Biography - Thomas Haden Church

Born June 17, 1961 in Fort Worth, Texas, Thomas Haden Church grew up in his native state and got his start in the entertainment business as a radio personality and deejay. The mild-mannered actor appeared in the Vanna White disaster “Gypsy Angels” in 1980, which motivated him to move to Hollywood later that decade.

Church made guest appearances on various television programs in the late 80s, including “21 Jump Street”, “Cheers”, “China Beach”, and “Booker”. It was his well-received performance in “Cheers” that jump-started his career, as he impressed star Woody Harrelson and the show’s producers. He was soon cast as Lowell in the hit NBC show “Wings” where he remained for six seasons. “Wings” was a mixed blessing for Church, as his one-note idiot character pigeonholed him into the label of stereotypical performer. His next gig was the male lead of the short-lived Fox sitcom “Ned and Stacey” alongside Debra Messing, which despite its charm lasted only two seasons.

Despite a hilarious turn as the villain in Disney’s live-action “George of the Jungle” in 1997, Church had difficulty breaking out as a film star particularly after a string of roles in films that bombed at the box office. These included the superhero comedy “The Specials”, the Kevin Costner/Kurt Russell dud “3000 Miles to Graceland”, and the Joshua Jackson vehicle “Lone Star State of Mind”. After a couple more years of minor roles, Church was ready to retire in 2003 and was spending most of his time at his ranch in Texas. Soon, however, Church received a call from “Election” and “Citizen Ruth” director Alexander Payne, whom Church had become friends with after nearly nabbing Dermot Mulroney’s role in the director’s 2002 comedy “About Schmidt”. Payne wanted Church for the role of Jack in his new film “Sideways”. Church of course took the role, and gave a hilarious and touching performance as a failed television actor who embarks on an adventure to the California wine country with best friend Miles (Paul Giamatti). Co-starring Virginia Madsen and Sandra Oh, the film was a surprise box office success and reinvigorated Church’s career with terrific reviews and an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Since the success of “Sideways” Church has taken on more high-profile roles including the 2004 dramedy “Spanglish” and voice work for “Over the Hedge” and the upcoming big-budget adaptation of “Charlotte’s Web”. 2007 will see Church in his biggest role to date as the villainous Sandman in the surefire blockbuster “Spider-Man 3”.