Tim Thomerson

Tim Thomerson rates highly as one of the best, most prolific, versatile and dependable character actors to ever grace both the big and small screens alike with pleasing regularity since the mid-70s. Although often cast as laconic rough 'n' tumble macho guys, Thomerson has proved on many occasions that he’s just as versatile in comic roles and more substantial dramatic parts with equal aplomb. Tim was born in Coronado, California and raised in Hawaii and San Diego. He did a stint in the National Guard before getting a job as a prop man and set builder at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego. After character actor Anthony Zerbe suggested Thomerson take lessons with legendary acting teacher Stella Adler in New York, Tim went East where he studied with her for four years. Tim began his entertainment career as a stand-up comedian; performing at such legendary clubs as The Bitter End, Bud Friedman's Improvisation, and Catch A Rising Star in New York and at the Comedy Store and the Improv in Los Angeles. Tim eventually had a guest spot on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962). Soon, Tim parlayed his comic skills from to screen. He made his film debut was with a funny small role in the hilarious Car Wash (1976). Tim achieved his greatest enduring cult popularity with his delightfully deadpan portrayal of rugged police detective Jack Death in the terrific Trancers (1984) and its strictly so-so sequels. Other memorable parts include eccentric police detective Jerry Moriarty in the film Fade to Black (1980). During his career, Tim's character range was far and wide; weary factory worker Ray in Take This Job and Shove It (1981), a highway patrolman in Clint Eastwood's poignant and underrated Honkytonk Man (1982), burnt-out Vietnam vet helicopter pilot Charts in the exciting Uncommon Valor (1983), the crazed John Reynolds in Volunteers (1985), demented cult leader Lester in Cherry 2000 (1987). the tough-as-nails Sarge in the enjoyably quirky Zone Troopers (1985), lovely and touching as the gentle Loy in the outstanding Near Dark (1987), the fearless alien lawman Brick Bardo in the funky Dollman (1991) and a scruffy motorcyclist in Terry Gilliam's unjustly maligned Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998). Tim's appeared in many low-budget films for an independent director Albert Pyun and acted alongside his real-life best friend, Brion James in numerous pictures (they first met while both serving in the National Guard). On television, Thomerson played the half-man, half-woman Gene-Jean on the uproarious, but sadly short-lived sci-fi parody program Quark (1977). Thomerson also had recurring roles on the TV shows Sirens (1993) and Land's End (1995) and has made guest appearances on countless TV shows. shows.