Thomas Cavanagh Bio - Thomas Cavanagh Biography

Thomas Cavanagh: Biography

Best known for his portrayal of bowling alley lawyer Ed Stevens in NBC's early 2000 dramedy Ed, Tom Cavanagh is a Canadian movie and television actor.

Prior to his work on Ed, Tom appeared in several theatrical and movie productions in New York, Los Angeles, and in Canada. After the show ended in February 2004, he continued to play various roles both in the movies and television.

In Spring 2008, he appeared in the ABC drama Eli Stone as the title character's father who suffered from a brain aneurysm.

Tom: It would be embarrassing to say how seriously we take it, but anyone who is involved in beer-league hockey in Canada knows how important it can be. My father used to say 'hockey matters', and I would definitely agree with that.(edit)
Tom: (in having lived in Africa) It is a pretty great existence over there; I didn't know how to swear, they didn't have television or film--a really good existence, I would say.(edit)
Tom: I've done my fair share of embarrassing things to woo the girl, and with the same kind of results, I think -- with them hollering, "Get out of here, you punk! What are you doing in that fish outfit?"(edit)
Tom: (on doing "Ed") I feel very fortunate to come and do a show where the scripts are good , where the castmates are unbelievable and the crew is great. It couldn't be a better situation.(edit)

Tom first moved to New York in 1989.(edit)
Growing up, Tom was a Habs fan. In the movie Breakfast With Scot, he plays a former Maple Leaf hockey player.(edit)
Tom is 5' 11 1/2" tall.(edit)
Tom narrated the audiobook "The Book of Joe" by Jonathan Trooper.(edit)
Because of his father's work, Tom and his family moved to Ghana, Africa when he was still six years old. They moved back to Canada before he started high school.(edit)
Tom ran the 2006 New York City Marathon, clocking at three hours, 29 minutes and 31 seconds.(edit)
While in high school, Tom was interested in theater and music. He also played ice hockey.(edit)
His father, Tom, taught educational methods to local teachers in Ghana, Africa. His mom, Rosemary, also taught local villagers there. His brother is a crown attorney while his sister is a Religion teacher at a Catholic School, both in Ontario, Canada.(edit)
Tom dated Providence co-star Paula Cale in 2000.(edit)
Tom was hired to play Dan Dorian in Scrubs due to his resemblance to star Zach Braff, who plays JD. Tom plays Dan, JD's brother.(edit)
While starring in Ed, Tom appeared in NBC's The More You Know public service campaign. His topic was drinking and driving.(edit)
Tom Cavanagh has appeared in ads for Starburst and Dominoes.(edit)
Tom has played Cliff in Cabaret, Don in A Chorus Line and Eugene in Brighton Beach Memoirs on Broadway. He also played Bobby Strong in the musical Urinetown.(edit)
He played on the international team for the NBA 2002 All Star Weekend's 3-on-3 Tournament.(edit)
Tom plays guitar in his free time.(edit)
Tom played on the Queen's University basketball team.(edit)
Cavanagh signed on to another CBS comedy, called My Ex-Life about a divorced couple who remain friends in March 2006.(edit)
Tom had a role in Grease when it was on Broadway.(edit)
Tom's first-born was named Alice Ann, born on February 10, 2006. His second child to his wife Maureen was born on June 2007.(edit)
Cavanagh married Maureen Grise, a photo editor for Sports Illustrated, on July 31, 2004.(edit)
Tom has filmed commercials for Labbat and CBIC in Canada and is well-known for them.(edit)
Tom has college degrees in English, biology, and education.(edit)
Awards & Nominations:
2001 - TV Guide Award Breakout Star of the Year for Ed (nominated)
2001 - TV Guide Award Actor of the Year in a New Series for Ed (won)
2001 - Family Television Award Actor for Ed (won)
2002 - Golden Globe Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy for Ed (nominated)
2003 - Daytime Emmy Outstanding Performer in a Children's Special for Bang, Bang, You're Dead (nominated)(edit)
Tom appeared in the ABC Family Original Movie Snow. He appeared in the movie Northern Lights. He also had a leading role in the television movie Alchemy. His other film credits include Profile for Murder, Anya's Bell, Gray Matters, and Sublime.(edit)