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Thom Mathews
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Thomas Mathews (born November 28, 1958) is an American actor best known for his role as Tommy Jarvis in the Friday the 13th franchise—in particular Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)—and Freddy Hanscom in The Return of the Living Dead (1985). His other film roles include Dangerously Close (1986), Return of the Living Dead Part II (1988), and Nemesis (1992).
Key Information
Career
[edit]Acting and Friday the 13th
[edit]Thom Mathews began his acting career in the early 1980s as a model and commercial actor, starring in national television commercials for Le Tigre, Sprite and Tostitos. From 1982 to 1984, Mathews guest starred on a string of soap operas including Falcon Crest (1982; 1984), Dynasty (1983) and Paper Dolls (1984). In 1984, Mathews portrayed Erik in the romantic comedy film The Woman in Red although he was uncredited.
Mathews' first major role was Freddy Hanscom in the 1985 cult film The Return of the Living Dead. The following year, Mathews starred in Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives, being the third actor to portray Tommy Jarvis after Corey Feldman and John Shepherd. In 1987, he starred as Francis Kelly in the television film The Dirty Dozen: The Deadly Mission. The same year, Mathews starred in the film Down Twisted and guest starred on the sitcom Mr. President. In 1988, he starred as Joey Hazel in Return of the Living Dead Part II and Charmin' in Alien from L.A.. In 1989, Mathews guest starred on an episode of CBS Summer Playhouse.
In 1990, Mathews portrayed Tim Murphy in the television film Rock Hudson, Sonny Hilderbrand in the television pilot Sporting Chance, and David in the film Midnight Cabaret. The following year, Mathews starred in the films Bloodmatch and Born to Ride and the television short The Letters from Moab. In 1992, he starred in the film Nemesis. In 1994, he portrayed Bill in Kickboxer 4 and Dan Donahue in In the Living Years. The following year, Mathews starred in Heatseeker. The same year, he guest starred on the ER second season episode "And Baby Makes Two". In 1996, Mathews starred in the television films If Looks Could Kill and Raven Hawk.
Mathews reprised the role of Tommy Jarvis twice in 2017, providing his voice and likeness to the video game Friday the 13th: The Game and making a cameo appearance in the unofficial fan film Never Hike Alone[1] and its 2020 prequel, Never Hike in the Snow. He repeated the role of Tommy Jarvis in 2022 in another unofficial fan film Vengeance Part 2: Bloodlines[2] and starred in the sequel Never Hike Alone 2, released in October 2023.
Personal life
[edit]On May 10, 2014, Mathews married Karla Jensen in Los Cabos Municipality, Mexico.[3]
Mathews now owns a construction company, Hammer and Trowel. Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne hired his company to remodel their home during the filming of their MTV reality show The Osbournes.[4]
Filmography
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | The Woman in Red | Erik | Uncredited |
| 1985 | The Return of the Living Dead | Freddy Hanscom | |
| 1986 | Dangerously Close | Brian Rigletti | |
| Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives | Tommy Jarvis | ||
| 1987 | Down Twisted | Damalas | |
| 1988 | Return of the Living Dead Part II | Joey Hazel | |
| Alien from L.A. | Charmin' | ||
| 1990 | Midnight Cabaret | David | |
| 1991 | Born to Ride | Willis | |
| Bloodmatch | Brick Bardo | ||
| 1992 | Nemesis | Marion | |
| 1994 | Kickboxer 4: The Aggressor | Bill | |
| In the Living Years | Dan Donahue | ||
| 1995 | Heatseeker | Bradford | |
| 1997 | Blast | Bill | Uncredited |
| Mean Guns | Crow | ||
| The Peacemaker | Major Rich Numbers | ||
| Crazy Six | Andrew | ||
| 1998 | Waiting for Woody | Bike Messenger | Short film |
| Sorcerers | The Duke | ||
| 2001 | The Vampire Hunters Club | Henry Pratt | Short film |
| 2009 | A Letter to Dad | Dan | |
| 2013 | Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th | Himself | Documentary film[5] |
| 2017 | Never Hike Alone | Tommy Jarvis | Fan film |
| 2019 | Killer Therapy | John Langston | |
| 2020 | Never Hike in the Snow | Tommy Jarvis | Fan film |
| 2022 | Vengeance Part 2: Bloodlines | Tommy Jarvis | Fan film |
| 2023 | Final Summer | Sheriff Palmer | |
| Never Hike Alone 2 | Tommy Jarvis | Fan film | |
| Go Away | Chuck | [6][7] |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982–1984 | Falcon Crest | Pool Guy #2 / Paramedic #2 | 2 episodes |
| 1983 | Dynasty | Brian | 2 episodes |
| The Yellow Rose | Danny | Episode: "Only the Proud" | |
| 1984 | Paper Dolls | Lewis Crosby | 5 episodes |
| 1987 | The Dirty Dozen: The Deadly Mission | Francis Kelly | Television film |
| Mr. President | Secret Service Agent | Episode: "Private Moments" | |
| 1989 | CBS Summer Playhouse | Cal | Episode: "The Heat" |
| 1990 | Rock Hudson | Tim Murphy | Television film |
| Sporting Chance | Sonny Hilderbrand | Television pilot | |
| 1991 | The Letters from Moab | Tom | Television short |
| 1995 | ER | Michael Mazovick | Episode: "And Baby Makes Two" |
| 1996 | Raven Hawk | Stiles | Television film |
| If Looks Could Kill | Walter | Television film | |
| 2000 | Fail Safe | Billy Flynn | Television film |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Friday the 13th: The Game | Tommy Jarvis | Voice and likeness |
References
[edit]- ^ "Iconic Franchise Actor Returns in Must-Watch, 50-Minute 'Friday' Fan Film 'Never Hike Alone' - Bloody Disgusting". October 14, 2017.
- ^ Brooks, Jason (October 6, 2022), Friday the 13th Vengeance 2: Bloodlines (Horror), Real Fiction Studios, Newton to Newton Productions, retrieved November 27, 2022
- ^ "George Clooney & Fiancee Amal Alamuddin Vacation In Cabo". TravelPulse. May 9, 2014. Retrieved February 2, 2017.
- ^ "Friday the 13th films".
- ^ "Thom Mathews". TVGuide.com. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
- ^ Hamman, Cody (February 8, 2022). "Go Away trailer: Thom Mathews, Tuesday Knight, Felissa Rose star in home invasion slasher". JoBlo.com. Retrieved December 29, 2022.
- ^ Gingold, Matthew (December 18, 2022). "Thom Mathews, Felissa Rose et al. in Home-Invasion Horror "Go Away"; Trailer & Poster". Rue Morgue. Retrieved December 29, 2022.
External links
[edit]- Thom Mathews at IMDb
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
Thom Mathews
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life
Childhood and family background
Thom Mathews was born on November 28, 1958, in Los Angeles, California.[6] He grew up in a working-class environment in the city, where his family emphasized hands-on skills and creativity from an early age. His grandfather worked as a carpenter for film studios, while his father was involved in construction, exposing Mathews to tools and woodworking during his youth.[2] Mathews had an older brother who frequently challenged him physically, which significantly influenced his early interests. To defend himself against his brother's roughhousing, Mathews began studying martial arts in his youth, eventually achieving a purple belt in the discipline.[2] This sibling dynamic fostered resilience and physical activity in his formative years, shaping his approach to personal challenges. He is of Italian descent through his mother.[7] As he transitioned into his teenage years, Mathews continued developing his creative side through activities like painting, though his family life remained rooted in the practical trades of Los Angeles.[2]Education and early interests
Thom Mathews attended Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, California, where he graduated in the late 1970s.[6] The school, known for its vibrant arts environment, provided exposure to performing arts through facilities like the historic D.S. Swan Auditorium, a Spanish-style venue dedicated in 1926 and renowned for theatrical productions.[8] This setting, with its iconic rotunda, contributed to the cultural atmosphere at Fairfax during Mathews' teenage years.[9] Following graduation, Mathews initially felt uncertain about his career path but soon developed an interest in entertainment. A few years after high school, a girlfriend suggested he study acting, which intrigued him and led to his decision to pursue it as a profession; he began classes and secured his first opportunities within three years.[2] This shift marked the beginning of his focus on performance, drawing from the creative exposure of his high school years. Mathews also trained in martial arts during his youth, influenced by family dynamics with his older brother, eventually achieving a purple belt.[6] This discipline helped build his physical confidence and presence, skills that later proved foundational to his personal development.[2]Acting career
Beginnings in modeling and commercials
After graduating from high school, Thom Mathews entered the entertainment industry in the early 1980s, initially pursuing modeling and commercial work as his entry point into acting.[2] Encouraged by a girlfriend to explore performing, he began with small projects but took approximately three years to fully commit to the profession, navigating initial uncertainty about his career direction during his mid-twenties.[2] Mathews appeared in several national television commercials during this period, including spots for Le Tigre clothing, Sprite soda, and Tostitos snacks, which helped build his on-camera experience and visibility.[10] These roles provided steady work and exposure, though they were short-form and required quick adaptation to scripted pitches under tight production schedules. From 1982 to 1984, Mathews transitioned to scripted television through guest appearances on prominent soap operas, marking his shift toward more narrative-driven acting. He played Pool Guy #2 in the Falcon Crest episode "Penultimate Questions" (season 1, episode 17) in 1982, earning his Screen Actors Guild card in the process, and later returned as Paramedic #2 in "The Aftermath" (season 2, episode 23) in 1984. In 1983, he portrayed a Male Secretary in two episodes of Dynasty: "Tracy" (season 4, episode 5) and "Dex" (season 4, episode 6).[11][12] That same year, he took on the recurring role of Lewis Crosby across five episodes of the short-lived primetime soap Paper Dolls.[13] These bit parts often involved ensemble scenes with limited dialogue, presenting challenges in standing out amid established casts and rapid episode production, but they honed his skills in improvisation and scene work essential for larger roles.[2]Breakthrough in horror films
Thom Mathews' breakthrough in the horror genre came with his portrayal of Freddy in the 1985 film The Return of the Living Dead, directed by Dan O'Bannon. As Freddy, a young employee at the Uneeda Medical Supply warehouse, Mathews depicted a character who begins as an eager, somewhat awkward everyman picking up his girlfriend Tina for a night out with punk rocker friends, only to become entangled in a catastrophic zombie outbreak after accidentally releasing a military-grade toxic gas. The arc culminates in Freddy's transformation into a zombie, where he retains fragmented awareness, delivering the film's iconic line about craving brains in a desperate, comedic plea to Tina before succumbing to his undead instincts.[14] This role showcased Mathews' versatility in blending humor, vulnerability, and horror, contributing to the film's enduring cult classic status for its subversive take on zombie tropes, punk soundtrack, and fast-paced narrative.[15] The success of The Return of the Living Dead led directly to Mathews' casting as the adult Tommy Jarvis in Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986), where he revived the character originally introduced as a child in earlier franchise entries. Haunted by visions of Jason Voorhees, Tommy exhumes the killer's corpse intending to cremate it and end the cycle of violence, but a lightning strike during a storm resurrects Jason as an invincible supernatural entity, forcing Tommy to confront his nemesis once more at Camp Crystal Lake. Mathews' performance brought maturity and determination to Tommy, emphasizing his psychological trauma while injecting action-hero energy into the slasher formula, which helped revitalize the Friday the 13th series by restoring Jason as the central antagonist after the divisive copycat killer in the previous film.[16] The movie's self-referential humor and supernatural escalation marked a tonal shift that reinvigorated fan enthusiasm and box office performance.[16] Behind the scenes on Jason Lives, Mathews formed a strong collaborative bond with director Tom McLoughlin, who shared the script's vision early on and alleviated Mathews' initial reservations about the franchise's direction, fostering a supportive environment during the six-week shoot in Georgia. Mathews also appreciated working alongside co-star Jennifer Cooke, who played Megan Garris, Tommy's ally and romantic interest, as their on-screen chemistry reflected the film's lighter, more adventurous tone compared to prior entries. On The Return of the Living Dead, filming challenges like four-hour makeup sessions for zombie transformations allowed Mathews to bond with co-star James Karen, with whom he shared a birthday and improvised dialogue to enhance their comedic dynamic.[17][14] These mid-1980s roles firmly established Mathews in the horror genre, leveraging his prior modeling and commercial work—which honed his physical expressiveness—for demanding scenes involving stunts and transformations, and paving the way for subsequent genre projects.[17]Later roles and fan projects
Following his breakthrough performances in mid-1980s horror films, Thom Mathews transitioned into a series of supporting roles across genres, including horror sequels, action, and comedy, during the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1988, he portrayed Joey Hazel, a young man inadvertently involved in a zombie outbreak, in the horror-comedy Return of the Living Dead Part II, reuniting him with co-star James Karen from the original film.[18] That same year, Mathews appeared as Charmin', a streetwise ally, in the adventure comedy Alien from L.A., directed by Albert Pyun.[19] He continued with action roles in Bloodmatch (1991) and Kickboxer 2: The Road Back (1991), before portraying Marion, a resistance fighter in a dystopian future, in the cyberpunk action film Nemesis (1992), again under Pyun's direction, marking a shift toward science fiction elements.[1] Mathews' acting work became more sporadic through the 1990s and 2000s, with appearances in independent and direct-to-video projects that highlighted his versatility in smaller ensembles. Notable roles included the Bike Messenger in the comedy Waiting for Woody (1998) and The Duke in the supernatural thriller Sorcerers (1998). In 2001, he played Henry Pratt, a member of a quirky vampire-hunting group, in the short horror-comedy The Vampire Hunters Club.[20] His output tapered further, culminating in the family drama A Letter to Dad (2009), where he portrayed Dan, a father grappling with personal loss. In the 2010s, Mathews experienced a career resurgence through fan-driven horror projects, reprising his iconic role as Tommy Jarvis from Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives. He first returned to the character in the 2017 fan film Never Hike Alone, depicting an adult Tommy as a park ranger confronting Jason Voorhees in the woods, which garnered significant online acclaim for its faithful tone and practical effects.[21] This led to further appearances as Tommy in the prequel Never Hike in the Snow (2020), where he aided stranded hikers amid a blizzard, and in Never Hike Alone 2 (2023), continuing his battle against the killer.[22][21] He also reprised Tommy in the 2022 fan film Friday the 13th: Vengeance 2: Bloodlines, extending the narrative of his ongoing conflict. These low-budget endeavors revitalized interest in his early horror work, bridging his 1980s legacy with contemporary fan communities. Mathews has since embraced more traditional acting roles while maintaining ties to horror. In Killer Therapy (2019), he played John Langston, a therapist entangled in a patient's violent breakdown, sharing the screen with fellow genre veterans P.J. Soles and Adrienne King.[23] He followed with Emmett Cole, a rugged survivor, in the action-thriller Warpath (2020), and Sheriff Parmer in the slasher Final Summer (2023), investigating murders at a summer camp.[24] In 2024, he starred as Chuck in the horror-comedy Go Away. Looking ahead, Mathews is set to reprise his role as Freddy from The Return of the Living Dead in the upcoming film Trash's Revenge: Return of the Living Dead Universe (scheduled for release on December 8, 2025), a sequel celebrating the franchise's 40th anniversary.[5] Throughout this period, Mathews' career evolved from mainstream genre films to independent and fan-supported productions, reflecting a broader trend in horror where legacy actors engage directly with audiences. His frequent appearances at horror conventions, such as ScareFest, HorrorCon Los Angeles, and Milwaukee Horror Con, have further amplified his visibility, allowing him to share anecdotes from his films and connect with fans who appreciate his contributions to 1980s cult classics.[25] These engagements have not only sustained his professional presence but also underscored his enduring appeal in the horror community.[26]Professional life beyond acting
Construction business
After scaling back his acting career in the late 1990s following the birth of his first son and amid the challenges of frequent auditions, Thom Mathews founded Hammer and Trowel Construction, Inc., drawing on a lifelong interest in the trade that predated his entry into entertainment.[9][2] The company, based in the Los Angeles area of California, specializes in general contracting services, including custom home builds, additions, and residential remodels, often collaborating with architects and designers on projects for high-profile clients in the entertainment industry.[9][27] Notable commissions have included renovations for Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne during the filming of their MTV reality series The Osbournes, as well as work on actor John Forsythe's home, a project Mathews contributed to as a youth through family connections.[9] Mathews' pivot to construction was influenced by his family heritage—his grandfather was a carpenter who built studio sets, and his father worked in the field—providing him with early hands-on experience in woodworking and physical labor that aligned with the demands of the profession.[2][9] As of 2025, Hammer and Trowel remains Mathews' primary professional endeavor and main source of income, allowing flexibility for occasional acting appearances while sustaining a successful operation in Southern California.[17][27]Producing and other ventures
Mathews has ventured into film production, taking on roles behind the camera in several horror-related projects. He served as a producer for the 2022 fan film My Special Boy: A Friday the 13th Fan Film, a short feature directed by James Grim, Braden Timmons, and Chad Sumner that explores themes tied to the franchise's lore.[28] In 2024, he acted as executive producer for Go Away, a horror film featuring his acting role as well.[1] His production involvement extends to fan film anthologies, including Never Hike Alone: The Ghost Cut (2020), where he contributed to the Friday the 13th-inspired segments alongside his on-screen reprise of Tommy Jarvis.[1] Beyond production, Mathews has remained active in the horror community through convention appearances and promotional events. He has frequently attended ScareFest Weekend, including the 2019 edition (ScareFest 11) and ScareFest 17 in 2025, often reuniting with cast members from The Return of the Living Dead to engage with fans through panels and signings.[26] These events highlight his ongoing connection to 1980s horror cinema. Mathews has also contributed to retrospective documentaries, providing insights into his career in the 2022 release In Search of Darkness: Part III, where he appeared as an interviewee discussing the era's horror landscape.[29] Additionally, he provided voice work as Tommy Jarvis for the 2017 video game Friday the 13th: The Game, marking a digital extension of his iconic role.[30] In interviews, Mathews has reflected on his horror legacy and offered mentorship-like perspectives to aspiring actors. A 2017 feature with Cryptic Rock explored his transition from acting to other pursuits while emphasizing the enduring appeal of his films.[2] Similarly, a 2018 Horrornews.net discussion delved into his experiences with slasher franchises and advice for navigating the genre.[9]Personal life
Marriages
Thom Mathews was first married to Karina Poszar in 2007.[31] The couple's marriage ended in divorce sometime prior to 2014, with limited public details available on the circumstances.[1] This period coincided with Mathews' transition away from full-time acting toward establishing a construction business, driven by family responsibilities and the need for financial stability.[2] Mathews married actress Karla Jensen on May 10, 2014, in Los Cabos Municipality, Mexico.[32] The wedding, attended by close friends including George Clooney, marked a new chapter following his career pivot to construction with his company, Hammer and Trowel.[33] In interviews, Mathews has described the relationship as supportive, noting that Jensen accompanied him to horror conventions and that their partnership provided the personal stability essential for balancing his business ventures and selective returns to acting, such as fan-driven Friday the 13th projects.[9][2] This marital foundation has intersected with his professional life by enabling a more measured approach to entertainment opportunities while maintaining focus on family growth.Family and residences
Mathews has three children, whom he has raised primarily in the Los Angeles area while balancing his construction business and occasional acting commitments.[2][34] In a 2017 interview, he noted that his son enjoys playing the Friday the 13th video game, in which Mathews reprises his role as Tommy Jarvis, highlighting the intergenerational appeal of his horror film legacy within his family.[2] Raised in Los Angeles, California, where he attended Fairfax High School, Mathews has maintained a long-term residence in the area, co-owning the construction firm Hammer & Trowel, which operates locally and has undertaken high-profile projects such as remodeling Ozzy Osbourne's mansion.[9][35] His family life remains centered in Southern California, with occasional travel, including his 2014 wedding to Karla Jensen at One & Only Palmilla in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.[36] Mathews' family provides support for his convention appearances, where he attends 5–6 events annually; he has described bringing his wife along as a enjoyable getaway that strengthens their bond amid his professional engagements.[2] As of 2025, this family involvement continues to accompany his fan interactions and projects tied to his iconic roles.Filmography
Feature films
Thom Mathews' first feature film appearance was an uncredited role as Eric in The Woman in Red (1984); his first credited role came in 1985. He has appeared in a variety of theatrical releases, direct-to-video titles, and independent productions, often in horror, action, and indie genres. His roles range from leads in cult horror films to supporting parts in action thrillers and recent fan-driven projects.| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | The Woman in Red | Eric | Uncredited debut appearance.[37] |
| 1985 | The Return of the Living Dead | Trash | Lead role in cult horror comedy.[3] |
| 1986 | Dangerously Close | Brian Rigletti | Supporting role in teen drama thriller.[38] |
| 1986 | Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives | Tommy Jarvis | Lead role in slasher horror.[4] |
| 1987 | Down Twisted | Damalas | Supporting antagonist in action thriller.[39] |
| 1988 | Return of the Living Dead Part II | Joey | Lead role in horror sequel. |
| 1988 | Alien from L.A. | Charmin' | Supporting role in sci-fi comedy.[40] |
| 1990 | Midnight Cabaret | David | Lead role in horror thriller.[41] |
| 1991 | Bloodmatch | Brick Bardo | Lead role in martial arts action film.[42] |
| 1991 | Born to Ride | Willis | Supporting role in adventure drama. |
| 1992 | Nemesis | Marion | Supporting role in cyberpunk action.[43] |
| 1994 | Kickboxer 4: The Aggressor | Bill | Supporting role in martial arts action film.[44] |
| 1995 | Heatseeker | Bradford | Supporting role in action sci-fi.[45] |
| 1997 | Mean Guns | Crow | Supporting role in action thriller.[46] |
| 1997 | Crazy Six | Andrew | Supporting role in action film. |
| 1997 | Blast | Bill | Supporting role in action thriller (uncredited). |
| 2009 | A Letter to Dad | Dan | Lead role in faith-based drama. |
| 2019 | Killer Therapy | John Langston | Lead role in indie horror thriller. |
| 2020 | Warpath | Emmett Cole | Supporting role in indie western.[47] |
| 2022 | Friday the 13th Vengeance 2: Bloodlines | Tommy Jarvis | Lead role in fan-made horror.[48] |
| 2023 | Final Summer | Sheriff Parmer | Supporting role in horror thriller. |
| 2023 | Never Hike Alone 2 | Tommy Jarvis | Lead role in fan-made horror short feature. |
| 2024 | Go Away | Chuck | Supporting role in indie horror. |
| 2025 | Trash's Revenge | Trash | Lead reprise in horror sequel.[5] |