Thomas Louis "Tom" Villard, a distinguished American actor, came into the world on November 19, 1953, in the picturesque town of Waipahu, Hawaii, a place where the warm tropical breeze and sun-kissed beaches would later serve as the backdrop for many of his formative years.
Growing up in Spencerport, New York, Tom was the proud son of Diane Ruth (MacNaughton),a dedicated and compassionate teacher of the emotionally handicapped, who spent her career making a profound impact on the lives of her students.
Ronald Louis Villard, Tom's father, was a highly skilled and accomplished photochemical engineer, whose expertise in his field was matched only by his love and support for his family.
Villard's academic journey led him to the esteemed Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania, where his initial studies commenced. Nonetheless, his genuine enthusiasm and aptitude lay within the realm of the performing arts, compelling him to relocate to the vibrant city of New York in the early 1970s.
In this cosmopolitan hub, he sought to refine his craft at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, a renowned institution renowned for its rigorous training programs and esteemed faculty. Additionally, he enrolled at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, a leading academy dedicated to the study and development of the performing arts.
Through his time at these esteemed institutions, Villard had the opportunity to hone his skills, immerse himself in the world of theatre and film, and cultivate a deep understanding of the craft. This formative period played a significant role in shaping his artistic identity and preparing him for a successful career in the performing arts.
As the 1980s slowly emerged from the fog of the preceding decade, Villard seized the opportunity to make a bold and decisive move to the vibrant city of Los Angeles, where he subsequently began to land a multitude of prominent roles on television and in feature films.
Notwithstanding his remarkable achievements, Villard steadfastly adhered to his artistic calling, persistently gracing the stage until the culmination of his storied career. Unfortunately, his life was abruptly terminated on November 14, 1994, when he succumbed to AIDS-related pneumonia, a devastating conclusion to a life filled with vibrant performances.
In his wake, Villard bequeathed a rich legacy of unforgettable stage appearances, and his memory is warmly cherished by his loving family members, including his parents, Ron and Diane Villard, his twin brothers Timothy and Terry, his sister Susan, and his devoted partner Scott Chambliss.
