Thom Gossom Jr. is a remarkable individual born in 1952 in Birmingham, Alabama. He is a multifaceted personality, excelling as an actor, writer, and communications professional. Gossom's academic background is impressive, having earned his Bachelor of Arts in communications from Auburn University, where he made history by being the first black athlete in the Southeastern Conference to walk on, earn a full scholarship, and graduate.
As a trailblazer, Gossom defied the odds and became a three-year starter in college football. His remarkable journey is featured in the HBO special "Breaking the Huddle," which highlights the integration of Southern college football. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Arts in communication from The University of Montevallo in Alabama.
Gossom is the owner and President of Best Gurl Inc., a communications firm. His impressive career has spanned various mediums, including film, television, and the stage. Some of his notable film credits include "Fight Club," "Jeepers Creepers 2," and "Miss Ever's Boy's." He has also starred in the NYPD Blue Emmy-winning episode "Lost Israel" and had recurring roles in "In the Heat of the Night," "Boston Legal," and "Reckless."
On the stage, Gossom has appeared in productions such as "Speak of Me As I Am," a critically acclaimed one-man play he wrote, as well as "Fences" and "American Buffalo." His writing credits include his published memoir "Walk-On: My Reluctant Journey To Integration at Auburn University," which chronicles his role in collegiate football history. Gossom has also written "A Slice of Life," the first of a three-part collection of "life stories" woven around themes of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary circumstances.
In addition to his creative pursuits, Gossom is a frequent speaker for universities, corporations, and civic organizations. He inspires, entertains, educates, and motivates his audience through his experience, intellect, and wit. Gossom is also the producer and writer of "Quiet Courage," a film that tells the story of James Owens, the first black athlete to break the racial barriers of college football in the Deep South.
