Tom E. Lewis was born and raised in South Eastern Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, amidst the Murrungun tribe, whose lands are now federally protected. For much of his early life, he worked as a bricklayer and stockman to make ends meet, yet this was only a front for his true ambition to pursue a life of artistic merit.
Throughout his career, Tom has showcased his talents in both the musical and theatrical arena. He has collaborated with renowned theatrical companies such as Playbox and Melbourne Theatre Company, producing internationally recognized work. However, his transition from theatre to film marked a significant milestone in his career.
Tom's breakthrough role came as the title character in the film "Chant Of Jimmie Blacksmith" (1978),a film that earned a Palme d'Or nomination at the 1978 Cannes Film Festival. His film career has been as diverse as it has been extensive, with him playing a multitude of complex, realistic, and recognizable indigenous characters.
One of his most notable characters was Two Bob, an outlaw in the commercially and critically successful "The Proposition" (2005),and Jimmy Conway in the film "Red Hill" (2010),where he played the main antagonist, an escaped and extremely vengeful convict.
Over the years, Tom's acting abilities have gradually gained recognition on the international film circuit. With the release of his new film "Red Hill" (2010),which is being hailed as the next "No Country for Old Men", it appears that Tom's time in the spotlight is imminent, and perhaps even bigger character roles await him.
