Danton Robert Thompson

Danton Robert Thompson was born June 10, 1953 in Phoenix, Arizona. He was the youngest child of Carl Danton and Amy Thompson. Growing up in South Phoenix and Laveen, Danton lettered as a cheerleader at South Mountain High School. Upon graduation, he attended cosmetology school and became a hairdresser.

In the mid-1970s Danton along with his partner Richard Bremer opened Richard Danton Hair Salon located in the Scottsdale Civic Center Park. Its claim to fame is that it was at the top of the spiral staircase and it became the premier salon in the Scottsdale area. A client of his came to him for a hair style before going to a Stevie Nicks concert. Danton was known for his braids and he gave her an amazing one, so amazing that Stevie Nicks noticed it and sent someone out to ask about it. Thus began Danton’s relationship with Ms. Nicks. He is credited with the look on her 1981 Bella Donna Album, but they had years of friendship and working with each other. It was Stevie that encouraged Danton to move to New York.

In the early 80s they closed the salon, sold their home and headed to New York. It was not as they expected, but in true Danton style he quickly learned the ropes and went out every day to make something happen. The first job was at Lord and Taylor which was followed by Danton studying make-up at the Christine Valmy school. From there he did work with Meg Ryan, Liberty Del Vito, Billy Joel, Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman and others. He was known in the industry as being not only talented, but easy to work with which is a huge gift. Then Christine Valmy hired him as the Director of the School and make-up division. He was even an Emmy nominated make-up and hair stylist for Remember WENN a sitcom set in the 1940s that starred Jason Alexander.

Always the giver, Danton came back to Phoenix to visit in the late 1980s where he did a makeup tutorial for an event to help his sister with her Mary Kay business. His friend Heather (who had known him since he was 19) went to watch the event, where for 45 minutes she had watched her friend “Danny” become Danton on stage. He was mesmerizing and amazing. This began his next career as a motivational speaker and trainer/teacher for Mary Kay directors and consultants in all 50 states. Along with his book, “It Only Seems Like Magic,” he instructed participants not only how to do make-up, but how to run a business and most importantly how to believe in themselves.

His greatest gift in life was his kindness. No matter how other people treated him, he repaid it in love. He loved to serve, showcase and support others. He saw everyone for their potential and encouraged us all to be the best versions of ourselves. He transformed lives wherever he went.

He leaves behind his partner of 23 years Richard Whitney as well as his brother Tom Thompson and his children, Crystal and Scott and sister, Joanna Weeks and her children Sandra Day and Richard Weeks.

A Celebration of Life Gathering for Danton will be held on December 16th, 2023

Open House from 12:00 to 3:00pm

Scottsdale Congregational United Church of Christ

4425 North Granite Reef Road

Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

Light refreshments will be served.

If anyone would like to send flowers, please send them directly to the church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.resthavencarrtenney.com for the Thompson family.