Quick Wiki
- Full Name Henry Jackson Thomas
- Birth Date 1971-09-09
- Birthplace San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
- Occupation Actor
- Parents Henry Jackson Thomas, Carolyn L. Thomas
- Mother Carolyn L. Thomas
- Father Henry Jackson Thomas
- Spouses Annalee Thomas (m. 2009), Marie Zielcke (m. 2004–2007), Kelley Hill (m. 2000–2002)
Henry Thomas | Biography
Henry Thomas is an accomplished actor best known for his role as Elliott in E.T. With a career spanning decades, he continues to perform in films and music.
Who is Henry Thomas?
Henry Thomas is an acclaimed American actor, best known for his iconic portrayal of Elliott in the 1982 sci-fi classic E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Born on September 9, 1971, in San Antonio, Texas, he captured the hearts of audiences at just ten years old. Following his immediate fame, Thomas chose to return to his hometown, focusing primarily on his education while accepting acting roles only sporadically. This decision allowed him to develop both personally and professionally, ensuring he stayed grounded amid early fame.
After his initial rise to prominence, Thomas made a notable comeback in the 1990s and early 2000s with roles in several critically acclaimed films. He starred in Legends of the Fall (1994) as Samuel Ludlow, opposite Hollywood heavyweights like Brad Pitt and Aidan Quinn. His versatility as an actor is further showcased through performances in noted films like Suicide Kings (1997), All the Pretty Horses (2000), and Gangs of New York (2002). Additionally, in 2011, he took on the role of Hank Williams in The Last Ride, proving his enduring talent in the film industry.
Beyond acting, Henry Thomas has shown a passion for music, performing with various bands throughout the years. Initially, he was part of the Texas-based band The Blue Heelers during the 1980s and 1990s. Currently, he rocks out with the Los Angeles-based group Farspeaker, where he continues to showcase his musical talents alongside his acting career. This dual passion for both acting and music exemplifies Thomas’s multifaceted creativity, making him a beloved figure in entertainment.
Early Life and Education
Henry Jackson Thomas Jr. was born on September 9, 1971, in San Antonio, Texas. Growing up in a supportive environment, he displayed a passion for the arts from a young age, which would soon be recognized on a larger scale. After landing a major role as Elliott in the iconic film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in 1982, Thomas experienced fame at an early age but chose to retreat to his hometown for stability. He believed that focusing on his education would help him maintain a sense of normalcy amidst the sudden changes in his life.
Returning to school after his breakout role, Thomas balanced academics with sporadic film and TV projects throughout the 1980s and 1990s. His commitment to education allowed him to develop a well-rounded perspective on the world, which eventually influenced his approach to acting. By taking a step back from the limelight in his early teenage years, he cultivated resilience and a deeper understanding of the craft. This foundational period played a significant role in shaping his subsequent choices in both life and career.
Acting Career: Notable Film Roles
Henry Thomas's acting career has been marked by a series of significant roles that showcase his versatility and talent. Following his iconic performance as Elliott in "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial", Thomas returned to the big screen with impressive roles in the 1994 film "Legends of the Fall". In this critically acclaimed drama, he portrayed Samuel Ludlow, the younger brother of two contrasting siblings played by Brad Pitt and Aidan Quinn. The film, which won an Academy Award for Best Cinematography, solidified Thomas's reputation as a serious actor capable of handling complex emotional narratives.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Henry Thomas continued to build an impressive filmography with notable appearances in "Suicide Kings" (1997), which is a crime thriller showcasing his range in various genres. He also starred in "All the Pretty Horses" (2000), an adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s novel, where he demonstrated his ability to bring literary characters to life on screen. In 2002, his role in Martin Scorsese’s "Gangs of New York" further established him as a prominent figure in Hollywood, as he navigated the challenges of period drama alongside a talented cast. Each of these films contributed to Thomas's enduring presence in the film industry.
Success in Film and Music Industry
Henry Thomas, renowned for his breakout role as the young Elliott in the beloved 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, has enjoyed a diverse and evolving career in the film industry. After experiencing early fame, he returned to his hometown of San Antonio, Texas, to focus on education. However, his passion for acting drew him back as he navigated his career, appearing sporadically in various film and television roles. Thomas's versatility allowed him to transition smoothly from child actor to adult leading man, showcasing his talent in critically acclaimed films like Legends of the Fall, Suicide Kings, and Gangs of New York.
In addition to his film success, Thomas has made notable contributions to the music industry. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he performed with The Blue Heelers, a Texas-based band known for their energetic rock performances. More recently, he has formed a collaboration with the Los Angeles band Farspeaker, further merging his love for both film and music. This duality in his career highlights his artistic versatility and passion, as he continues to adapt and thrive in the entertainment world. His journey underscores a remarkable career defined not only by iconic performances but also by an enduring commitment to his artistic roots.
Personal Life: Married Life and Children
Henry Thomas has navigated a nuanced personal life, marked by his two marriages and a dedication to his children. He married actress Kelly Hill in 2002, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Hazel, in 2008. However, their marriage came to an end in 2009. Thomas later remarried, this time to Annalee Fery in 2014, with whom he shares a son named Eli. The actor has often expressed the joy his children bring into his life, balancing his career with family time and childhood activities.
Despite the challenges that often accompany the spotlight, Thomas has worked to maintain a degree of privacy for his family. He emphasizes the importance of being present for his children while managing a career that often pulls him away. Through his various roles—both as a father and a performer—he aims to inspire his kids while ensuring they grow up in a loving and supportive environment. His relationships and parenting journeys reflect a commitment to nurturing his family amidst the demands of Hollywood.
Net Worth and Earning: Salary Insights
Henry Thomas, renowned for his breakout role as Elliott in the beloved film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, has had a varied and successful acting career that has contributed to his overall net worth. While his early years as a child actor propelled him into the limelight, it was his strategic choices in film roles over the decades that solidified his financial standing. As of recent estimates, Thomas's net worth is believed to be in the range of $1 million to $5 million. This figure reflects not only his earnings from acting in films and television but also his ventures into music.
Throughout his career, Thomas’s roles in critically acclaimed films such as Legends of the Fall, All the Pretty Horses, and Gangs of New York have likely garnered him substantial salaries. Typically, actors of his caliber can earn anywhere from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars per project, depending on the film's budget and their established marketability. Additionally, his participation in music performances with bands like The Blue Heelers and Farspeaker further diversifies his income streams. Overall, Henry Thomas’s wise career decisions and diverse talents have paved the way for a lucrative and enduring career in entertainment.
FAQs
Who is Henry Thomas?
Henry Thomas is an American actor best known for his iconic role as Elliott in the 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Born on September 9, 1971, in San Antonio, Texas, Thomas experienced an early breakout in Hollywood, yet chose to focus on his education after the film's success, taking on acting roles intermittently throughout his early years.
What notable films has Henry Thomas starred in?
Throughout his career, Henry Thomas has appeared in several significant films, including Legends of the Fall (1994), where he played Samuel Ludlow; Suicide Kings (1997); All the Pretty Horses (2000); and Gangs of New York (2002). He also had a notable performance in The Last Ride (2011) as Hank Williams.
What did Henry Thomas do after E.T.?
After his role in E.T., Henry Thomas returned to his hometown of San Antonio to prioritize his education. Although he stepped back from the limelight, he gradually resumed acting in the late 1980s and 1990s, balancing his film career with personal growth and schooling.
Has Henry Thomas pursued music?
Yes, Henry Thomas has shown a passion for music throughout his life. In the 1980s and 1990s, he performed with a band called The Blue Heelers in Texas. More recently, he has been active with the Los Angeles band Farspeaker, where he continues to share his love for music.
What is Henry Thomas's background?
Henry Jackson Thomas Jr. was raised in San Antonio, Texas. Growing up, he developed a passion for acting and music, which paved the way for his career in the entertainment industry. Despite achieving fame at an early age, he has remained grounded and rooted in his Texas upbringing.
What was Henry Thomas's breakthrough role?
Henry Thomas's breakthrough role came at the young age of 10 when he starred as Elliott in Steven Spielberg's beloved film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. His performance earned him critical acclaim and established him as a prominent young actor in Hollywood.
How has Henry Thomas's career evolved?
Henry Thomas's career has evolved from a celebrated child actor to a versatile adult performer. After taking a brief hiatus, he made a successful return to acting with a variety of roles in both films and television, proving his ability to adapt and thrive in the industry over the decades.
