Biography

Because of dyslexia Tom switched schools constantly and suffered poor grades as a result. He took an active role in sports, until a knee injury ended his career in wrestling.

He appeared in a student production of the musical 'Guys & Dolls' as Nathan Detroit which convinced him to dedicate his life to professional acting. He then left for New York where he performed in 'Godspell'. Where the Italian director Franco Zeffirelli discovered him, giving him his first role as Billie Harris in the drama Endless Love. After playing David Shaw in 'Taps', his role as Pete "Maverick" Mitchell in "Top Gun" made him a Star.