Thomas Sabino Gomez's journey in the world of entertainment began after he graduated from high school in 1923, when he responded to a help wanted ad and joined the Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne theater group.
Prior to this, acting had not been a career consideration for Gomez. However, his experience with the Lunts allowed him to hone his acting skills while traveling across the country.
Eventually, he transitioned to performing in New York's legitimate theater, making his film debut in 1942 in Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror, where he played a villainous role.
During the filming of this movie, Gomez resided at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, where he developed a reputation for being a methodical man. He would have his daily newspaper brought to his room, where it would be placed on top of a growing stack.
When he had time to read, Gomez would summon a bellboy to lift the stack of papers, allowing him to retrieve the bottom paper.
Gomez was a dedicated union man and served on the board of directors of the Screen Actors Guild for more than 40 years.
In the late 1940s, he purchased a home in the Hollywood Hills, where he resided until his passing. While his film career consisted mainly of supporting roles, Gomez was a star on the Broadway stage, playing lead roles in productions such as "A Man for All Seasons".
He was also known for his passion for gourmet dining and was a familiar figure at many of the best restaurants in Hollywood and New York.
Gomez was a larger-than-life figure, weighing over 290 pounds for most of his life. However, just prior to his passing, his doctor placed him on a diet, and at the time of his death, his weight had significantly decreased to less than 150 pounds.
Gomez was survived by his sister, who resided in New York.
