Tom Villard was born on November 19, 1953, in Waipahu Ewa, Hawaii. Most of his younger years were spent in Spencerport, New York. He was the oldest of four children and has twin brothers, Tim and Terry, and a younger sister Susan.
After high school Tom attended Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania for two years. His parents wanted him to pursue a career in law, but his dream was in acting. After college Tom moved to New York City. There he attended the Lee Strasburg Acting Studio and The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He also performed in a few off Broadway shows