Tom spent his formative years in the suburbs outside Chicago, Illinois. It was there, in the fourth grade, when he was cast as Melvin in the play “Melvin the Magnificent”, that his love of theatre began. He credits his extraordinary high school drama teacher with fostering his passion for acting by introducing him to all the great playwrights, both classical and modern.
Tom went on to formalize his theatre and performance training by attending the University of Illinois’ prestigious theatre program. In the midst of his college career, he not only took a semester abroad to study Shakespeare with the British American Drama Academy, Brecht with the Berliner Ensemble and Chekhov with the Moscow Art Theatre, but found himself cast in his first professional job playing Orlando in Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival. After graduating with a BFA in Theatre from U of I, Tom pursued his love of classical theatre by performing in some of the most renowned professional theatres across the country, including Shakespeare Festivals in Florida, Utah, Wisconsin, Connecticut and Illinois. Some of his favorite roles during that time include: Hotspur in “Henry IV: Part One”, Octavius Caesar in “Antony & Cleopatra” and Mercutio in “Romeo & Juliet”.
After his post-graduation, whirlwind festival tour of the States, he settled for a few years in Chicago working with such remarkable theatres as The Goodman, Chicago Shakespeare, Steppenwolf, Writers’ Theatre, and The Next to name only a few. He also founded, with a group of friends and fellow actors, Seanachai Theatre Company, performing in and producing their inaugural production of the Irish play “And Neither Have I Wings To Fly” by Ann Noble. The critical acclaim and financial success of this long-running, much-beloved production led Seanachai to become a major player in the highly-respected, rich and diverse Chicago theatre scene. Also while in Chicago, Tom began to work in television and film, appearing in episodes of “Early Edition” and “Chicago Hope”, as well as in several independent features.
After his many successes in Chicago, Tom made the move to Los Angeles where both his film/television and theatrical careers continue to take flight. Upon arrival in the city of angels, he quickly landed several guest star and recurring roles on such television shows as “The Practice”, “Bernie Mac”, “The District”, “Medium”, “Without a Trace”, “Judging Amy”, “JAG”, “Law&Order: LA”, and “Saving Grace”. He also played the recurring role of Dr. Besson for two seasons on the smash hit show “24”.
In the theatre, Tom has worked continuously. He had the good fortune to originate the role Raymond Pemberthy in Phillip Kan Gotanda’s play, “The Wind Cries Mary”, performing both in the inaugural production at San Jose Repertory and then again at East/West Players in L.A. He also originated the role of Sandford Mitchell in “Bedfellows”, garnering such glowing reviews as the L.A. Times’ "Thomas Vincent kelly radiates the kind of sincerity, intelligence and charm that recalls the Kennedy mystique." His most recent stage performance was as Mike in the acclaimed “Good People” at Atlanta’s premiere theatre, The Alliance.
Tom has also become a successful voice-over artist, particularly in the field of audio books where he is known for his powerful, engaging narration style, winning such awards as the 2012 Earphone Award for his work on the young adult book, “Summer at Forsaken Lake” by Michael D. Beil.
Tom currently lives in Los Angeles, with his beautiful wife and talented actress, Jen Dede.