Star of the iconic 80s TV series "Miami Vice," playing the charismatic Detective Ricardo Tubbs, and known for his flashy fashion sense and smooth on-screen presence.
Philip Michael Thomas is an American actor and musician, best known for his iconic role as detective Ricardo Tubbs on the hit 1980s TV series Miami Vice. This groundbreaking show cemented Thomas' status as a household name, and his charismatic performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination.
Born on May 26, 1949, in Columbus, Ohio, Thomas grew up in San Bernardino, California, with a diverse ancestry that includes African American, Native American, Irish, and German roots. His father, Louis Diggs, worked as a foreman at a Westinghouse plant, and his mother, Lulu McMorris, raised Thomas and his seven half-siblings.
Thomas was drawn to the performing arts from an early age, acting in his church's theater group and participating in the Pentecostal Delman Heights Four Square Gospel Church choir. He graduated from San Bernardino High School in 1967 and briefly worked as a janitor to save money for college. Thomas earned a scholarship to the historically Black Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama, where he studied religion and philosophy.
After two years at Oakwood College, Thomas transferred to the University of California, Riverside. During this time, he auditioned for and won a role in the San Francisco cast of Hair, which marked the beginning of his acting career. Thomas quit school to pursue acting full-time, landing roles in several films, including Coonskin (1975) and Sparkle (1976).
Thomas' big break came in 1984, when he landed the starring role of Ricardo Tubbs in Miami Vice, alongside Don Johnson. The show's success propelled Thomas to international fame, and he became a cultural icon of the 1980s.
Following the conclusion of Miami Vice in 1990, Thomas continued to work in film and television, appearing in numerous made-for-TV movies and advertisements. He also voiced the character Lance Vance in the video games Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002) and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories (2006).
In the 2000s, Thomas served as a spokesperson for cell phone entertainment company Nextones. He has also made appearances in various TV shows and stage productions, including a stint in the UK tour of the musical Chicago.
Thomas has been married five times and has ten children. He is a practicing Christian and has spoken publicly about the importance of his faith in his life.
Philip Michael Thomas' iconic performance as Ricardo Tubbs has left a lasting impact on popular culture. He remains a beloved figure of the 1980s, and his influence can be seen in many modern TV dramas and crime series. Thomas' legacy is a testament to his talent, dedication, and enduring appeal.
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