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Jay Thomas

Jay Thomas

A character actor who specialized in upbeat, energetic everymen (often with a strong romantic angle), Jay Thomas made his most enduring mark on U.S. television sitcoms during the mid- to late '80s and early '90s. A native of Kermit, TX, Thomas kick-started his career as a standup comedian in the American South, with a particularly strong emphasis on French Quarter comedy clubs in New Orleans, LA. He achieved his big television break in the late '70s thanks to Mork & Mindy show creator Garry Marshall, who cast him as deli owner Remo DaVinci on that blockbuster program just as its ratings were beginning to slide; Thomas remained with it for two seasons, from 1979-1981. Following little-seen movie roles in films such as 1984's C.H.U.D. and 1985's The Gig (a particularly colorful part as an obnoxious entertainer), Thomas returned to series television in a big way, first with a recurring role on Cheers, as Eddie LeBec, the ne'er-do-well, washed-up hockey player husband of saucy barmaid Carla (Rhea Perlman) -- a role he held from 1987-1989 (which ended with the character being run over by a Zamboni machine!). Thomas followed up his Cheers part with two additional key sitcom roles: the lead role of New York Post columnist Jack Stein -- the romantic sparring partner of Wally Porter (Susan Dey) -- on Love & War (1992-1995), and (in a less frequently seen but equally memorable performance) Jerry Gold, one of the paramours of Candice Bergen's acerbic title character, on Murphy Brown -- a role that lasted for nine years. (Both programs were produced by Diane English.) When Brown folded in 1998, Thomas moved back into features, essaying supporting roles in such films as Last Chance (1999), Dragonfly (2002), and The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006). ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide


Filmography of Jay Thomas:

Jay Thomas Trivia

When was Jay Thomas born?
Jay Thomas date of birth: July 12, 1948

Who did Jay Thomas portray in Trial by Media?
Jay Thomas was Timber Tucker in Trial by Media

Who did Jay Thomas portray in Mr. Holland's Opus?
Jay Thomas was Bill Meister in Mr. Holland's Opus

What role did Jay Thomas play in A Smile Like Yours?
Jay Thomas played Steve Harris in A Smile Like Yours

Who did Jay Thomas play in Killing Mr. Griffin?
Jay Thomas was John Griffin in Killing Mr. Griffin

What role did Jay Thomas portray in Monday Night Mayhem?
Jay Thomas played Pete Rozelle in Monday Night Mayhem

Who did Jay Thomas play in Cheers: Season 05?
Jay Thomas was Eddie LeBec in Cheers: Season 05

Who did Jay Thomas play in Cheers: Season 07?
Jay Thomas was Eddie LeBec in Cheers: Season 07

What role did Jay Thomas portray in Cheers: Season 06?
Jay Thomas played Eddie LeBec in Cheers: Season 06

Who did Jay Thomas portray in Teacher's Pet?
Jay Thomas was Barry Anger in Teacher's Pet

Who did Jay Thomas play in The Santa Clause 2?
Jay Thomas was Easter Bunny in The Santa Clause 2

What role did Jay Thomas portray in Straight Talk?
Jay Thomas played Zim Zimmerman in Straight Talk

Who did Jay Thomas play in The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause?
Jay Thomas was Easter Bunny in The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause

What role did Jay Thomas play in Dragonfly?
Jay Thomas played Hal in Dragonfly

What role did Jay Thomas play in Legal Eagles?
Jay Thomas played Waiter in Restaurant in Legal Eagles

What role did Jay Thomas play in C.H.U.D.?
Jay Thomas played Cop in Diner in C.H.U.D.


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Portions of Content Provided by All Movie Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC.© 2008 All Media Guide, LLC.