Tom Berenger, a renowned actor, was born Thomas Michael Moore in Chicago to a working-class Roman Catholic family of Irish descent. His father, a printer for the Chicago Sun-Times, instilled in him a strong foundation for his future endeavors. Berenger's early life was marked by a passion for journalism, which led him to attend the University of Missouri to study the subject.
However, fate had other plans for him. During his time at the university, he stumbled upon an audition for the college theater's production of "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" on a whim and a bet with a roommate. Much to his surprise, he landed the role of "Nick," the second male lead, marking the beginning of his acting career.
Berenger's professional journey continued with stints in regional theater, followed by attendance at Herbert Berghof's Studio School for Acting in New York City. It was here that he honed his craft and adopted the stage name "Berenger" after a school friend, as there was already a "Tom Moore" in Actors' Equity.
His film debut came in 1977 with "Looking for Mr. Goodbar," followed by notable roles in "The Big Chill" (1983),"Eddie and the Cruisers" (1983),"Platoon" (1986),"Someone to Watch Over Me" (1987),"Shoot to Kill" (1988),"Betrayed" (1988),"Last Rites" (1988),"Major League" (1989),"Shattered" (1991),"Gettysburg" (1993),"The Substitute" (1996),"Sniper" (1993),"Rough Riders" (1997),"Inception" (2010),and "Hatfields & McCoys" (2012),among many other films and television shows.
Throughout his illustrious career, Berenger has received numerous accolades, including Oscar, Golden Globe, and Emmy Award nominations. His dedication to his craft and his versatility as an actor have cemented his place as one of the most respected and beloved actors in the industry.
