Biological father of musician and songwriter J.T. Harding. After giving J.T. up for adoption as an infant, father and son were reunited after 20 later and have remained close, ever since.
Jay Thomas was born on July 12, 1948, in Kermit, Texas. His parents were Hazel Jane (née Meyers; 1916–2000), a homemaker, and T. Harry Thomas (1914–1982), an oil field worker. He had two sisters, Patsy (1940–2011) and Nancy (born 1942). He was raised in his mother’s Catholic faith (his father was Protestant). He graduated from Kermit High School in 1966. He attended Odessa College and then the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied journalism.
Thomas began his career as a stand-up comedian. He appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1977 and 1978. He had his own comedy specials on HBO and Showtime. He starred in the sitcoms Mork & Mindy (1978–1982) and Cheers (1982–1987). He won an Emmy Award for his role on Cheers in 1989.
Thomas appeared in the films Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995) and The Santa Clause 2 (2002). He had a recurring role on the TV series Ray Donovan (2013–2016).
Thomas was married to Sally Ann Thompson from 1970 to 1984. They had two sons, Jake Thomas and Sam Thomas. He was married to Marjorie Weinman from 1987 to 2010. They had two daughters, Elizabeth Thomas and Olivia Thomas.
Thomas died on August 24, 2017, at his home in Santa Barbara, California, from cancer. He was 68 years old.
General Info
Full Name
Jay Thomas
Net Worth
$3 million
Date Of Birth
July 12, 1948
Profession
Comedian, Actor, Disc jockey, Radio personality
Education
Central Piedmont Community College, Jacksonville University, Jesuit High School, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Nationality
American
Family
Spouse
Sally Michelson
Children
J.T. Harding, Samuel Thomas, Jacob Thomas
Parents
Katharine Terrell, T. Harry Terrell
Siblings
Timothy Terrell, Jr.
Accomplishments
Awards
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Nominations
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Movies
Mr. Holland's Opus, The Santa Clause 2, The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause, A Smile Like Yours, The Pool Boys, Labor Pains, Straight Talk, Killing Mr. Griffin, My Date with the President's Daughter, Legal Eagles, An American Daughter, A Strange Affair, Teacher's Pet, Underdogs, Dragonfly, The Tri...
TV Shows
Ghost Stories, Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire?, Ink, Mork & Mindy, Love & War, Married People, Katie Joplin, Mysteries at the Museum
The Jay Thomas Show is now heard on Sirius Satellite Radio Monday through Fridays from 3:00PM to 6:00PM on Sirius Stars Too, Channel 108. Jay broadcasts from California, New York, and New Orleans. [January 2005]
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Biological father of musician and songwriter J.T. Harding. After giving J.T. up for adoption as an infant, father and son were reunited after 20 later and have remained close, ever since.
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He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Radio at 6161 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
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Was the Morning man at New York City radio station WXRK, just prior to Howard Stern.
Every holiday season since 1998, he is asked by David Letterman to knock off the meatball atop the "Late Show" Christmas tree with a football. The tradition began when quarterback Vinny Testaverde had trouble doing it, and Thomas said he could do it, instead.
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He briefly played professional football in the old World Football League.
