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Tom holds the highest pilot rating one can obtain from the FAA - Airline Transport Pilot. He is an instrument rated commercial pilot who holds all instructor ratings certified by the FAA - Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instrument Instructor(CFII), Multi-engine Instructor/ Instrument (MEI), Basic Ground Instructor (BGI), Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI), and Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI).
Although he does not have time to teach flying, he is a member of the National Association of Flight Instructors. He flew commercially as pilot-in-command for one year for Paragon Air in the Hawaiian Islands. Tom also enjoys flying his Piper Arrow to many of his film locations. Tom resides with his sons, Lear and Baron, in Southern California. |
In addition to the feature films and Television pilots aforementioned, Tom has also directed hundreds of national/international TV commercials. Early in his directing career he wrote, produced, and directed many episodes of REAL STORIES OF THE HIGHWAY PATROL, a top-rated nationally syndicated TV show. As the comments in this website clearly indicate, he is known to be an ACTOR'S DIRECTOR. Prior to becoming a full-time screen director in 1988, he had been a working actor for 15 years. He had a recurring role on the #1 rated daytime serial, GENERAL HOSPITAL on and off for 13 years. He also had a one year recurring role on DAYS OF OUR LIVES, as well as principal roles on other soaps including YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. In the late 70's and 80's he Starred or Guest Starred on many prime-time TV series such as CHIPS (NBC), JAMES AT 16 (NBC), THE HARDY BOYS (ABC), PROJECT UFO (NBC), WHAT'S HAPPENING! (ABC), and too many more to mention here. He also starred in hundreds of national TV commercials including McDONALDS, HONDA, COKE, COPPERTONE, BURGER KING, KODAK, SEVEN-UP, and PETER PAN PEANUT BUTTER, to name but only a few. He had starring roles in numerous feature films, Movies for Television, and over 70 live stage productions including MAME, APPLAUSE, and YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, in New York, as well as many national tours. Prior to becoming a director, Tom was also one of the top dialogue coaches and acting instructors in Los Angeles. His clients included top stars from all three major networks as well as film stars, Academy Award Nominees, top baseball and football players, rock stars, and other well-known personalities. He has won top industry awards for his work as an acting instructor for the studios. He headed the TV/Film & Commercial acting departments in Los Angeles at the two most prestigious schools known internationally - THE AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE (1981 - 88) and the AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DRAMATIC ARTS, West (1980 - 87). Tom has published four books in the marketplace. His latest books, HOW TO ACT AND EAT AT THE SAME TIME, the sequel, and ACTING IN THE MILLION DOLLAR MINUTE, the sequel, can be found in bookstores worldwide and are required reading in hundreds of Universities and acting schools worldwide. Tom was born in Shreveport, Louisiana and attended the University of Arkansas for two years before graduating with a B.A. Degree (Cum Laude, Honor Roll, Dean's List) from California State University, Northridge. |
