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Thom
Scott II
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Thom's goal is to fulfill God's purpose for his life by using
his acting talent to affect change, galvanize emotions,
stimulate learning, and entertain the world. While at
Wilde Lake High School in Columbia, Maryland, Thom juggled
talent shows, where he performed as a comedian and vocalist,
with athletics, where he was a basketball and track standout.
Because of his interests in both sports and
entertainment, his athletic coaches nicknamed him HOLLYWOOD.
In 2001, Thom completely gave over to his artistic
impulses and went to Hollywood to pursue his dream of being a
successful full-time actor.
Since then, Thom has guest-starred on The Parkers
and Good Eats and co-starred on ANGEL and Crossing
Jordan. He
has also been cast in numerous commercials and short films.
Jay:
When did
you know you wanted to be an actor?
TScott: Three events have
shaped my desire to be an actor.
At the age of three, my mother, who was an actress,
introduced me to the theatre.
That exposure precipitated my love for acting.
Then, when I saw Superman, the movie, with
Christopher Reeves, I loved how I felt when I left the
theater. I
thought I could fly! I
knew then that I wanted to be a conduit of FANTASY!
Finally, after seeing the performance of Edward Norton,
my high school classmate, in Primal Fear, I was
inspired to pursue my acting career full time.
Jay:
How did you get started in the biz?
2.
How did you get started in the biz?
TScott: My mother introduced me
to the biz. As a
child, I performed in plays with her at Morgan State
University.
Jay:
Who are your influences?
TScott: Various people have influenced my life in many different
ways. I am first
strongly influenced by Jesus Christ.
The model He has set for mankind is ultimately what I
strive for. My
inner core support team of my wife, mother and grandfather are
also major influences. Inasmuch
as I value their opinions, I often dialogue issues with them. They influence important decisions I make.
As an actor, Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, and Johnny
Depp influence my craft.
Their ability to be present and emotionally available
is stimulating. Lastly,
the artistry of Michael Jordan on the court motivates me.
Jay:
How much of yourself goes into the characters you play?
TScott: The
amount of Thom that goes into a character depends on the role
and how much I identify with the character.
But, there is always SOME part of me in every character
I play. When
preparing for a role, the role becomes my interpretation of
the character; I try to lose and use as much of the things
that make me unique as well as my imagination.
I never want two characters I play to be alike.
I believe there should be a bit of myself in each role
I play because my responsibility as an actor is to live
truthful and in the moment under the imaginary circumstances.
Where “truthful” is defined as how I would really
respond in that situation.
Jay:
What is your proudest moment professionally/personally?
TScott: Professionally,
I received the most joy during the run of the play “The Boys
Next Door” in which I played the role of Lucien P. Smith, a
mentally challenged adult. I poured a great deal of energy and research into my
preparation and was pleased with the award winning results. It was a great role in a play that entertained as well as
enlightened.
Personally,
my proudest and most memorable moments are tangled in the
relationship between my wife and me.
There are tons, but at the top is our wedding day.
It was an amazing wedding on a wonderful day when I
formally committed to spend my life with an awesome woman.
Jay:
Television,
film, stage or modeling which would you choose?
TScott: Although theatre work is enjoyable because of its freeness and
immediate gratification, film is the medium I prefer. Film has the greatest reach and affords me the ability to
touch more lives with my work to galvanize emotions, stimulate
learning, entertain, and affect change.
And, I just love how good movies make me feel, from the
coming attractions to the end credits.
I want to provide that feeling to others.
Jay:
What type of roles will you refuse to play?
TScott:
The
roles I would refuse to play would be in projects that were
not pleasing to God. I
would play a “good” guy or “bad” guy role in a project
that had a positive message.
However, I would not play a “good” guy or “bad”
guy role in a “bad” project.
Where “good” is defined as morally right and
“bad” is defined as morally wrong.
In fact, I would love to play a “bad” guy role in a
“good” project. At
the end of the day, I want my life and career to honor God,
affect change, galvanize emotions, stimulate learning, and
entertain the world.
Jay:
How have you managed to keep working over the years?
TScott: I
have managed to keep working because of God’s grace.
I have been blessed and believe that acting is my
calling. Every
experience that I endure along my journey is preparing me for
what God has next in my life.
God is faithful and He has kept me.
In addition, I have tremendously supportive family and
friends who encourage and believe in me.
Also, I develop relationships, conduct myself
professionally, work on my craft, pray incessantly, and
believe.
Jay:
What's on the horizon?
TScott: Recently,
I have obtained a new mantra: “Generate Activity.”
Towards that end, I am in development on creating a
production company, writing a feature script and creating a
pilot. Also, I am
currently reading plays in preparation to do some theatre this
season.
Jay:
Any words of advice?
TScott:
Do all
that you can do, then let God …
Let your
focus determine your destiny.
Save
your chips.
Pray
without ceasing.
BELIEVE!
Thom may be reached by contacting:
The Wallis Agency (Theatrical): 818.953.4848 Fax: 818.845.2437
Arlene Thornton & Associates (Commercial): 818.760.6688
Fax: 818.760.1165
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