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{{short description|American actor}}
{{short description|American actor}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2023}}
{{about|the actor and acting teacher|the singer and actor|Tom Waits}}
{{about|the actor and acting teacher|the singer and actor|Tom Waits}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Thomas G. Waites
| name = Thomas G. Waites
| image = Thomas G. Waites.jpg
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1955|1|8|mf=y}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1955|1|8|mf=y}}
| birth_place = [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]], U.S.
| birth_place = [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]], U.S.
| occupation = Actor, director, playwright, teacher
| occupation = {{csv|Actor|director|acting teacher}}
| spouse = Lisa Greenberg (1987-1999), divorced
| partner = Donna Read (2017-present)
| spouse = Lisa Greenberg (1987–1999; divorced)
| children = Samuel Jackson Waites<br>Michaela Kate Waites
| children = 2
| years_active = 1976–present
| years_active = 1976–present
| education = [[Juilliard School]]<br>[[New School]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])<br>[[University of Iowa]] {{small|([[Master of Fine Arts|MFA]])}}
| education = {{ubl|[[Juilliard School]]|[[New School]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])|[[University of Iowa]] {{small|([[Master of Fine Arts|MFA]])}}}}
| website = {{url|thomasgwaites.com}}
| website = {{URL|thomasgwaites.com}}
}}
}}
⚫
'''Thomas G. Waites''' (born January 8, 1955) is an American actor and acting instructor born in [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]]. Waites runs an eponymous acting studio in [[New York City]]. He has been a member of the [[Actors Studio]] since 1984.

⚫
'''Thomas G. Waites''' (born January 8, 1955) is an American actor and acting instructor born in [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]]. Waites runs an acting studio in [[New York City]] which is named for him. He has been a member of the [[Actors Studio]] since 1984.


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
Waites was born in [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]], the son of Michael and Anne Waites. He completed grade school at [[Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church (Northern Liberties), Philadelphia|Immaculate Conception]] and then high school at [[Conwell-Egan Catholic High School|Bishop Egan]] in [[Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania]]. After one year at [[Bucks County Community College]], he received a full scholarship for acting at the [[Juilliard School]] in [[New York City]], where he studied as a member of the Drama Division's {{nowrap|''Group 7''}} (1974–1977).<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.juilliard.edu/alumni/news/news_decades/2007-2008/0711/index.php | title = Alumni News | publisher = The Juilliard School | date = November 2007 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20111111120059/http://juilliard.edu/alumni/news/news_decades/2007-2008/0711/index.php | archivedate = 2011-11-11}}</ref> Some of his classmates included [[Robin Williams]], [[Christopher Reeve]], [[Keith David]] and [[Frances Conroy]]. He received a [[B.A.]] degree in Writing from [[The New School]] and a [[Master of Fine Arts]] in Playwriting from the [[University of Iowa]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.thomasgwaites.com/ThomasGWaitesResume.htm | title = Thomas G. Waites: Resume | publisher = thomasgwaites.com | accessdate = April 20, 2012 | url-status = dead | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20120329203312/http://www.thomasgwaites.com/ThomasGWaitesResume.htm | archivedate = March 29, 2012 }}</ref>
Waites was born in [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]], the son of Michael and Anne Waites. He completed grade school at [[Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church (Northern Liberties), Philadelphia|Immaculate Conception]] and then high school at [[Conwell-Egan Catholic High School|Bishop Egan]] in [[Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania]]. After one year at [[Bucks County Community College]], he received a full scholarship for acting at the [[Juilliard School]] in [[New York City]], where he studied as a member of the Drama Division's {{nowrap|''Group 7''}} (1974–1977).<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.juilliard.edu/alumni/news/news_decades/2007-2008/0711/index.php | title = Alumni News | publisher = The Juilliard School | date = November 2007 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20111111120059/http://juilliard.edu/alumni/news/news_decades/2007-2008/0711/index.php | archivedate = November 11, 2011}}</ref> He received a [[Bachelor of Arts|B.A.]] degree in Writing from [[The New School]] and a [[Master of Fine Arts]] in Playwriting from the [[University of Iowa]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.thomasgwaites.com/ThomasGWaitesResume.htm | title = Thomas G. Waites: Resume | publisher = thomasgwaites.com | accessdate = April 20, 2012 | url-status = dead | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20120329203312/http://www.thomasgwaites.com/ThomasGWaitesResume.htm | archivedate = March 29, 2012 }}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
{{BLP sources|date=April 2021}}
When Waites was 21 years old, he was offered two movies simultaneously: ''Snowbound'', directed by Robert Young, and ''Pity the Poor Soldier'' (the title has subsequently changed), directed by Bill Jersey. Despite the fact that he was offered twice the money for ''Snowbound'', Waites chose ''Pity the Poor Soldier'' because it was in celebration of the [[centennial]] of the [[American Revolutionary War]]. Next Waites originated the roll of Oliver Treefe in Simon Gray's world premiere of ''Molly'', at the First Annual Spoleto Festival in Charleston, S.C. After this highly acclaimed performance he returned to NYC to be cast in the [[Joan Micklin Silver]]-produced ''On the Yard'' (1978), co-starring [[John Heard (actor)|John Heard]]. Subsequently, he was offered a three-picture option deal with Paramount Pictures. After very strong critical notices Waites auditioned for and got a part in [[Walter Hill (director)|Walter Hill]]'s ''[[The Warriors (film)|The Warriors]]'' (1979) playing the character Fox. After disputes with the director, he was fired from this film. Subsequently, when the studio asked him where he wanted his billing he told them to remove his name completely, a decision Waites regrets. He has since reconciled with Walter Hill. Three weeks after being fired from ''The Warriors'' Tom auditioned with [[Al Pacino]], and was cast as Jeff McCullough in the [[Norman Jewison]] film ''[[...And Justice for All (film)|...And Justice for All]]'' (1979). This began a long relationship with Pacino. The two worked together again in [[William Shakespeare|Shakespeare]]'s ''[[Richard III (play)|Richard III]]'', with Waites playing Richmond, where he received strong notices again. After that, Waites originated the role of Mitchell in [[Alan Bowne]]'s ''Forty-Deuce'' [[Off-Broadway]] at the Perry Street Theatre. In 1982, Waites competed with [[Matt Dillon]] and [[Kevin Bacon]] to land the role of Bobby in [[David Mamet]]'s [[Pulitzer Prize]]-winning play, ''[[American Buffalo (play)|American Buffalo]]''. [[Kurt Russell]] and [[John Carpenter]] saw his performance and cast him as Windows in the film ''[[The Thing (1982 film)|The Thing]]'' (1982). Waites was cast in the [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] premiere of ''[[Trafford Tanzi]]'', a musical where he sang with [[Deborah Harry]] of Blondie fame. Next was ''Pastorale'', the [[Obie Award]]-winning play by Debra Eisenberg starring [[Judith Ivey]] and [[Christine Estabrook]], playing the character of Steve.
When Waites was 21 years old, he was offered two movies simultaneously: ''Snowbound'', directed by Robert Young, and ''Pity the Poor Soldier'' (the title has subsequently changed), directed by Bill Jersey. Despite the fact that he was offered twice the money for ''Snowbound'', Waites chose ''Pity the Poor Soldier'' because it was in celebration of the [[United States Bicentennial|bicentennial]] of the [[American Revolutionary War]]. Next Waites originated the role of Oliver Treefe in Simon Gray's world premiere of ''Molly'' at the First Annual Spoleto Festival in Charleston, S.C. After this highly acclaimed performance, he returned to NYC to be cast in the [[Joan Micklin Silver]]-produced ''[[On the Yard]]'' (1978), co-starring [[John Heard (actor)|John Heard]]. Subsequently, he was offered a three-picture option deal with Paramount Pictures. After very strong critical notices, Waites auditioned for and got a part in [[Walter Hill (director)|Walter Hill]]'s ''[[The Warriors (film)|The Warriors]]'' (1979), playing the character Fox. After disputes with the director, he was fired from this film.<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=October 6, 2016|title=Watch 'The Warriors' Reunite to Discuss Cult Film's Legacy, Fandom|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-news/watch-the-warriors-reunite-to-discuss-cult-films-legacy-fandom-189139/|access-date=April 6, 2021|magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=September 8, 2015|title=Remember the Warriors: Behind the Chaotic, Drug-Fueled, and Often Terrifying Making of a Cult Classic|url=https://www.villagevoice.com/2015/09/08/remember-the-warriors-behind-the-chaotic-drug-fueled-and-often-terrifying-making-of-a-cult-classic/|access-date=April 6, 2021|website=The Village Voice}}</ref> Subsequently, when the studio asked him where he wanted his billing, he told them to remove his name completely, a decision Waites regrets. He has since reconciled with Walter Hill. Three weeks after being fired from ''The Warriors'', Tom auditioned with [[Al Pacino]] and was cast as Jeff McCullough in the [[Norman Jewison]] film ''[[...And Justice for All (film)|...And Justice for All]]'' (1979). This began a long relationship with Pacino. The two worked together again in [[William Shakespeare|Shakespeare]]'s ''[[Richard III (play)|Richard III]]'', with Waites playing Richmond, where he received strong notices again. After that, Waites originated the role of Mitchell in [[Alan Bowne]]'s ''Forty-Deuce'' [[Off-Broadway]] at the Perry Street Theatre. In 1982, Waites competed with [[Matt Dillon]] and [[Kevin Bacon]] to land the role of Bobby in [[David Mamet]]'s [[Pulitzer Prize]]-winning play, ''[[American Buffalo (play)|American Buffalo]]''. [[Kurt Russell]] and [[John Carpenter]] saw his performance and cast him as Windows in the 1982 film ''[[The Thing (1982 film)|The Thing]]''. Waites was cast in the [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] premiere of ''[[Trafford Tanzi]]'', a musical in which he sang with [[Deborah Harry]] of Blondie fame. Next was ''Pastorale'', the [[Obie Award]]-winning play by Debra Eisenberg starring [[Judith Ivey]] and [[Christine Estabrook]], with Waites playing the character of Steve.


It was during this time that Tom met his namesake and singer [[Tom Waits]], who generously taught Tom the song "Jersey Girl" on the guitar. Out of deference to the musician Tom Waits, this is when Tom added the G. to his professional name to offset any confusion between the two talented artists. Tom Waits even played the bass drum on a demo tape of Thomas G. Waites' music. Tom G. Waites began writing music and formed a band called The Pushups, playing gigs around NYC in clubs such as CBGB's, Limelight, Traxs, The Bitter End and even opening for The Smithereens.
It was during this time that Tom met his namesake and singer, [[Tom Waits]], who generously taught Tom the song "Jersey Girl" on the guitar. Out of deference to the musician Tom Waits, this is when Tom added the "G." to his professional name to offset any confusion between the two talented artists. Tom Waits even played the bass drum on a demo tape of Thomas G. Waites' music. Tom G. Waites began writing music and formed a band called The Pushups, playing gigs around NYC in clubs such as CBGB's, Limelight, Traxs, The Bitter End, and even opening for The Smithereens.


In 1983, Waits joined [[The Mirror Theater Ltd]]’s Mirror Repertory Company, performing in numerous repertory productions Off-Broadway at St. Peters Church throughout various seasons. His work with The Mirror included one of the highlights of Tom's career: working with [[Geraldine Page]] in [[Clifford Odets]]' ''Paradise Lost'' in the role of Kewpie, originated by [[Elia Kazan]].
In 1983, Waits joined [[The Mirror Theater Ltd]]’s Mirror Repertory Company, performing in numerous repertory productions off-Broadway at St. Peters Church throughout various seasons. His work with The Mirror included one of the highlights of Tom's career: working with [[Geraldine Page]] in [[Clifford Odets]]' ''Paradise Lost'' in the role of Kewpie, originated by [[Elia Kazan]].


The reviews from this show and a recommendation by Al Pacino got Tom the part of Ralph in Clifford Odets' ''[[Awake and Sing!]]'' and Sing on Broadway with actress [[Frances McDormand]] and actor [[Harry Hamlin]]. Tom was then cast in the role of Broud in ''[[The Clan of the Cave Bear (film)|The Clan of the Cave Bear]]'' (1986) with [[Daryl Hannah]] and [[James Remar]]. Terrible critical notices and a cold reception from the public combined to make ''Clan of the Cave Bear'' a less than career-building move. It was at this point that he met his future wife, Lisa Greenberg, with whom he has two children: Samuel Jackson Waites and Michaela Kate Waites. Tom next played Otis Price the baby-stealer in [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]'s ''[[All My Children]]'' for approximately 9 months, while performing [[Israel Horovitz]]'s ''North Shore Fish'' at the WPA Theater in NYC alongside [[John Pankow]], [[Christine Estabrook]], [[Wendie Malick]] and [[Laura San Giacomo]]. Tom also made guest appearances in such popular television shows as ''[[Kojak]]'' (with Telly Savalas), ''[[Miami Vice]]'' and two episodes of ''[[The Equalizer]]''. Tom played the role of Rob in [[Howard Korder]]'s ''[[Search and Destroy (play)|Search and Destroy]]'' on Broadway alongside [[Griffin Dunne]]. Tom appeared as Smittie in the film ''[[Light of Day]]'' (1987) opposite [[Michael J. Fox]] and [[Joan Jett]], and was then cast as [[Al Capone]], competing with actors like [[Harvey Keitel]], for the film ''Gangland'' (1987) with [[Scott Glenn]].
The reviews from this show and a recommendation by Al Pacino got Tom the part of Ralph in Clifford Odets' ''[[Awake and Sing!]]'' and Sing on Broadway with actress [[Frances McDormand]] and actor [[Harry Hamlin]]. Tom was then cast in the role of Broud in ''[[The Clan of the Cave Bear (film)|The Clan of the Cave Bear]]'' (1986) with [[Daryl Hannah]] and [[James Remar]]. Terrible critical notices and a cold reception from the public combined to make ''Clan of the Cave Bear'' a less-than-career-building move. It was at this point that he met his future wife, Lisa Greenberg, with whom he has two children: Samuel Jackson Waites and Michaela Kate Waites. Tom next played Otis Price, the babystealer in [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]'s ''[[All My Children]]'' for approximately 9 months, while performing [[Israel Horovitz]]'s ''North Shore Fish'' at the WPA Theater in NYC alongside [[John Pankow]], [[Christine Estabrook]], [[Wendie Malick]], and [[Laura San Giacomo]]. Tom also made guest appearances in such popular television shows as ''[[Kojak]]'' (with Telly Savalas), ''[[Miami Vice]],'' and two episodes of ''[[The Equalizer (1985 TV series)|The Equalizer]]''. Tom played the role of Rob in [[Howard Korder]]'s ''[[Search and Destroy (play)|Search and Destroy]]'' on Broadway alongside [[Griffin Dunne]]. Tom appeared as Smittie in the film ''[[Light of Day]]'' (1987), opposite [[Michael J. Fox]] and [[Joan Jett]], and was then cast as [[Al Capone]], competing with actors like [[Harvey Keitel]] for the film ''Gangland'' (1987) with [[Scott Glenn]].


Waites moved to [[Iowa City, Iowa]], to pursue a career as a playwright. While in Iowa, Tom wrote a play called ''Dark Laughter'', based on the lives of [[William Faulkner]] and [[Dylan Thomas]]. The play was picked up by producer [[Barry Kemp (TV producer)|Barry Kemp]], creator of the hit television series ''[[Coach (TV series)|Coach]]''. The play was moved to the Marin Theatre Center in [[Mill Valley, California]].
Waites moved to [[Iowa City, Iowa]], to pursue a career as a playwright. While in Iowa, Tom wrote a play called ''Dark Laughter'', based on the lives of [[William Faulkner]] and [[Dylan Thomas]]. The play was picked up by producer [[Barry Kemp (TV producer)|Barry Kemp]], creator of the hit television series ''[[Coach (TV series)|Coach]]''. The play was moved to the Marin Theatre Center in [[Mill Valley, California]].


Tom next relocated to Los Angeles where he started the theatre company, TomCats. This is where he began his directing career. After two guest star appearances on ''[[NYPD Blue]]'' and some minor roles in small independent films and television shows, including a guest star in ''[[Buffy the Vampire Slayer]]'', ''[[Mike Hammer, Private Eye]]'' with [[Stacy Keach]] and ''[[Sliders]]''. At this time, Tom established himself as a top acting teacher. He opened the TGW Acting Studio in 2000 and his school continues to thrive today. He has coached such actors as [[Alfred Molina]], [[Vinnie Pastore]], [[Vinessa Shaw]], [[Tim Guinee]], [[Oliver Hudson]] and Jamie Harris. TGW Acting Studio was named the top school to study acting in [[New York City]] by Backstage in 2015. Tom directs and produces [[Off-Off-Broadway]] plays at his studio. Upon returning to New York, he directed the Off-Broadway hit ''Six Goumbas and a Wannabe'', starring Annie McGovern and [[Kathrine Narducci]]. He also directed ''Golden Ladder'' (with [[Amy Redford]]) and numerous other Off and Off-Off-Broadway productions.
Waites next relocated to Los Angeles, where he started the theater company, TomCats. This is where he began his directing career. After two guest star appearances on ''[[NYPD Blue]]'' and some minor roles in small independent films and television shows, including a guest star in ''[[Buffy the Vampire Slayer]]'', ''[[Mike Hammer, Private Eye]]'' with [[Stacy Keach]], and ''[[Sliders (TV series)|Sliders]]''. At this time, Waites established himself as a top acting teacher, which led to the opening of the TGW Acting Studio in 2000, which continues to thrive today.


Since returning to New York City he has landed guest roles in ''[[Law & Order]]'' (four times), ''[[Law & Order: Criminal Intent]]'' (two times) and starred in the soap opera ''[[One Life to Live]]'' as Decker Denton. Waites played [[Henry Stanton (Oz)|Henry Stanton]] in ''[[Oz (TV series)|Oz]]'' for four seasons.
Upon returning to New York, Waites landed guest roles in ''[[Law & Order]]'' (four times) and ''[[Law & Order: Criminal Intent]]'' (two times) and starred in the soap opera ''[[One Life to Live]]'' as Decker Denton. Waites played [[Henry Stanton (Oz)|Henry Stanton]] in ''[[Oz (TV series)|Oz]]'' for four seasons.


Waites has coached such actors as [[Alfred Molina]], [[Vinnie Pastore]], [[Vinessa Shaw]], [[Tim Guinee]], [[Oliver Hudson]], and Jamie Harris. TGW Acting Studio was named the top school to study acting in [[New York City]] by Backstage in 2015.
Tom directed [[Joe Mantegna]] and [[Frances Fisher]] in a short film, ''Pandora's Box'', for which he won Best Director in the [[Atlantic City Film Festival]].

Further pursuing his love for directing, Waites directed the Off-Broadway hit ''Six Goumbas and a Wannabe'', starring Annie McGovern and [[Kathrine Narducci]]. He also directed ''Golden Ladder'' (with [[Amy Redford]]) and numerous other off-Broadway productions.[https://www.thomasgwaites.com/] Waites directed [[Joe Mantegna]] and [[Frances Fisher]] in a short film, ''Pandora's Box'', for which he won Best Director at the [[Atlantic City Film Festival]].

A prolific director, Waites most recently directed the play ''A White Man's Guide to Rikers Island'', which had a successful run in New York City in 2022. His latest project, a feature film titled ''Target'', was both written and directed by Waites and premiered in April 2023.


==Filmography==
==Filmography==

===Film===
===Film===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 42: Line 48:
! Year !! Title !! Role !! Notes
! Year !! Title !! Role !! Notes
|-
|-
| 1976 || ''The Other Side of Victory'' || Joel || TV Movie
| 1976 || ''The Other Side of Victory'' || Joel || TV movie
|-
|-
| 1978 || ''[[On the Yard]]'' || Chilly || Credited as '''Thomas Waites'''
| 1978 || ''[[On the Yard]]'' || 'Chilly' || Credited as '''Thomas Waites'''
|-
|-
| 1979 || ''[[The Warriors (film)|The Warriors]]'' || Fox || Uncredited
| 1979 || ''[[The Warriors (film)|The Warriors]]'' || 'Fox' || Uncredited
|-
|-
| 1979 || ''[[...And Justice for All (film)|...And Justice for All]]'' || Jeff McCullaugh || Credited as '''Thomas Waites'''
| 1979 || ''[[...And Justice for All (film)|...And Justice for All]]'' || Jeff McCullaugh || Credited as '''Thomas Waites'''
Line 52: Line 58:
| 1982 || ''[[The Thing (1982 film)|The Thing]]'' || Windows || Credited as '''Thomas Waites'''
| 1982 || ''[[The Thing (1982 film)|The Thing]]'' || Windows || Credited as '''Thomas Waites'''
|-
|-
| 1983 || ''O’Malley'' || Paul || TV Movie
| 1983 || ''O’Malley'' || Paul || TV movie
|-
|-
| 1983 || ''The Face of Rage'' || Howard || TV Movie
| 1983 || ''The Face of Rage'' || Howard || TV movie
|-
|-
| 1986 || ''[[The Clan of the Cave Bear (film)|The Clan of the Cave Bear]]'' || Broud ||
| 1986 || ''[[The Clan of the Cave Bear (film)|The Clan of the Cave Bear]]'' || Broud ||
|-
|-
| 1987 || ''[[Light of Day]]'' || Smittie ||
| 1987 || ''[[Light of Day]]'' || 'Smittie' ||
|-
|-
| 1987 || ''Gangland'' || [[Al Capone]] ||
| 1987 || ''Gangland'' || [[Al Capone]] ||
Line 64: Line 70:
| 1988 || ''[[Shakedown (1988 film)|Shakedown]]'' || Officer Kelly ||
| 1988 || ''[[Shakedown (1988 film)|Shakedown]]'' || Officer Kelly ||
|-
|-
| 1990 || ''Kojak: Flowers for Matty'' || Tink || TV Movie
| 1990 || ''Kojak: Flowers for Matty'' || 'Tink' || TV movie
|-
|-
| 1990 || ''[[State of Grace (1990 film)|State of Grace]]'' || Frankie's man ||
| 1990 || ''[[State of Grace (1990 film)|State of Grace]]'' || Frankie's Man ||
|-
|-
| 1991 || ''[[McBain (film)|McBain]]'' || Gill || Credited as '''T. G. Waites'''
| 1991 || ''[[McBain (film)|McBain]]'' || Gill || Credited as '''T. G. Waites'''
Line 80: Line 86:
| 1997 || ''[[An American Affair (1997 film)|An American Affair]]'' || Mulroney ||
| 1997 || ''[[An American Affair (1997 film)|An American Affair]]'' || Mulroney ||
|-
|-
| 1997 || ''A Thousand Men and a Baby'' || Supply Sergeant || TV Movie
| 1997 || ''A Thousand Men and a Baby'' || Supply Sergeant || TV movie
|-
|-
| 1999 || ''American Virgin'' || Grip ||
| 1999 || ''American Virgin'' || 'Grip' ||
|-
|-
| 1999 || ''[[Rites of Passage (1999 film)|Rites of Passage]]'' || John Willio ||
| 1999 || ''[[Rites of Passage (1999 film)|Rites of Passage]]'' || John Willio ||
Line 88: Line 94:
| 2001 || ''Nailed'' || Carpet Guy ||
| 2001 || ''Nailed'' || Carpet Guy ||
|-
|-
| 2005 || ''The Exonerated'' || Deputy || TV Movie
| 2005 || ''The Exonerated'' || Deputy || TV movie
|-
|-
| 2008 || ''The Look'' || Irv Moulton || Short
| 2008 || ''The Look'' || Irv Moulton || Short
|-
|-
| 2010 || ''An Affirmative Act'' || Samuel 'Dixie' Backus ||
| 2010 || ''An Affirmative Act'' || Sam 'Dixie' Backus ||
|-
|-
| 2011 || ''The Grand Theft'' || Randy Lemar ||
| 2011 || ''The Grand Theft'' || Randy Lemar ||
Line 98: Line 104:
| 2011 || ''The Great Fight'' || Chief Bocchino ||
| 2011 || ''The Great Fight'' || Chief Bocchino ||
|-
|-
| 2011 || ''The Life Zone'' || Roger Fields ||
| 2011 || ''[[The Life Zone]]'' || Roger Fields ||
|-
|-
| 2012 || ''[[Broadway's Finest]]'' || Caesar ||
| 2012 || ''[[Broadway's Finest]]'' || Caesar ||
Line 106: Line 112:
| 2015 || ''Thompson Street'' || Bobby || Short
| 2015 || ''Thompson Street'' || Bobby || Short
|-
|-
| 2015 || ''The Warriors: Last Subway Ride Home'' || Fox || Video short
| 2015 || ''The Warriors: Last Subway Ride Home'' || 'Fox' || Video short
|-

| 2021 || ''[[6:45]]'' || Larry ||
|}
|}


Line 119: Line 126:
| 1987 || ''[[All My Children]]'' || Otis Price || Unknown episodes
| 1987 || ''[[All My Children]]'' || Otis Price || Unknown episodes
|-
|-
| 1997 || ''[[Sliders]]'' || Randy || Episode: "Slither"
| 1997 || ''[[Sliders (TV series)|Sliders]]'' || Randy || Episode: "Slither"
|-
|-
| 1998 || ''[[NYPD Blue]]'' || William Weaver, Sr. || Episode: "[[NYPD Blue (season 5)|Weaver of Hate]]"
| 1998 || ''[[NYPD Blue]]'' || William Weaver Sr. || Episode: "[[NYPD Blue (season 5)|Weaver of Hate]]"
|-
|-
| 1998 || ''[[Mike Hammer, Private Eye]]'' || George Speaker || Episode: "Big Brother's Secret"
| 1998 || ''[[Mike Hammer, Private Eye]]'' || George Speaker || Episode: "Big Brother's Secret"
Line 145: Line 152:
! Year !! Title !! Role !! Notes
! Year !! Title !! Role !! Notes
|-
|-
| 2005 || ''[[The Warriors (video game)|The Warriors]]'' || Fox ||
| 2005 || ''[[The Warriors (video game)|The Warriors]]'' || 'Fox' ||
|-
|-
| 2008 || ''[[Grand Theft Auto IV]]'' || Priest || Voice and motion capture
| 2008 || ''[[Grand Theft Auto IV]]'' || Priest || Voice and motion capture

Latest revision as of 18:26, 25 January 2024

This article is about the actor and acting teacher. For the singer and actor, see Tom Waits.
Thomas G. Waites
Born (1955-01-08) January 8, 1955 (age 69)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Education
Occupation(s)Actor, director, acting teacher
Years active1976–present
SpouseLisa Greenberg (1987–1999; divorced)
Children2
Websitethomasgwaites.com

Thomas G. Waites (born January 8, 1955) is an American actor and acting instructor born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Waites runs an eponymous acting studio in New York City. He has been a member of the Actors Studio since 1984.

Early life and education[edit]

Waites was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Michael and Anne Waites. He completed grade school at Immaculate Conception and then high school at Bishop Egan in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania. After one year at Bucks County Community College, he received a full scholarship for acting at the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied as a member of the Drama Division's Group 7 (1974–1977).[1] He received a B.A. degree in Writing from The New School and a Master of Fine Arts in Playwriting from the University of Iowa.[2]

Career[edit]

When Waites was 21 years old, he was offered two movies simultaneously: Snowbound, directed by Robert Young, and Pity the Poor Soldier (the title has subsequently changed), directed by Bill Jersey. Despite the fact that he was offered twice the money for Snowbound, Waites chose Pity the Poor Soldier because it was in celebration of the bicentennial of the American Revolutionary War. Next Waites originated the role of Oliver Treefe in Simon Gray's world premiere of Molly at the First Annual Spoleto Festival in Charleston, S.C. After this highly acclaimed performance, he returned to NYC to be cast in the Joan Micklin Silver-produced On the Yard (1978), co-starring John Heard. Subsequently, he was offered a three-picture option deal with Paramount Pictures. After very strong critical notices, Waites auditioned for and got a part in Walter Hill's The Warriors (1979), playing the character Fox. After disputes with the director, he was fired from this film.[3][4] Subsequently, when the studio asked him where he wanted his billing, he told them to remove his name completely, a decision Waites regrets. He has since reconciled with Walter Hill. Three weeks after being fired from The Warriors, Tom auditioned with Al Pacino and was cast as Jeff McCullough in the Norman Jewison film ...And Justice for All (1979). This began a long relationship with Pacino. The two worked together again in Shakespeare's Richard III, with Waites playing Richmond, where he received strong notices again. After that, Waites originated the role of Mitchell in Alan Bowne's Forty-Deuce Off-Broadway at the Perry Street Theatre. In 1982, Waites competed with Matt Dillon and Kevin Bacon to land the role of Bobby in David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, American Buffalo. Kurt Russell and John Carpenter saw his performance and cast him as Windows in the 1982 film The Thing. Waites was cast in the Broadway premiere of Trafford Tanzi, a musical in which he sang with Deborah Harry of Blondie fame. Next was Pastorale, the Obie Award-winning play by Debra Eisenberg starring Judith Ivey and Christine Estabrook, with Waites playing the character of Steve.

It was during this time that Tom met his namesake and singer, Tom Waits, who generously taught Tom the song "Jersey Girl" on the guitar. Out of deference to the musician Tom Waits, this is when Tom added the "G." to his professional name to offset any confusion between the two talented artists. Tom Waits even played the bass drum on a demo tape of Thomas G. Waites' music. Tom G. Waites began writing music and formed a band called The Pushups, playing gigs around NYC in clubs such as CBGB's, Limelight, Traxs, The Bitter End, and even opening for The Smithereens.

In 1983, Waits joined The Mirror Theater Ltd’s Mirror Repertory Company, performing in numerous repertory productions off-Broadway at St. Peters Church throughout various seasons. His work with The Mirror included one of the highlights of Tom's career: working with Geraldine Page in Clifford Odets' Paradise Lost in the role of Kewpie, originated by Elia Kazan.

The reviews from this show and a recommendation by Al Pacino got Tom the part of Ralph in Clifford Odets' Awake and Sing! and Sing on Broadway with actress Frances McDormand and actor Harry Hamlin. Tom was then cast in the role of Broud in The Clan of the Cave Bear (1986) with Daryl Hannah and James Remar. Terrible critical notices and a cold reception from the public combined to make Clan of the Cave Bear a less-than-career-building move. It was at this point that he met his future wife, Lisa Greenberg, with whom he has two children: Samuel Jackson Waites and Michaela Kate Waites. Tom next played Otis Price, the babystealer in ABC's All My Children for approximately 9 months, while performing Israel Horovitz's North Shore Fish at the WPA Theater in NYC alongside John Pankow, Christine Estabrook, Wendie Malick, and Laura San Giacomo. Tom also made guest appearances in such popular television shows as Kojak (with Telly Savalas), Miami Vice, and two episodes of The Equalizer. Tom played the role of Rob in Howard Korder's Search and Destroy on Broadway alongside Griffin Dunne. Tom appeared as Smittie in the film Light of Day (1987), opposite Michael J. Fox and Joan Jett, and was then cast as Al Capone, competing with actors like Harvey Keitel for the film Gangland (1987) with Scott Glenn.

Waites moved to Iowa City, Iowa, to pursue a career as a playwright. While in Iowa, Tom wrote a play called Dark Laughter, based on the lives of William Faulkner and Dylan Thomas. The play was picked up by producer Barry Kemp, creator of the hit television series Coach. The play was moved to the Marin Theatre Center in Mill Valley, California.

Waites next relocated to Los Angeles, where he started the theater company, TomCats. This is where he began his directing career. After two guest star appearances on NYPD Blue and some minor roles in small independent films and television shows, including a guest star in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Mike Hammer, Private Eye with Stacy Keach, and Sliders. At this time, Waites established himself as a top acting teacher, which led to the opening of the TGW Acting Studio in 2000, which continues to thrive today.

Upon returning to New York, Waites landed guest roles in Law & Order (four times) and Law & Order: Criminal Intent (two times) and starred in the soap opera One Life to Live as Decker Denton. Waites played Henry Stanton in Oz for four seasons.

Waites has coached such actors as Alfred Molina, Vinnie Pastore, Vinessa Shaw, Tim Guinee, Oliver Hudson, and Jamie Harris. TGW Acting Studio was named the top school to study acting in New York City by Backstage in 2015.

Further pursuing his love for directing, Waites directed the Off-Broadway hit Six Goumbas and a Wannabe, starring Annie McGovern and Kathrine Narducci. He also directed Golden Ladder (with Amy Redford) and numerous other off-Broadway productions.[1] Waites directed Joe Mantegna and Frances Fisher in a short film, Pandora's Box, for which he won Best Director at the Atlantic City Film Festival.

A prolific director, Waites most recently directed the play A White Man's Guide to Rikers Island, which had a successful run in New York City in 2022. His latest project, a feature film titled Target, was both written and directed by Waites and premiered in April 2023.

Filmography[edit]

Film[edit]

Year Title Role Notes
1976 The Other Side of Victory Joel TV movie
1978 On the Yard 'Chilly' Credited as Thomas Waites
1979 The Warriors 'Fox' Uncredited
1979 ...And Justice for All Jeff McCullaugh Credited as Thomas Waites
1982 The Thing Windows Credited as Thomas Waites
1983 O’Malley Paul TV movie
1983 The Face of Rage Howard TV movie
1986 The Clan of the Cave Bear Broud
1987 Light of Day 'Smittie'
1987 Gangland Al Capone
1988 Shakedown Officer Kelly
1990 Kojak: Flowers for Matty 'Tink' TV movie
1990 State of Grace Frankie's Man
1991 McBain Gill Credited as T. G. Waites
1993 Midnight Confession Werewolf Short
1995 Money Train Barricade Captain
1996 Timelock Warden Andrews
1997 Most Wanted Sergeant
1997 An American Affair Mulroney
1997 A Thousand Men and a Baby Supply Sergeant TV movie
1999 American Virgin 'Grip'
1999 Rites of Passage John Willio
2001 Nailed Carpet Guy
2005 The Exonerated Deputy TV movie
2008 The Look Irv Moulton Short
2010 An Affirmative Act Sam 'Dixie' Backus
2011 The Grand Theft Randy Lemar
2011 The Great Fight Chief Bocchino
2011 The Life Zone Roger Fields
2012 Broadway's Finest Caesar
2012 Pandora’s Box Tom O’Reilley Short, Actor, Director
2015 Thompson Street Bobby Short
2015 The Warriors: Last Subway Ride Home 'Fox' Video short
2021 6:45 Larry

Television[edit]

Year Title Role Notes
1985 Miami Vice DEA Agent Thompson Episode: Bushido
1987 All My Children Otis Price Unknown episodes
1997 Sliders Randy Episode: "Slither"
1998 NYPD Blue William Weaver Sr. Episode: "Weaver of Hate"
1998 Mike Hammer, Private Eye George Speaker Episode: "Big Brother's Secret"
1998 Buffy the Vampire Slayer Second Cop Episode: "Becoming"
2001–2003 Oz Henry Stanton 7 episodes
2001 Law and Order Criminal Intent Mo Turman Episode: "Jones"
2003 Law and Order Criminal Intent Lance Brody Episode: "A Murderer Among Us"
2006 One Life to Live Decker Denton Unknown episodes
2018 Homeland Clayton Episode: "Useful Idiot"
2019 The Punisher Arthur Walsh Episode: "Scar Tissue"

Videogames[edit]

Year Title Role Notes
2005 The Warriors 'Fox'
2008 Grand Theft Auto IV Priest Voice and motion capture

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Alumni News". The Juilliard School. November 2007. Archived from the original on November 11, 2011.
  2. ^ "Thomas G. Waites: Resume". thomasgwaites.com. Archived from the original on March 29, 2012. Retrieved April 20, 2012.
  3. ^ "Watch 'The Warriors' Reunite to Discuss Cult Film's Legacy, Fandom". Rolling Stone. October 6, 2016. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  4. ^ "Remember the Warriors: Behind the Chaotic, Drug-Fueled, and Often Terrifying Making of a Cult Classic". The Village Voice. September 8, 2015. Retrieved April 6, 2021.

External links[edit]

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