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Tom Lenk
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Thomas Loren Lenk (born June 16, 1976) is an American film and television actor, best known for portraying the character of Andrew Wells in the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Lenk was born in Camarillo, California, the son of Pamela Sherman, a teacher, and Fred Lenk, a tuba player, high school music teacher, and school district computer network administrator.[1] He attended Adolfo Camarillo High School, and graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a Bachelor of Arts.[2]
Career
[edit]
After launching his career in 1997 with small parts in movies, Lenk won his breakthrough role in Buffy in 2000. He appeared in twenty-seven episodes of Joss Whedon's show altogether, and also played Andrew in two episodes of its spin off, Angel.[3] Among the many television shows in which he appeared as a guest star were NBC's Joey, House, Six Feet Under, Eli Stone, How I Met Your Mother and Nip/Tuck. His film roles have included small parts in Date Movie, The Number 23, and Transformers. He also appeared in the web series Border Patrol,[4] which premiered in June 2008 on Atom.com.
Besides acting, Lenk is a singer and playwright. He has toured with the European cast of Grease and has written three plays. He took over the role of Franz in the Broadway musical Rock of Ages as of September 14, 2009, having originated the role in the Las Vegas and Los Angeles productions in 2006. From 2009 to 2010, he posted video blogs on YouTube summing up his experiences on Broadway, usually under the title "Tom's Broadway Blogs". He also contributes video content to Felicia Day's YouTube channel, Geek and Sundry, and parodies fashion on Instagram.[5]
Lenk appeared in an episode of Psych that poked fun at Buffy the Vampire Slayer; Kristy Swanson, who played Buffy in the movie that preceded the television show, took part in the episode as well. He also performed in the June 2012 edition of Don't Tell My Mother!, a monthly showcase in which authors, screenwriters, actors and comedians share embarrassing true stories.
In 2013, Lenk joined the Lifetime series Witches of East End as Hudson Rafferty.[6] In 2016, he appeared in the third season finale of Transparent.[7] In 2018 he starred in Tilda Swinton Answers an Ad on Craigslist which has played in LA, Edinburgh, and London.
Personal life
[edit]Lenk is gay.[8] Lenk hosts the Undressing Podcast with co-host Felicia Day[9][10]
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Boogie Nights | Uncle Floyd's Boy No. 2 | |
| 1999 | Boy Next Door | Chris | |
| 2000 | And Then Came Summer | Drunk boy at party | |
| 2004 | Window Theory | Sean | |
| Straight-Jacket | Teddy | ||
| Bandwagon | Tom Lenk | ||
| 2005 | Loretta | Billy | Short film |
| 2006 | Date Movie | Frodo | |
| The Thirst | Kronos | ||
| 2007 | The Number 23 | Bookstore Clerk | |
| Equal Opportunity | Thomas the Tank Engine | ||
| Transformers | Analyst | ||
| Walking for the Stars: The Foley Artistry of Nancy Anne Cianci | Mike Rotch | Short film | |
| Boogeyman 2 | Perry | ||
| 2010 | My Girlfriend's Boyfriend | David Young | |
| 2012 | The Cabin in the Woods | Ronald The Intern | |
| Much Ado About Nothing | Verges | ||
| Argo | Variety Reporter | ||
| 2014 | Such Good People | Logan | |
| 2021 | Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar | Arnie | |
| 2024 | The Unreason | Alex | [11] |
Television
[edit]| Year | Show | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Judging Amy | Alan Higgins | Episode: "The God Thing" |
| 2000–2003 | Buffy the Vampire Slayer | Cyrus, Andrew Wells | Recurring, 27 episodes |
| 2001 | Popular | Chicken Delivery Guy | Episode: "The Brain Game" |
| Ruling Class | Unsold TV pilot | ||
| 2004 | Mystery Girl | Unsold UPN TV pilot | |
| Angel | Andrew Wells | Episodes: "Damage", "The Girl in Question" | |
| Six Feet Under | Young Poet | Episode: "In Case of Rapture" | |
| Joey | Thomas | Episode "Joey and the Big Audition" | |
| 2005 | House, M.D. | Allen | Episode: "Spin" |
| 2006 | How I Met Your Mother | Scott | Episode: "Swarley" |
| 2007 | Nurses | MRI Technician | FOX TV pilot |
| 2008 | G.I.L.F. | Tevor | Web series |
| Eli Stone | WPK Assistant | Episode: "Heal the Pain" | |
| Samantha Who? | Coffee shop clerk | Episode: "The Girlfriend", "The Boss" | |
| Do Not Disturb | Victor | Episode: "Pilot" | |
| 2009 | Trust Me | Anti Corporate Idealist | Episode: "Odd Man Out" |
| Nip/Tuck | Corey | Episode: "Enigma" | |
| 2011 | The Guild | Himself | Episode: "Social Traumas" |
| Greek | Tour Guide Smith | Episode: "Legacy" | |
| Psych | Lucien | Episode: "This Episode Sucks" | |
| 2013–14 | Witches of East End | Hudson Rafferty | Recurring role |
| 2014 | Episodes | Publicist | Episode: "Episode Five" |
| 2015 | Bones | Chris Winfelder | Episode: "The Carpals in the Coy-Wolves" |
| 2016 | Transparent | Trevor | Episode: "Exciting and New" |
| Good Girls Revolt | Malcolm | Episode: "The Year-Ender" | |
| Princess Rap Battle | Flynn | Episode: "Rapunzel & Flynn vs. Anna & Kristoff" | |
| 2017 | Fresh Off the Boat | Roger | Episode: "Pie vs. Cake" |
| Hyperlinked | Wardrobe Stylist | Episode: "The Interview" | |
| 2018 | Another Period | Husband | Episode: "Sex Nickelodeon" |
| Workin' Moms | Demitre | Episode: "Cuck" | |
| American Housewife | Marshall Granville | Episode: "Mom Guilt" | |
| Room 104 | Matty | Episode: "FOMO" | |
| 2019 | Bajillion Dollar Propertie$ | Brandoon | Episode: "Good Todd Hunting" |
| EastSiders | Collin | 4 episodes | |
| 2020 | NCIS: New Orleans | Kevin McCable | Episode: "Predators" |
| 2021 | American Horror Stories | Tim Williams | Episode: "Game Over" |
| 2021 | Batwoman | Charlie Clark | Episode: "Antifreeze" |
| 2021 | NCIS: Hawai'i | Carter Dunlap | Episode: "Nightwatch" |
| 2022 | Dead End: Paranormal Park | Rancibalafloss El Hoxtrot "Hox" |
Stage
[edit]| Year | Play | Role | Theater | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Rock of Ages[12] | Franz | Brooks Atkinson Theatre | Replaced Wesley Taylor |
| 2017 | Tilda Swinton Answers an Ad on Craigslist[13] | Tilda Swinton | Celebration Theatre |
References
[edit]- ^ "Tom Lenk Biography (1976–)". Filmreference.com. Retrieved October 23, 2013.
- ^ "Performers – Tom Lenk". The Groundlings. Retrieved March 11, 2017.
- ^ Prior to appearing as Andrew Wells, Lenk had a role as the vampire Cyrus in the season 5 episode "Real Me",
- ^ Greenbaum, Josh; McMillan, Ben (2010). "Border Patrol". Retrieved October 23, 2013.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "tommylenk". Retrieved February 16, 2017.
- ^ Goldberg, Lesley (October 16, 2012). "'Buffy's' Tom Lenk Joins Lifetime's 'Witches of East End' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 2, 2013.
- ^ VanArendonk, Kathryn (October 3, 2016). "Transparent Season-Finale Recap: To Shell and Back". Vulture. New York Media. Retrieved October 15, 2016.
- ^ Jensen, Michael (October 28, 2008). "Tom Lenk, aka Andrew from"Buffy", is officially out!". Logo NewNowNext. Retrieved October 23, 2013.
- ^ https://undressingpodcast.com/
- ^ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/undressing/id1566646641
- ^ "The Unreason". Chris Reading. Retrieved September 30, 2023.
- ^ ""Buffy the Vampire Slayer" Star Tom Lenk to Join Broadway's Rock of Ages".
- ^ "19 Best Things to Do in L.A. This Week | L.A. Weekly". www.laweekly.com. Archived from the original on January 20, 2018.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Tom Lenk.
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Tom Lenk
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Biography
Early life
Thomas Loren Lenk was born on June 16, 1976, in Westlake Village, California.[5][3] He was raised in Ventura County, approximately an hour north of Los Angeles, in an old farmhouse that included a barn and an underground storm shelter, alongside his parents and sister, Fred Lenk, a tuba player, high school music teacher, and later computer programmer, and Pam Lenk, a teacher.[9] Lenk's childhood was marked by a close connection to animals, as his family frequently rescued or adopted pets, including a duck named Peepers that he found during sixth grade.[9] During his formative years in Camarillo, Lenk attended Adolfo Camarillo High School, where he developed an interest in performing arts through musical activities; in his senior year, he served as drum major for the school's marching band.[10] These early experiences in leadership and performance, shaped by the supportive environment of his family and the local community, laid the groundwork for his later pursuits. Following high school, Lenk attended Moorpark College before transferring to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.[4]Personal life
Tom Lenk is openly gay and publicly came out in a 2008 interview with The Advocate magazine, where he discussed his sexuality in the context of his role on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.[11] In subsequent interviews, he has expressed pride in serving as a role model for the LGBTQ+ community, stating it is "an honour" to have fans project their experiences onto his characters and see representation on screen.[12] Lenk has also reflected on queer icons and the importance of visibility in media during discussions about his work in queer-themed projects.[13] Lenk maintains a high degree of privacy regarding his romantic life, with no widely reported long-term partnerships or marriages. He has occasionally referenced past relationships in casual anecdotes, such as mentioning an ex-partner attending a film premiere with him, but has not shared further details publicly.[13] Since establishing his career, Lenk has resided in Hollywood, Los Angeles, where he continues to engage in personal pursuits like co-hosting podcasts as a social outlet.Career
Television and film acting
Lenk began his screen acting career with minor roles in the late 1990s, including a small part as Uncle Floyd's Boy No. 2 in Paul Thomas Anderson's Boogie Nights (1997).[14] This early appearance marked his entry into film, where he played brief, supporting characters in independent and mainstream projects. His breakthrough arrived in television with the recurring role of Andrew Wells, a nerdy member of the villainous Trio who evolves into an ally, on Buffy the Vampire Slayer from 2001 to 2003, spanning 26 episodes across seasons 6 and 7. Lenk reprised the character in two crossover episodes of the spin-off Angel in 2004 ("Damage" and "The Girl in Question"), solidifying Andrew's place in the Buffyverse as a comic yet poignant figure. The role garnered Lenk recognition for his comedic timing and ability to portray geeky vulnerability, establishing him as a versatile character actor in genre television.[15] Following Buffy, Lenk transitioned to a series of guest and recurring television appearances, showcasing his range in dramatic and comedic series. He played Allen in an episode of House (2005), Scott in How I Met Your Mother (2006), and recurring as Hudson Rafferty in Witches of East End (2013–2014).[16] Additional notable TV work included a role in Nip/Tuck (2009) and Trevor in the season 3 finale of Transparent (2016), where he brought nuance to supporting characters in ensemble casts.[16] This phase highlighted his adaptability, moving from fantasy to medical dramas and family comedies through diverse guest spots. In film, Lenk's highlights included comedic and thriller roles such as Frodo in the parody Date Movie (2006), the Bookstore Clerk in The Number 23 (2007), and an Air Conditioning Warrant Officer in Michael Bay's Transformers (2007).[17] He continued with memorable parts like Ronald the Intern in the meta-horror The Cabin in the Woods (2012) and a Variety Reporter in Argo (2012), blending humor with tension in ensemble features. His film work culminated in a supporting role as Arnie in the comedy Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar (2021), emphasizing his knack for quirky side characters. Post-2020, Lenk has sustained momentum with prominent guest and recurring roles, including a starring episode as Tim the Agent in American Horror Stories (2021), recurring as Charlie Clarke on Batwoman (2020–2021), and guest spots as Carter Dunlap in NCIS: Hawai'i (2021) and as Kevin McCable in NCIS: New Orleans (2020). He also voiced a character in the animated series Dead End: Paranormal Park (2022), expanding into voice acting while maintaining a steady presence in network and streaming television, and appeared as Alex in the comedy film Time Travel Is Dangerous (2024).[1] This recent output reflects a continued evolution toward multifaceted screen performances across genres.[8]Theater and writing
Lenk made his Broadway debut in 2009, taking over the role of Franz, the eccentric German producer, in the rock musical Rock of Ages at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, a part he had originated in the show's earlier Los Angeles and Las Vegas productions in 2006.[18] His performance in the Tony-nominated production, directed by Kristin Hanggi, showcased his musical theater skills through high-energy rock numbers and comedic timing, contributing to the show's extended run through 2015.[19] In regional theater, Lenk starred as Alex Morell in Jonathan Tolins' one-man comedy Buyer & Cellar, portraying a struggling actor who becomes a shopkeeper in Barbra Streisand's fictional basement mall. He performed the role in multiple productions from 2015 onward, including at Pittsburgh Public Theater under Ted Pappas' direction and at TheaterWorks in Hartford, Connecticut, where his versatile character work earned praise for blending humor with poignant reflections on fame.[20] Lenk also took on the lead in Tilda Swinton Answers an Ad on Craigslist, a semi-autobiographical comedy by Byron Lane, where he played the titular actress in drag. The show toured to cities including Los Angeles (Celebration Theatre, 2017), New York City, San Francisco, London (Vault Festival, 2019), and Edinburgh Fringe Festival, highlighting his physical comedy and impressionistic style in exploring themes of celebrity and personal crisis.[21] Beyond ensemble and lead roles, Lenk has demonstrated his vocal talents in musical theater, notably touring Europe as Doody in Grease, where he performed classic songs like "Greased Lightnin'" in the ensemble.[4] His singing background, honed in these live contexts, has informed his stage presence across genres. As a playwright, Lenk has authored three original plays, though specific production details for these works remain limited in public records. His writing draws from comedic and personal narratives, aligning with his performer persona.[4] Lenk has also created and toured solo comedy shows internationally, blending stand-up, character sketches, and audience interaction. Notable among these is Tom Lenk is TRASH, which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2019 and featured sold-out runs at venues like Soho Theatre in London and Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles, emphasizing self-deprecating humor and pop culture satire.[1] These performances have solidified his reputation as a multifaceted live entertainer on global stages.Other activities
Improv comedy and podcasting
Lenk joined the improvisational comedy troupe The Groundlings in the early 2000s, where he trained extensively and performed in their signature sketch and improv shows at the troupe's theater in Los Angeles.[4] As a member, he contributed to ensemble pieces that highlighted his quick-witted character work and collaborative style, often drawing on his background in theater from UCLA.[4] Beyond The Groundlings, Lenk has appeared at prominent comedy clubs throughout Los Angeles, including performances at venues like the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre and the Largo, where he showcased sketch comedy routines and solo improv sets.[22] His contributions to sketch comedy extend to original works such as Strangely Attractive, a live show featuring various characters he portrayed at the Lillian Theatre.[22] In the realm of podcasting, Lenk co-hosted Undressing alongside Felicia Day, which launched in 2021 and dissects episodes of geek-centric television series like The Witcher and Bridgerton, blending analysis with personal stories from the hosts' experiences in the entertainment industry.[23] Earlier in his audio career, he participated in The Thrilling Adventure Hour, a live-recorded anthology podcast that combined scripted narratives with improvisational segments, where Lenk voiced multiple characters across episodes such as those in the Sparks Nevada, Marshal on Mars storyline.[24] Lenk frequently engages in live improv events and conventions, bringing his energetic style to audiences at gatherings like the San Francisco Sketch Festival (SF Sketchfest), where he has performed in multiple years, including shows in 2019, 2020, and 2023, often collaborating with fellow comedians on unscripted tributes and ensemble improv.[25]Social media presence
Tom Lenk has cultivated a significant following on Instagram via his account @tommylenk, which boasts over 339,000 followers and more than 3,500 posts as of November 2025.[26] His content has collectively accumulated hundreds of millions of views, establishing him as a digital comedian known for witty, self-produced videos and images.[1] Central to his online persona are signature series such as "Lenk Lewk for Less," a humorous parody of high-fashion red carpet looks recreated using inexpensive or household items like trash bags, paper plates, and hot glue.[27] He also produces character sketches that play on celebrity tropes and everyday absurdities, often delivered in short, engaging formats that highlight his deadpan delivery and visual creativity.[28] Lenk's social media efforts received mainstream recognition in a 2017 New York Times Styles section profile, which praised his parodies for blending thriftiness with sharp satire during awards season coverage.[27] This visibility has facilitated brand collaborations, including sponsored posts with E! Entertainment Television, Hulu, FOX TV, Comcast, Acne Studios, and AMC+.[1] Following his breakout role on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Lenk's online fame began accidentally through fan-shared clips that went viral, evolving into intentional content creation by the mid-2010s as he leaned into comedy sketches rooted in his improv experience.[29] A recent example includes an August 2025 Instagram post recounting an uncontrollable onstage laugh during a performance, which captured his authentic humor and garnered enthusiastic responses from followers.[30] The reach of his platform has directly influenced his professional trajectory, opening doors to endorsements and promotional gigs that extend beyond traditional acting roles.[1]Filmography
Film
Tom Lenk's feature film career began with a minor role in the 1997 drama Boogie Nights, where he appeared as Uncle Floyd's Boy #2 in a supporting capacity.[14] He followed this with a lead role as Teddy in the 2004 horror comedy Straight-Jacket. In 2006, Lenk played Kronos in the horror film The Thirst, a supporting role. That same year, he portrayed Frodo in the parody comedy Date Movie, contributing to its comedic ensemble. His 2007 credits include a minor role as the Bookstore Clerk in the thriller The Number 23. Also in 2007, he appeared as the Analyst in the action sci-fi blockbuster Transformers, in a supporting technical role. Lenk took on the supporting role of Dave in the 2010 romantic comedy My Girlfriend's Boyfriend. In 2012, he played Ronald the Intern in the horror comedy The Cabin in the Woods, a memorable supporting part. That year, he also appeared as Frank's Colleague in God Bless America, a minor role in the satire. Additionally, in Argo, he had a supporting role as a Variety Reporter. He also appeared as Verges in Joss Whedon's romantic comedy Much Ado About Nothing.[31] Moving to 2014, Lenk starred as Logan in the independent comedy Such Good People. In 2015, he wrote, produced, and starred in the lead role in the comedy Nerdgasm. Lenk portrayed Frances in the 2016 drama Namour, a supporting character.[32] In 2021, he appeared as Arnie in the comedy Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar, a supporting role in the buddy adventure film.[33] His most recent film credit is 2024's Time Travel Is Dangerous, where he plays Alex in a supporting role within the sci-fi comedy.[34]Television
Tom Lenk began his television career in the late 1990s with guest appearances and gained prominence through recurring roles in the Buffyverse. His subsequent work has largely consisted of guest spots across a variety of series, with some voice acting in animation. The following table lists his television credits chronologically, based on verified acting roles in series and specials.[35]| Year(s) | Title | Role | Episodes | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Judging Amy | Alan Higgins | 1 | Guest |
| 2000 | Popular | Chicken Delivery Guy | 1 | Guest |
| 2001–2003 | Buffy the Vampire Slayer | Andrew Wells | 14 | Recurring |
| 2002 | Gilmore Girls | Paul | 1 | Guest |
| 2003 | Malcolm in the Middle | Donnie | 1 | Guest |
| 2004 | Angel | Andrew Wells | 2 | Guest |
| 2004 | Joey | Ralph | 1 | Guest |
| 2005 | House | Porter | 1 | Guest |
| 2005 | Six Feet Under | Clarence | 1 | Guest |
| 2006 | How I Met Your Mother | Scott | 1 | Guest |
| 2007 | Nip/Tuck | Trevor | 1 | Guest |
| 2007 | Pushing Daisies | Iggy | 1 | Guest |
| 2007 | The Sarah Silverman Program | Tom | 1 | Guest |
| 2008 | Eli Stone | Russell | 1 | Guest |
| 2008 | Greek | Nester | 1 | Guest |
| 2009 | The Closer | Barry | 1 | Guest |
| 2010 | Drop Dead Diva | Simon | 1 | Guest |
| 2012 | Glee | Hugh | 1 | Guest |
| 2013 | The Mindy Project | Alex | 1 | Guest |
| 2014 | Bad Judge | Roommate | 1 | Guest |
| 2016 | American Housewife | Chris | 1 | Guest |
| 2016 | Bajillion Dollar Propertie$ | Brian | 3 | Recurring |
| 2016 | I Like You Just the Way I Am | Olli | 1 | Guest |
| 2016 | Transparent | Trevor | 1 | Guest |
| 2017 | Room 104 | Matty | 1 | Guest |
| 2017 | Workin' Moms | Demitri | 1 | Guest |
| 2019 | Batwoman | Charlie Clarke | 1 | Guest |
| 2020 | NCIS: New Orleans | Kevin McCable | 1 | Guest |
| 2021 | American Horror Stories | Tim Williams | 1 | Guest |
| 2021 | NCIS: Hawai'i | Carter Dunlap | 1 | Guest |
| 2021 | The Magicians | Mr. Sugar | 1 | Guest |
| 2022 | Dead End: Paranormal Park | Hox (voice) | 8 | Recurring (voice) |
| 2022 | Headless: A Sleepy Hollow Story | Jonathan Oldstyle | 1 | Guest |