Tom Arnold

About

Tom Arnold is a well-known American actor, comedian, and television personality who has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry since the late 1980s. With a career spanning over three decades, Arnold has had his fair share of ups and downs both professionally and personally. From his rise to fame as a writer and performer on the hit television show “”Roseanne”” to his struggles with addiction, political activism, and controversies, there is no shortage of interesting topics to explore when examining the life and career of Tom Arnold.

In this article, we will take a closer look at his early beginnings, rise to fame, personal life, political activism, and recent projects and career highlights.

1. Early Life and Career Beginnings

Early Life

Born in Ottumwa, Iowa, in 1959, Tom Arnold grew up in a large family with seven siblings. His parents divorced when he was just six years old, and he and his siblings shuffled between their parents and various relatives. Despite the tumultuous home life, Arnold found solace in comedy and entertainment, often performing comedy routines for his family at a young age.

First Steps in the Entertainment Industry

Arnold began his career as a comedy writer, working at a Midwestern radio station before moving to Minneapolis to write for a local comedy show. It wasn’t long before he began performing stand-up comedy as well, and in 1988 he moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting and writing full-time.

2. Rise to Fame as a Comedian and Actor

The Roseanne Connection

Arnold’s big break came when he met Roseanne Barr while performing at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles. Barr was in the process of creating her hit sitcom “”Roseanne”” and hired Arnold as a writer. He quickly became a series regular, playing the character of Arnie Thomas for three seasons.

Major Film Roles

Arnold went on to star in several successful films, including “”True Lies”” with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis, “”Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery,”” and “”Nine Months”” with Hugh Grant and Julianne Moore.

Hosting and Reality Show Appearances

Arnold has also hosted several shows, including “”The Best Damn Sports Show Period”” and “”My Big Redneck Wedding.”” He has also appeared on various reality shows, including “”Celebrity Fit Club”” and “”I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!””

3. Personal Life and Struggles with Addiction

Marriages and Relationships

Arnold has been married several times, including to Roseanne Barr from 1990 to 1994. He later married Julie Armstrong in 1995, Shelby Roos in 2002, and Ashley Groussman in 2009. He has two children with Groussman.

Substance Abuse Issues and Recovery

Arnold has struggled with addiction throughout his life, particularly with alcoholism. He has been open about his struggles and has sought treatment multiple times. In 2016, he revealed that he had been sober for over a decade.

4. Political Activism and Controversies

Supporter of Democratic Party and Political Involvement

Arnold has been an outspoken supporter of the Democratic Party and has campaigned for several candidates, including Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. He has also been involved in political activism, particularly around issues of gun control.

Feuds and Scandals

Arnold has been involved in several high-profile feuds and scandals, including a public falling out with Roseanne Barr in 2018. He has also been sued for alleged physical altercations and has made controversial comments in the past. Despite these controversies, Arnold continues to work in the entertainment industry and remains a popular figure among fans.

5. Recent Projects and Career Highlights

Tom Arnold has had a long and successful career in the entertainment industry, spanning over 30 years. He has appeared in numerous films and television shows, and has also made a name for himself as a stand-up comedian. Here are some of his recent projects and career highlights.

Recent Television Appearances

In 2018, Tom Arnold appeared on the reality show “”I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!”” where he competed against other celebrities in the Australian jungle. He also starred in the comedy series “”The Hunt with John Walsh”” in 2016, and had a recurring role on the TV Land sitcom “”The Soul Man”” from 2012 to 2016.

Stand-Up Comedy Tours and Specials

Tom Arnold has been performing stand-up comedy since the early 1980s, and has released several comedy specials over the years. In 2019, he embarked on a national comedy tour where he performed at various venues across the United States. He also recorded a new comedy special during this tour, which is set to be released in the near future.

FAQ

1. What is Tom Arnold’s most famous role?

Tom Arnold’s most famous role is arguably as Arnie Thomas on the hit television show “”Roseanne”” which aired from 1988 to 1997.

2. What is Tom Arnold’s political affiliation?

Tom Arnold is a longtime supporter of the Democratic Party and has been actively involved in political activism and campaigning for various candidates.

3. Has Tom Arnold won any awards for his work in the entertainment industry?

While Tom Arnold has not won any major awards in the entertainment industry, he has been nominated for several accolades including a Primetime Emmy Award for his writing on “”Roseanne”” and a Screen Actors Guild Award for his performance in the film “”True Lies.””

Last Updated: 3rd April 2023