Tom Berenger (born May 31, 1949) is an Academy Award-nominated and Golden Globe-winning American actor known mainly for his roles in action films.

Biography

Early life

Berenger was born Thomas Michael Moore in Chicago, Illinois. Unknown to many, Thomas Moore was born on May 31, 1949 (a reporter incorrectly noted it in an interview, and Tom never bothered to correct the public). 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.

Career

Berenger worked in soap operas and had a starring role on One Life to Live. His feature film debut was the lead in Rush It (1976), an independent film now mostly forgotten except for those of 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 1978, he had a starring role in In Praise of Older Women for Avco-Embassy Pictures. 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.