Tom Atkins, a talented character actor, was born on November 13, 1938, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a child, he developed a strong fascination with horror films, with Howard Hawks' 1951 classic "The Thing from Another World" leaving a lasting impression.
Atkins attended Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, where he was a member of the Gamma Phi Fraternity. He made his film debut in 1968 as a rookie police officer in "The Detective," a role that would become a recurring theme throughout his career.
Tom's notable film appearances include his roles in John Carpenter's "The Fog" (1980) and "Escape from New York" (1981),as well as his memorable performances in "Creepshow" (1982) and "Halloween III: Season of the Witch" (1982).
Atkins' versatility as an actor was showcased in his portrayal of Detective Ray Cameron in "Night of the Creeps" (1986),which he considers his personal favorite among all the horror films he has acted in. He also delivered standout performances as Lt. Frank McCrae in "Maniac Cop" (1988) and Michael Hunsaker in "Lethal Weapon" (1987).
In addition to his film work, Tom has had a successful television career, with recurring roles on "The Rockford Files" (1974) and "The Equalizer" (1985),as well as guest appearances on popular series such as "Oz" (1997),"Xena: Warrior Princess" (1995),"Walker, Texas Ranger" (1993),and "M*A*S*H" (1972).
Atkins has also had a distinguished stage career, with notable roles on Broadway and off-Broadway, including "The Changing Room," "Keep It in the Family," and "The Unknown Soldier and His Wife." He has frequently performed at the Pittsburgh Public Theater, earning critical acclaim for his portrayal of Pittsburgh Steelers founder Art Rooney in the one-man show "The Chief."
Tom Atkins currently resides in Peters Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania.
