Tom Berenger

Berenger was born Thomas Michael Moore in Chicago, Illinois. He studied journalism at the University of Missouri, but decided to seek an acting career following his graduation. He worked first in regional theatre and moved to New York City in the 1970s. He worked in soap operas and had a starring role on One Life to Live.

Berenger's film debut was the lead in Rush It (1976), an independent film now mostly forgotten except for its cast members who went on to greater renown. In 1977, Berenger had a small but noticeable role as a murderer in Looking for Mr. Goodbar. In 1979, he had the role of Butch Cassidy in Butch and Sundance: The Early Days, a role he got in part because of his resemblance to Paul Newman, who played the character in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969). These early roles highlight Berenger's ability to play both villains and heroes.

Berenger's film career peaked in the 1980s starting with The Big Chill (1983). In 1986, he received an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of the sociopathic Sgt. Barnes in Platoon. In more recent years, Berenger has continued to have an active acting career in film and television, although often at a supporting level. He also began a career as a producer in the 1990s.

Berenger has been married three times; to Barbara Wilson (1975-1985), Lisa Williams (1986-1997) and to Trish Alvaran since 1997. Berenger has six children: Patrick, Allison, Chelsea, Chloe, Shiloh and Scout. Berenger resides in South Carolina.

Filmography

• Sniper 2 (2002)
• D-Tox (2002)
• Watchtower (2001)
• True Blue (2001)
• The Hollywood Sign (2001)
• Training Day (2001)
• Cutaway (2000)
• Takedown (2000)
• Fear of Flying (2000)
• Diplomatic Siege (1999)
• One Man's Hero (1999)
• A Murder of Crows (1999)
• Shadow of Doubt (1998)
• The Gingerbread Man (1998)
• An Occasional Hell (1996)
• The Substitute (1996)
• Last of the Dogmen (1995)
• Chasers (1994)
• Major League II (1994)
• Gettysburg (1993)
• Sliver (1993)
• Sniper (1993)
• At Play in the Fields of the Lord (1991)
• Shattered (1991)
• The Field (1990)
• Love at Large (1990)
• Born on the Fourth of July (1989)
• Major League (1989)
• Last Rites (1988)
• Betrayed (1988 movie) (1988)
• Shoot to Kill (1988)
• Someone to Watch Over Me (1987)
• Platoon (1986)
• Rustlers' Rhapsody (1985)
• Fear City (1984)
• Eddie and the Cruisers (1983)
• The Big Chill (1983)
• Oltre la porta (1982)
• The Dogs of War (1981)
• Butch and Sundance: The Early Days (1979)
• In Praise of Older Women (1978)
• Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977)
• The Sentinel (1977)
• Rush It (1976)
• One Life to Live (1968)

Television

• The Detective (2004) (mini-series)
• Peacemakers (2003)
• The Junction Boys (2002)
• Johnson County War (2002) (mini-series)
• In the Company of Spies (1999)
• Rough Riders (1997)
• Body Language (1995)
• The Avenging Angel (1995)
• If Tomorrow Comes (1986) (mini-series)
• Flesh & Blood (1979)
• Johnny, We Hardly Knew Ye (1977)

External link

• IMDb entry on Berenger

Referenced By