Shizoku" and others in the video game "Invizimals: The Lost Kingdom." David has also portrayed "The Joker" in the YouTube series, "Nightwing Escalation" and has appeared on the “Gotham” TV series.

David can also be seen in the “The Mean One,” a Horror Spoof of “The Grinch” and once again showcasing his acting prowess in the Indie horror films “Stream" and the Fangoria Chainsaw winner for “Best Public Domain Resurrection,” “Screamboat” and in the just released on streaming, “The Dead Place.” In 2025, he finished filming the “Autopsy of Albert Kemper” starring Eric Stoltz and Alexandra Shipp along with David.