Tom Sizemore
Tom Sizemore
Tom Sizemore, born in Detroit, Michigan, embarked on his acting journey with supporting roles in notable films such as "Born on the Fourth of July" (1989), "Lock Up" (1989), and "Blue Steel" (1990). These early appearances paved the way for more substantial roles in films like "Passenger 57" (1992), "True Romance" (1993), "Striking Distance" (1993), "Natural Born Killers" (1994), "Strange Days" (1995), "Heat" (1995), and "The Relic" (1997). His breakthrough came in 1998 when he starred in "Saving Private Ryan," a commercially successful film that garnered widespread acclaim.
Following his success, Sizemore continued to showcase his talent in films such as "Bringing Out the Dead" (1999), "Black Hawk Down" (2001), and "Pearl Harbor" (2001). His performance in the television film "Witness Protection" (1999) earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor. Additionally, Sizemore lent his voice to the character of mobster Sonny Forelli in the acclaimed video game "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City" (2002).
In 2007, VH1 aired the reality series "Shooting Sizemore" (2007), which chronicled Sizemore's battle with addiction to methamphetamine and heroin while striving to revive his acting career. He continued to address his addiction through participation in reality shows like "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew" (2010) and "Celebrity Rehab Presents Sober House" (2010). Sizemore also made appearances in the revival series of "Twin Peaks" (2017), showcasing his enduring presence in the entertainment industry despite personal challenges.
Thomas Edward Sizemore Jr. was born on November 29, 1961, in Detroit, Michigan. His mother, Judith (née Schannault), worked on the city of Detroit ombudsman staff, while his father, Thomas Edward Sizemore Sr., was a lawyer and philosophy professor. Sizemore was raised in the Roman Catholic faith.
Sizemore has spoken about his diverse ancestry, mentioning that his maternal grandfather had French, Native American, and African-American heritage.
He pursued higher education at Wayne State University, graduating in 1983 with a bachelor's degree in theater. Sizemore furthered his academic pursuits at Temple University, where he obtained a master's degree in 1986.
Thomas Edward Sizemore Jr. was born on November 29, 1961, in Detroit, Michigan. His mother, Judith (née Schannault), was part of the city of Detroit ombudsman staff, while his father, Thomas Edward Sizemore Sr., worked as a lawyer and philosophy professor. Sizemore grew up in a Roman Catholic household.
Sizemore's career in film began with supporting roles in movies such as Born on the Fourth of July (1989), Lock Up (1989), and Blue Steel (1990). He gradually transitioned to more significant roles in films like Passenger 57 (1992), True Romance (1993), Striking Distance (1993), Natural Born Killers (1994), and Strange Days (1995). Sizemore received acclaim for his performance in Heart and Souls (1993), earning a nomination for the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor.
His career continued to thrive with notable roles in films like Heat (1995), Saving Private Ryan (1998), and Black Hawk Down (2001). Sizemore also ventured into television, appearing in series such as China Beach (1988–1991) and Robbery Homicide Division (2002–2003).
Despite personal struggles with addiction, Sizemore remained active in the entertainment industry, participating in reality TV shows like Shooting Sizemore (2007) and continuing to act in various films and television series. His later projects include appearances in films like The Electric Man (2021) and The Legend of Jack and Diane (2022), as well as the comedy series Barbee Rehab (2022).
Thomas Sizemore's personal life has been marked by various relationships and controversies. He married actress Maeve Quinlan in 1996, but they divorced in 1999 due to issues related to Sizemore's drug problems. Sizemore also had a relationship with Heidi Fleiss, the former "Hollywood Madam."
In July 2005, Sizemore became a father when Janelle McIntire gave birth to twin sons. However, their relationship eventually ended.
In October 19, 2005, Vivid Entertainment released The Tom Sizemore Sex Scandal, a sex tape featuring Sizemore and multiple women. In the video, Sizemore claimed to have had sexual encounters with Paris Hilton. However, Hilton denied this claim, suggesting it was a tactic by Sizemore to boost sales of the tape.
Thomas Sizemore has faced numerous legal issues and struggles with substance abuse throughout his life.
In 2003, Sizemore was convicted of domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend Heidi Fleiss. He was sentenced to seven months in jail and four months of drug treatment in 2005 after repeatedly failing drug tests while on probation. Sizemore attempted to fake a urine test using a device called a Whizzinator. Despite Fleiss's restraining order against him lapsing by 2010, Sizemore continued to face legal troubles. In 2007, he was arrested for possession of methamphetamine while still on probation for a previous drug conviction.
Sizemore's struggles with addiction led him to appear on VH1's Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew in 2010, where he sought treatment for his substance abuse issues. Despite initial reluctance, he ultimately consented to appear on the show's third season. During his time on the show, Sizemore's relationship with Heidi Fleiss was explored, and the two reconciled amicably.
In 2013, Sizemore appeared on the talk show Dr. Phil, discussing his rise to stardom and subsequent battles with substance abuse and legal troubles. Additionally, in 2014, a recording surfaced in which Sizemore falsely alleged that Elizabeth Hurley had an affair with Bill Clinton in 1998. Sizemore later admitted that the recording was made during a period of substance abuse and was untrue.
In 2017, Sizemore pleaded no contest to charges of domestic abuse for assaulting his girlfriend. He was sentenced to 36 months of summary probation, 30 days of community service, and a year-long domestic violence program to avoid jail time.
Despite his ongoing struggles, Sizemore has expressed a commitment to sobriety, citing an intervention by fellow actor Robert De Niro as a turning point in his journey toward recovery. However, in January 2019, Sizemore was arrested for misdemeanor drug possession in Burbank, California, indicating that his battle with addiction continues.
References
- Gariano, Francesca (February 19, 2023). "'Saving Private Ryan' actor Tom Sizemore in critical condition after aneurysm". Today. Retrieved March 4, 2023.
- Sandomir, Richard (March 4, 2023). "Tom Sizemore, Intense Actor With a Troubled Life, Dies at 61". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
- ^ "UPI Almanac for Friday, Nov. 29, 2019". United Press International. November 29, 2019. Archived from the original on December 24, 2019. Retrieved January 11, 2020. …actor Tom Sizemore in 1961 (age 58)
- Carlson, Michael (March 5, 2023). "Tom Sizemore obituary". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
- "For Detroit-born actor Tom Sizemore, dead at 61, the action was the juice". The Detroit News. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
- "Tom Sizemore's one-man show: The secret he's been keeping from Hollywood". Los Angeles Times. February 16, 2011.
- By Some Miracle I Made It Out of There: A Memoir, Tom Sizemore, Simon and Schuster, 2013, transcript Archived January 6, 2014, at the Wayback Machine