Jay Thomas: Early Life and Career
Jay Thomas was born on July 12, 1948, in Kermit, Texas. He attended Jesuit High School in New Orleans and later went to Gulf Coast College in Mississippi. After college, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting. He started his career as a DJ on local radio stations before transitioning to acting.
His big break came in 1979 when he was cast in the sitcom “Mork & Mindy” as Remo DaVinci. He went on to appear in several TV shows and movies, including “Cheers,” “Murphy Brown,” “Love & War,” “Mr. Holland’s Opus,” and “The Santa Clause 2.”
Jay Thomas: Personal Life
Jay Thomas was married to Sally Michelson from 1987 until her death in 2015. They had two sons together, Sam and J.T. Thomas was known for his love of jazz music and would often perform as a drummer or singer at jazz clubs in Los Angeles.
Thomas was also a well-known philanthropist and was involved with several charities, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and The Sunshine Kids Foundation.
Jay Thomas: Career on TV Shows
Jay Thomas was best known for his roles on TV shows. He played Eddie LeBec on “Cheers” from 1987 to 1989. He was fired from the show after he made negative comments about co-star Rhea Perlman during an interview. He later went on to star in his own sitcom, “Love & War,” from 1992 to 1995.
Thomas also had recurring roles on “Murphy Brown” as Jerry Gold and on “Ray Donovan” as Marty Grossman. He won two Emmy Awards for his work on “Murphy Brown.”
Jay Thomas: Career in Movies
Jay Thomas appeared in several movies throughout his career. He played Frank DeMarco in “Mr. Holland’s Opus” and Santa Claus in “The Santa Clause 2” and “The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause.” He also appeared in “A Smile Like Yours,” “Labor Pains,” and “The Beaver.”
Thomas was known for his comedic roles in movies and was often cast as a supporting character.
Jay Thomas: Legacy
Jay Thomas passed away on August 24, 2017, at the age of 69. He left behind a legacy of great performances on TV shows and in movies. He was known for his quick wit and comedic timing, and he will be remembered as one of the funniest actors of his generation.
Thomas was also a beloved father, husband, and friend. He will be missed by all who knew him.
FAQ
Who is Jay Thomas?
Jay Thomas was an American actor, comedian, and radio personality.
What were some of Jay Thomas’ most famous TV shows?
Jay Thomas was best known for his roles in the TV shows “Cheers” and “Murphy Brown.”
What movies did Jay Thomas appear in?
Jay Thomas appeared in several movies throughout his career, including “Mr. Holland’s Opus,” “The Santa Clause 2,” and “The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause.”
Did Jay Thomas win any awards for his acting?
Yes, Jay Thomas won two Emmy Awards for his role on “Murphy Brown.”
Who was Jay Thomas’ wife?
Jay Thomas was married to Sally Michelson from 1987 until his death in 2017.
What was Jay Thomas’ radio show?
Jay Thomas hosted a radio show called “The Jay Thomas Show” on SiriusXM Radio’s Howard 101 channel.
