Michael Thoma - Cast Member of the Month

Michael Thoma

Michael Thoma was born Michael John Thoma on December 4th 1926 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

His star sign was Sagittarius. Sagittarians have been described as Sagittarians are optimistic, restless, progressive and adventurous.

Michael started his acting career in 1943 as a high-school student working in a radio serial in Philadelphia.

He served in the Army during World War II, then entered the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. His classmates included Grace Kelly, Don Rickles and Anne Bancroft.

In 1951 Michael Married Rosemary Prinz and they divorced in 1957.

Michael taught at the academy in the 1950s and in 1974 helped open the school's western campus in Pasadena, where he later served as a teacher, administrator and director. He had actually been Fame producers Bill Blinn’s acing teacher.

In 1962 he married Marilyn Johnson and they had 2 children. The couple divorced in 1971.

Michael appeared in several TV movies and in episodes of series including 'Studio One,' 'The Waltons,' 'The Bionic Woman,' 'The Rookies,' 'The Rockford Files' ‘Winter Kills’, and 'General Hospital'.

From 1977 to 1980 he played Doctor Greg Maxwell on the TV show “Eight Is Enough”.

Michael also worked as a director and stage manager. He directed Leonard Spigelgass's play, "Dear Me, The Sky Is Falling," in 1963 at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey with Gertrude Berg and Joseph Buloff in the cast. He worked as a stage manager on plays like: “Hedda Gabler” in 1971, “The Rothchilds” from 1970 to  1972 and “Old Calcutta” in 1969.  

In 1981 he married his 3^rd wife Lynn Bennett.

Also In 1981 Bill Blinn cast him as the drama teacher Greg Crandall in the TV series “Fame” where he appeared in  7 episodes from the first season in 1982. The Second Season episode “A Tough Act To follow” was dedicated to Michael.

Sadly on 3rd September 1982, aged 55, Michael died at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center  in Los Angeles,  California, after a two-year battle with cancer.  A memorial service will was held at Pasadena's American Academy of Dramatic Arts.