Tom Riis Farrell was born in Oceanside, New York, a picturesque coastal town that has been his roots since childhood. He later attended Union College in Schenectady, New York, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre in 1981, laying the foundation for his future endeavors in the performing arts.
Farrell's early foray into the film industry was with the 1991 movie Regarding Henry, although his scenes were ultimately edited out. This early experience likely served as a valuable learning opportunity for the young actor.
More recently, Farrell has appeared in the off-Broadway production of The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, starring a talented ensemble cast that included Al Pacino, Charles Durning, Tony Randall, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, and Paul Giamatti. Prior to this, he had a successful run in the Broadway, San Francisco, Pasadena, and touring productions of Claudia Shear's play "Dirty Blonde", earning a Helen Hayes Award and a Joseph Jefferson Award nomination for his performance.
Farrell's extensive list of credits also includes Broadway and Off-Broadway productions such as "1776" (Roundabout and Gershwin Theatres),"Wrong Mountain" (Eugene O'Neill Theatre),"Li'l Abner" (Encores! at City Center),and "View of the Dome" (NY Theatre Workshop).
On the big screen, Farrell has appeared in a range of films, including Trust the Man (2005),Marie and Bruce (2004),The Stepford Wives (2004),Almost Famous (2000),Bringing Out the Dead (1999),The Out-of-Towners (1999),The Devil's Advocate (1997),and Sleepless in Seattle (1993).
In addition to his film work, Farrell has also had a successful television career, with notable roles in Ed (2000),NYPD Blue (1993),Spin City (1996),and four episodes of Law & Order (1990). He has also appeared in one episode of Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2001),as well as in the television movies The Love Letter (1998) with Campbell Scott and Jennifer Jason Leigh, and The Deliverance of Elaine (1996) with Mare Winningham, Chris Cooper, and Lloyd Bridges.
