Tom Towles
Biography
Tom Towles was an American actor born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He served a stint in the United States Marines before beginning his acting career with an uncredited performance in the 1975 film Dog Day Afternoon. Towles appeared extensively in film and television starting in the 1980s. He is known for his role in Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer as a character modeled after Ottis Toole, who was Henry Lee Lucas reputed accomplice in several murders. His other film credits include Night of the Living Dead, The Rock, Blood in Blood Out, House of 1000 Corpses, and its sequel, The Devil's Rejects. Towles was born on March 20, 1950, and passed away on April 2, 2015, at the age of sixty-five.
Career overview
Tom Towles was an American actor born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. Before beginning his acting career, he served a stint in the United States Marines. His acting debut was an uncredited performance in the 1975 film Dog Day Afternoon. Following this, he appeared extensively in both film and television beginning in the 1980s, accumulating 47 known acting credits according to archival data.
Towles is best known for his role in Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, where he played a character modeled after Ottis Toole, the reputed accomplice of Henry Lee Lucas in several murders. Throughout his career, Towles appeared in numerous other notable films. His filmography includes appearances in Night of the Living Dead, The Rock, Blood in Blood Out, House of 1000 Corpses, and its sequel, The Devil's Rejects.
Born on March 20, 1950, Towles maintained an active presence in the film industry for decades. He passed away at the age of 65 on April 2, 2015. His extensive body of work encompasses a wide range of film projects, cementing his status as a recognizable character actor in American cinema, particularly within the horror and thriller genres.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
50 titles- Michael Lives: The Making of Halloween (2008) as Self
- Blood on the Highway (2008) as Louis Debois
- Halloween (2007) as Larry Redgrave
- Grindhouse (2007) as Lt. Boorman (segment "Werewolf Women of the SS")
- Home Sick (2007) as Uncle Johnny
- Miami Vice (2006) as Coleman
- The Devil's Rejects (2005) as Lieutenant George Wydell
- House of 1000 Corpses (2003) as Lieutenant George Wydell
- House of 1000 Corpses (2003) as George Wydell
- Firefly (2002) as Lund
- Groom Lake (2002) as Dietz
- Crossing Jordan (2001) as Bull Williamson
- Malcolm in the Middle (2000) as Ethan
- More Dogs Than Bones (2000) as Detective Smith
- Lansky (1999) as Henchman at NYC Apartment
- Doctor Dolittle (1998) as German Shepherd (voice)
- Maximum Bob (1998) as Ike Worth
- The Prophecy II (1998) as Detective Waltrip
- Gridlock'd (1997) as D-Reper's Henchman
- Warriors of Virtue (1997) as Grillo
- Night of the Lawyers (1997) as Alien
- Pacific Blue (1996) as Baron
- 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996) as Dale
- Profiler (1996) as Steve Calagian
- The Rock (1996) as Alcatraz Park Ranger
- Normal Life (1996) as Frank Anderson
- Star Trek: Voyager (1995) as Dr. Vatm
- The Drew Carey Show (1995) as Detective Streible
- ER (1994) as Teenage Boy's Father
- Rebel Highway (1994) as Norman Stoneface
- Girls in Prison (1994) as Norman Stoneface
- NYPD Blue (1993) as Inspector Anthony Lastarza
- NYPD Blue (1993) Story
- NYPD Blue (1993) Teleplay
- Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993) as Hon'Tihl
- Bound by Honor (1993) as Red Ryder
- Bakersfield P.D. (1993) as Riley
- Mad Dog and Glory (1993) as Andrew the Beater
- Fortress (1992) as Stiggs
- The Pit and the Pendulum (1991) as Don Carlos
- The Borrower (1991) as Bob Laney
- Night of the Living Dead (1990) as Harry Cooper
- Men Don't Leave (1990) as Evan Taylor
- Seinfeld (1989) as Tough Guy
- Choice Chance Control (1988) as Manny
- High Mountain Rangers (1987) as T.J. Cousins
- L.A. Law (1986) as Warden Geoff Ropella
- Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986) as Otis
- Pink Nights (1985) as Ralph the Lounge Lizard
- Dog Day Afternoon (1975) as Cop (uncredited)
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Tom Towles best known for?
Tom Towles is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Halloween (2007), Miami Vice (2006), The Devil's Rejects (2005), House of 1000 Corpses (2003).
When and where was Tom Towles born?
Tom Towles was born on March 20, 1950 in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.. They passed away on April 2, 2015.
How many credits does Tom Towles have?
Tom Towles has accumulated over 50 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1975 to 2008.
What is Tom Towles's background in cinema and television?
Tom Towles was an American actor born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He served a stint in the United States Marines before beginning his acting career with an uncredited performance in the 1975 film Dog Day Afternoon. Towles appeared extensively in film and television starting in the 1980s. He is known for his role i...
Tom Towles by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Malcolm in the Middle (2000) as Ethan — aged about 50
- Firefly (2002) as Lund — aged about 52
- Seinfeld (1989) as Tough Guy — aged about 39
- Bound by Honor (1993) as Red Ryder — aged about 43
- Rebel Highway (1994) as Norman Stoneface — aged about 44
- Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993) as Hon'Tihl — aged about 43
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