Comedian and writer Thomas Lennon III was born on August 9, 1970. A native of Oak Park, Illinois, Lennon graduated from Oak Park River Forest High School, and then went to New York University to pursue acting. He attended theatre camp in his teens, where he met actor Kerri Kenney. The two later became cast members of shows like The State and Reno 911. Lennon soon joined the sketch comedy group called The New Group, whose founding members became the basis of the future comedy group The State.
Thomas Lennon began with small roles on films like Aisle Six and A Friend of Dorothy. He became well-known for his stint on television’s Viva Variety, where he landed the role of Meredith Laupin in 1997. He was next seen on a fifth season episode of Friends, as Joey Tribbiani’s blackjack dealing friend. In 1999, he was heard on the movie Drop Dead Gorgeous, and was next seen on two episodes of Jesse. Lennon also landed roles in Memento, Row Your Boat and Out Cold during the early 2000s. He was then cast on the series MDs, playing the character of Chester E. Donge. In 2003, he had a role in the film A Guy Thing with Julia Stiles, and was cast opposite Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. That year, he was also in Le Divorce, followed by a spot on The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn. He began to play the role of Lieutenant Jim Dangle on the Comedy Central series Reno 911, known for his trademark hot pants and homosexual qualities. In 2005, Thomas Lennon was cast in major films like Herbie: Fully Loaded and provided the voice for Eddie the Computer in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. He was also seen in Balls of Fury and Han!$#!#, and is known for his work as a writer on The Pacifier and Night at the Museum.
August 9,1970, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Attended Oak Park River Forest High School, Oak Park, Illinois, and was a classmate of Michael Gerber, author of the "Barry Trotter" series.
He is a fan of Jackie Chan. He co-wrote The Pacifier (2005) with Chan in mind, but it had to be re-worked when it became a Vin Diesel vehicle instead.
Lives with his wife Jenny Robertson in Los Angeles [2002].
He loves Bob Dylan. In the episode of "The State" (1993) in which we meet the father of Doug (the recurrent character who says "I'm outta heeeere"), it turns out that discontented Doug's dad is totally cool. When Doug mistakenly says that Bob Dylan died of drugs, Lennon's character replies that Dylan is alive and well, "I produced his last five albums." Lennon-as-Dad quietly offers to "sell my Hog and quit the Hell's Angels" if that would make Doug happy. Later, he distributes beers to the teenagers.
Originally met Kerri Kenney, fellow member of "The State" (1993) and "Reno 911!" (2003), at age 16 in theater camp.
Has said that Brazil (1985) is his favorite film of all time.
Writing partner of Robert Ben Garant.
I feel like I'm the most well-adjusted character on the show (Reno 911), even though I'm sure the other actors would tell you the same thing about their characters. But I think mine is. I feel like I've dealt with my demons, and it's all out there.
"Kerri and I met at theater camp when were 16 years old, which is pretty lame. The rest of us met when we founded the State at New York University in 1988. Most of our adult lives have been spent bickering with these people."
"My muse is a tiny, fairy-like creature from Gnardgnanesh: a country that only exists if you wish it to. He's about 4 inches tall, greenish, and resembles a little twig."
"Yes, I am complimented on my work in Kids in the Hall once or twice a week. It's a nice feeling." -talking about being confused as a member of Kids in the Hall, to which he is not at all related