Tim Thomerson is renowned as one of the most skilled, versatile, and dependable character actors to have graced both the big and small screens with remarkable consistency since the mid-1970s. Despite often being cast in roles that require a rugged, macho persona, Thomerson has demonstrated his ability to excel in comedic and dramatic parts with equal aplomb.
Born on April 8th, 1946, in Coronado, California, Thomerson spent his early years in Hawaii and San Diego. Before embarking on a career in show business, he served in the National Guard and later worked as a prop man and set builder at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego.
Under the guidance of character actor Anthony Zerbe, Thomerson sought out the tutelage of legendary acting teacher Stella Adler in New York, studying with Adler for four years.
Thomerson's show business career began as a stand-up comedian, performing at esteemed clubs such as The Bitter End, Bud Friedman's Improvisation, and Catch a Rising Star in New York, as well as the Comedy Store and the Improv in Los Angeles. He even landed a guest spot on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson.
Thomerson's film debut was a small but memorable role in the hilarious "Car Wash." He gained enduring cult popularity with his deadpan portrayal of rugged police detective Jack Deth in the "Trancers" series. Other notable roles include eccentric police detective Jerry Moriarty in "Fade to Black," weary factory worker Ray in "Take This Job and Shove It," a highway patrolman in Clint Eastwood's poignant "Honkytonk Man," and many more.
On television, Thomerson played the half-man, half-woman Gene-Jean on the uproarious but short-lived sci-fi parody program "Quark." He also had recurring roles on "Sirens" and "Land's End" and has made guest appearances on numerous TV shows.
