Paul Thomas Arnold, an American actor of distinction and U.S. Army disabled veteran, was born on October 2nd, 1954, in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California, USA. His father, Murray Arnold, a remarkable individual of Russian heritage, was a child prodigy pianist who had the privilege of performing with renowned big bands during his illustrious career. On the other hand, Paul's mother, Mildred Arnold (Pritchard),was a kind-hearted woman of Irish and Welsh descent, who played a pivotal role in nurturing Paul's passion for acting and performing by offering unwavering support and encouragement throughout his journey.
Paul's parents, both esteemed World War II veterans, crossed paths while serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps amidst the tumultuous South Pacific theatre of operations. This serendipitous encounter would ultimately give rise to a creative legacy, as Paul's formative years were spent within the vibrant realm of the entertainment industry.
As a young individual, Paul began to exhibit a natural aptitude for performing, a trait that was no doubt inherited from his parents' own artistic inclinations. His nascent talent for acting was initially nurtured during his high school years, where he honed his craft amidst the rigors of the theatrical scene.
However, Paul's early pursuits were not without their twists and turns. As he navigated the challenges of adolescence, he made the bold decision to trade in his acting aspirations for the thrill and camaraderie of football. This temporary detour would ultimately prove to be a mere blip on the radar of Paul's creative journey, as he would later rediscover his passion for acting and comedy in his early twenties.
This circuitous path, marked by both deliberate choices and serendipitous encounters, would ultimately lead Paul to a career that was rich in both artistic expression and personal fulfillment.
Paul embarked upon his professional journey within the realm of black box theatre productions, simultaneously cultivating his skills in indie films and honing his comedic prowess through stand-up and sketch comedy performances at the illustrious Comedy Store in Hollywood, as well as the esteemed Poppy's Star in Encino, California.
Subsequently, he made a seamless transition to the realms of film, television, and stage, thereby establishing himself as a highly sought-after character actor, renowned for his extraordinary versatility in portraying a diverse array of characters.
Paul's extensive career in feature films boasts an impressive array of credits, including his work on Captain Cook, a cinematic masterpiece that showcases his remarkable talent, as well as Classroom 6, a thought-provoking film that demonstrates his versatility as an actor. His impressive resume also includes notable roles in The Last Scout, a thrilling adventure that highlights his ability to adapt to any genre, and The Phoenix Incident, a captivating sci-fi thriller that solidifies his position as a talented thespian. Moreover, Paul has made a significant impact in television, appearing in popular shows such as Rosewood, a crime drama that features a star-studded cast, and Eagleheart, a hilarious sitcom that boasts the comedic genius of Chris Elliot. Furthermore, Paul has established himself as a talented recurring actor, taking on memorable roles as Jeff in The Real Bros of Simi Valley, a popular web series that aired from 2018 to 2021, and as Junior on Brat TV, a popular children's programming network that aired from 2018 to 2022.
Paul has a diverse and extensive background in the performing arts, with a significant presence in both the film and television industries. Furthermore, he has also made a notable impact in the world of stage productions, having starred in a substantial number of theatrical performances throughout his career.
Some of his most notable stage credits include the comedies Rumors and See How They Run, as well as the dramatic productions A Time To Kill and Are You Now, Or Have You Ever Been?. Additionally, he has also appeared in the holiday-themed play Dysfunctional Family Christmas, and the unique production The Fourth Wise Man.
It is worth noting that Paul has also explored more lighthearted and humorous themes in his work, as seen in the plays You Love That I'm Not Your Wife and Are You Now, Or Have You Ever Been?. This range and versatility demonstrate his ability to adapt to a wide variety of roles and genres, further solidifying his reputation as a talented and accomplished performer.
Paul, a remarkable individual with a strong background in military service and academic achievement, has a profound connection to the U.S. Army, where he proudly served as a Combat Engineer, showcasing his bravery and determination in the face of adversity. His impressive academic credentials are further highlighted by the fact that he earned his Master of Arts degree with honors, a testament to his unwavering dedication to personal growth and intellectual pursuits.
In addition to his military and academic endeavors, Paul also had a distinguished career in law enforcement, serving with the esteemed Los Angeles Police department, where he applied his unique set of skills and experiences to make a positive impact on his community.
