Thomas Roy's existence commenced in the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he took his first breath, with his origin rooted in a family of artistic and educational pursuits. His father, Walter Roy, was a multifaceted individual, simultaneously excelling as an interior designer and stage actor, while his mother, Mildred MacCorkell, was a lifelong educator, orator, and fine artist, whose passion for teaching and the arts would undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on Thomas's formative years.
Thomas's early life in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, was marked by the presence of his younger sister, Marian Lynne Roy, who unfortunately did not live to adulthood. Despite the challenges that came with growing up, Thomas's innate flair for acting was evident to his family and educators, who encouraged him to pursue his passion from a relatively young age. In fact, his 11th grade year at Upper Moreland Senior High School saw him take to the stage for the first time, starring in the comedic production of "June Mad".
Thomas's remarkable acting talent continued to flourish as he took on the leading role in his final year of high school, showcasing his exceptional abilities to a wider audience. Subsequently, he pursued his academic aspirations at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, where he successfully completed a major in English Secondary Education.
Upon graduating in 1966, Thomas made a significant career shift, dedicating three years of his life to serving his country in the United States Navy, stationed in Jacksonville, Florida. Following his time in the military, he returned to his home state of Pennsylvania, where he began a fulfilling teaching career, specifically teaching 8th grade English in the charming town of Ephrata.
Thomas embarked upon a part-time employment venture in 1971, serving radio stations WGSA-AM and WIOV-FM, which subsequently evolved into a full-time occupation that endured for a remarkable span of over two decades.
Thomas's multifaceted career in broadcasting and theater led him to traverse numerous esteemed stages, with notable performances at the renowned Fulton Opera House in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the esteemed Gretna Theatre in Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania, and the innovative The Independent Eye in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which would later relocate to the picturesque Sonoma County, California.
Throughout his illustrious career, Thomas had the distinction of joining the prestigious Actors Equity, AFTRA, and the Screen Actors Guild in 1992, marking a significant milestone in his professional journey.
Thomas's illustrious career in the entertainment industry spanned multiple decades, with a notable stint at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, where he showcased his versatility by taking on various roles, including actor, writer, director, and producer, from the 1990s to the 2000s.
During this period, he also made appearances in several notable television shows and films, such as Saturday Night Live, Pete & Pete, The Answer Man, and Night Catches Us, further solidifying his reputation as a talented and accomplished performer.
In 2010, Thomas decided to bid farewell to the Renaissance Faire and redirected his focus towards teaching, dedicating himself to instructing aspiring artists in the disciplines of Improv, Acting, Directing, and Actor Self-Marketing, a testament to his dedication to nurturing the next generation of talent.
Biography:
Thomas, a multifaceted individual with a passion for the performing arts, has had a remarkable career spanning over two decades. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Thomas's early interest in acting led him to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, where he honed his skills as an actor, writer, director, and producer.
With a keen sense of humor and an innate ability to connect with audiences, Thomas's performances on Saturday Night Live, Pete & Pete, The Answer Man, and Night Catches Us showcased his impressive range and versatility as a performer.
After retiring from the Renaissance Faire in 2010, Thomas redirected his focus towards teaching, sharing his expertise with aspiring artists, and guiding them towards achieving their own success in the entertainment industry.
Throughout his career, Thomas has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt, innovate, and inspire, leaving a lasting impact on the world of entertainment and education.
Thomas's most recent professional endeavor was as a principal character campaign worker in the acclaimed HBO mini-series "Game Change", which meticulously explored the intricacies of the abortive McCain/Palin presidential campaign.
Thomas is a devoted family man, being married to the loving and supportive Ruth Deck Roy. Together, they have three wonderful children: Michael Thomas Roy, born in the year 1990, Melissa Roy Monti, born in 1970, and Jill Roy-Hill, born in 1974.
