The hilarious performance of the 1995 Tommy Boy cast helped make the movie a cult classic in the years following. The movie was released about three decades ago on March 31, 1995. Tommy Boy was Peter Segal’s sophomore feature directorial movie but the first of many collaborations with former Saturday Night Live castmates.
Tommy Boy centered around Thomas “Tommy” Callahan III, the socially and emotionally immature son of the wealthy, widowed industrialist Thomas R. “Big Tom” Callahan Jr. After his father dies of a heart attack, Tommy must prove himself worthy and save his father’s company, with the help of his father’s sycophantic and sardonic assistant, Richard Hayden. Although far from a critical success, Tommy Boy performed well at the Box Office, with $32.7 million in earnings from a $20 million budget.
Chris Farley as Thomas “Tommy” Callahan III
The late comedian and actor Chris Farley led the Tommy Boy cast playing its titular character. Farley’s comedic talent brought the character to life and helped ride the movie to success. Clinton Turnbull, who made his acting debut with Tommy Boy, portrayed a younger Thomas “Tommy” Callahan III. Sadly, Chris Farley died two years later, in 1997, at age 33. Chris Farley died on December 18, 1997, from an overdose of a combination of cocaine and morphine.
David Spade as Richard Hayden
stand-up comedian and actor David Spade was part of Tommy Boy’s cast in a supporting role as Richard Hayden. The character was the sarcastic and quick-witted colleague of Chris Farley’s character, Tommy Callahan. Richard was a sales representative at Callahan Auto, the auto parts company Tommy’s late father owned.
David Spade’s character added to the comedic banter and sarcasm in the movie, creating a great dynamic with Chris Farley’s lovable but bumbling character. Their on-screen chemistry was a big part of what made the movie so entertaining and memorable. Former Canadian actor Ryder Britton also joined the cast, playing the younger Richard Hayden’s character.
Bo Derek as Beverly Burns-Barrish
Beverly Barish, played by actress Bo Derek, was a supporting character in Tommy Boy. She portrayed the role of Tommy Callahan’s stepmother, Beverly Burns-Barrish, the movie’s main antagonist. Bo Derek delivered an exceptional performance as Beverly Barish, a young woman with whom Tommy’s father fell in love and married. It was later revealed she was a con artist, and her supposed son, Paul, was her lover and partner.
Rob Lowe as Paul Barrish
Actor and filmmaker Rob Lowe played Paul Barrish in an uncredited role in Tommy Boy. Lowe is worthy of mention as an accomplished filmmaker and actor today. Lowe’s Paul Barrish was the secondary antagonist in Tommy Boy. The character is first introduced as Beverly Burns-Barrish’s son and Tommy’s stepbrother. However, he’s later revealed as a lover, wanted con artist, and partner.
Julie Warner as Michelle Brock
Actress Julie Warner played Michelle Brock in Tommy Boy. The character is introduced as an old High School classmate of Tommy Callahan. Michelle also works at Callahan Auto as a sales manager. She’s the one who first catches Beverly Barish and her supposed son, Paul, kissing. Michelle’s due diligence and research helped uncover that Beverly and Paul are not only con artists but are still legally married. Michelle Brock also later becomes Tommy Callahan’s love interest. Although she has taken fewer roles in the last decade, Julie Warner last appeared in the TV movie Where Are You, Christmas?
Dan Aykroyd as Ray Zalinsky
Canadian-American actor Dan Aykroyd also starred in the 1995 Tommy Boy. Dan Aykroyd played Ray Zalinsky, a successful and high-powered auto parts magnate. Ray Zalinsky is a charismatic and eccentric businessman with a larger-than-life personality. After Tommy’s father’s death, as a business rival, Ray Zalinsky jumps on an opportunity to buy the controlling shares of Callahan Auto. However, he was outsmarted into signing a purchase order for 500,000 brake pads.
Brian Dennehy as Thomas “Big Tom” Callahan Jr.
Thomas “Big Tom” Callahan Jr. was Tommy Callahan’s father and owner of Callahan Auto. Although his son is socially awkward and has spent seven years in college, Big Tom actually loves and regards him. After graduating, Big Tom offered Tommy an executive job at the family’s business. Big Tom’s death sets the movie’s main plot in motion.
The late American actor Brian Dennehy played Big Tom in Tommy Boy. Dennehy was known for his extensive film, television, and stage career. He died on April 15, 2020, at age 81, from a sepsis-induced cardiac arrest. If you remember the Tommy Boy cast and roles, the original The Lion King movie also had one of the famous film casts of the mid-90s.
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