Tom was born and raised in Salem, Oregon, where his father, a former mayor of the city, and his mother, an art instructor, instilled in him a strong sense of creativity and community. As one of seven siblings, Tom was exposed to the arts from a young age, and his parents' influence likely contributed to his decision to pursue a career in the creative field.
At just four years old, Tom declared to his parents that he would one day move to Los Angeles or New York to pursue a career in television and film. While it would take him several decades to make the move, his passion for acting and the arts remained strong throughout his childhood and teenage years.
Tom's early years in Oregon were marked by a love of performing, and he began studying acting and taking on roles in regional theatre productions. This early exposure to the stage helped him develop his skills and build confidence in his abilities.
After making the prophetic move to Los Angeles, Tom found work in Hollywood, although it wasn't quite the acting career he had envisioned. Instead, he began working as a construction manager on the Hollywood and Vine Subway station, a role that allowed him to build and create something from nothing. Tom has spoken about the importance of this experience in shaping his perspective and work ethic.
Despite his early success in construction management, Tom remained committed to pursuing his acting career, taking professional classes and landing small roles in commercials and film. He became a member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) after appearing in his first commercial for IHOP.
In addition to his acting work, Tom has a strong background in improv and sketch comedy, having performed and written for three years at the renowned Upright Citizens Brigade and ACME Comedy. He also had a popular stand-up act that he performed regularly at the Comedy Store, and his comedic skills have served him well in his commercial work over the years.
Tom's passion for comedy and improv has also led him to pursue a career in writing, and he has written and performed several national commercials, including one for Honda that continues to yield residual income for him to this day.
When he's not acting or writing, Tom can be found restoring vintage muscle cars, a hobby that he is deeply passionate about. He is also an admitted Home Depot addict and loves being a home improvement guy, often finding inspiration for his creative projects in the aisles of his favorite hardware store.
Throughout his career, Tom has acknowledged the significant influence of his art teacher mother, who instilled in him a love of the creative arts and encouraged him to pursue his passions. Today, Tom lives in Los Angeles, where he continues to work as an actor, writer, and comedian, and is widely recognized for his talents in all three fields.
