Dominique Thorne made her feature film debut in the Academy Award-winning writer/director Barry Jenkins's "If Beale Street Can Talk", playing the role of Sheila Hunt, the petulant younger sister of Fonny Hunt, portrayed by Stephan James. The film premiered at the 2018 Toronto Film Festival, garnering widespread critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including the AFI Awards Movie of the Year, Independent Spirit Awards Best Feature, NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Independent Motion Picture, and one of National Board of Review's Top Ten Films of 2018.
Thorne's subsequent role was in the Warner Brothers' film "Judas and the Black Messiah", directed by Shaka King, where she starred alongside Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield. The film tells the story of Fred Hampton, Chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party, and his fateful betrayal by FBI informant William O'Neal. Thorne played Judy Harmon, a fictional character and member of Fred's security team. The film was executive produced by Ryan Coogler and Charles D. King.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Thorne began her career on stage, starring in various productions during her time as a drama student at New York's Professional Performing Arts High School (PPAS). In 2015, she was named a National Young Arts Winner for Spoken Theater, and won the 2015 United States Presidential Scholar in the Arts, a prestigious award appointed by the White House Commission. The award recognizes one young woman and one young man from each state who demonstrate community service, artistic excellence, and leadership.
As part of the MCC Theater's Youth Company, Thorne performed in their annual show "uncensored", which showcases the most original and thought-provoking work of NYC youth in the dramatic arts. She co-wrote and performed a piece about her heritage, titled "19th century gazelle".
