Biografia
Thom Gossom Jr. (born 1952) is an American actor, writer, and communications expert. Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Auburn University, where he made history as the first black athlete in the Southeastern Conference to walk on, secure a full scholarship, and graduate. Overcoming challenges, Gossom became a three-year starter. He appears in the HBO special "Breaking the Huddle," which explores the integration of Southern college football. He continued his education with a Master of Arts in communication from The University of Montevallo in Alabama. Gossom is the owner and President of Best Gurl Inc., a communications firm. His career spans film, television, and theater. His film credits include "Fight Club," "Jeepers Creepers 2," and "Miss Evers' Boys." He played the title character, Israel, in the Emmy-winning NYPD Blue episode "Lost Israel," and held recurring roles such as City Councilman Ted Marcus on "In the Heat of the Night," Judge Blake Winters on "Boston Legal," Judge Kenneth Shepard on "Reckless," and Lieutenant Moore in the upcoming series "Partners." On stage, Gossom has performed in "Speak of Me As I Am," a critically acclaimed one-man play he wrote, as well as "Fences" and "American Buffalo," among others. He wrote and produced the film "Quiet Courage" in collaboration with Auburn University, which tells the story of James Owens, the first black athlete to break racial barriers in Deep South college football. The film explores the personal cost Owens endured as a pioneer and the lasting impact of his legacy. Gossom's writing includes his published memoir, "Walk-On: My Reluctant Journey To Integration at Auburn University," detailing his historic role in college football. His latest work, "A Slice of Life," is the first in a three-part series of life stories centered on ordinary people facing extraordinary situations. He also authors a current events blog titled "As I SEE It." When not writing, producing, or acting, Gossom frequently speaks at universities, corporations, and civic organizations, using his experience, intellect, and humor to inspire, entertain, educate, and motivate his audiences.
