Roy Thinnes was born on April 6, 1938, in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois, a place that would later influence his life and career. Growing up, he had a strong desire to become either a doctor or a football player, which is a testament to his multifaceted personality.
During his formative years, Thinnes developed a passion for the entertainment industry, which led him to pursue a career in radio broadcasting. He started working at a local radio station, where he took on various roles, including engineering, DJ shows, news, and dramatizations. This early exposure to the world of entertainment sparked his interest in acting, and he eventually made his professional debut as a teenager in a 1957 pilot for the TV series "Chicago 212".
After serving in the army, Thinnes moved to New York and later to California, where he began working on episodes of various TV shows. His breakthrough role came when he played the part of "Phil Brewer" on the daytime soap opera "General Hospital" in 1963. During this period, he became a television heartthrob, earning a massive following and sparking controversy when he briefly left the show to pursue other acting opportunities.
Thinnes's next notable role was as "Ben Quick" on the TV series "The Long, Hot Summer" in 1965, which earned him a new wave of adoring female fans. Although the show was unsuccessful, he continued to work on various projects, including the sci-fi series "The Invaders" in 1967, where he played the lead role of "David Vincent". His success on this show led to his marriage to Lynn Loring, who also acted alongside him in the series.
Throughout his career, Thinnes has appeared in numerous TV shows and films, including "The Hindenburg", "Airport 1975", "Blue Bayou", and "The X-Files". He has played a wide range of characters, from doctors and captains to villains and heroes. His most recent appearances on "The X-Files" have put him back in the spotlight, and he continues to be a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
In his personal life, Thinnes has been married twice, first to Lynn Loring and then to Victoria Gioberti, whom he met on the set of "Falcon Crest" in 1981. He has also had a long-standing career as a television star, with a body of work that spans over five decades.