Tom Harmon was an American actor best known for his roles in “Harmon of Michigan,” “Off Limits,” and “The Caddy.” He was also a celebrated football player and sportscaster.
Personal and Family Life
Born Thomas Dudley Harmon on September 28, 1919, in Rensselaer, Indiana, he was the son of Rose Marie Quinn and Louis Amiel Harmon. He had three children with his wife, actress Elyse Knox, whom he married in 1944. Their children include TV star Mark Harmon, along with Kristin and Kelly Harmon.
Career
Before pursuing acting, Tom Harmon was an all-star football player at the University of Michigan and won the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1940. After serving in World War II as a fighter pilot, he resumed his football career, playing for the Los Angeles Rams. Following injuries that affected his playing, he transitioned into sports broadcasting.
Death and Legacy
Tom Harmon passed away from a heart attack on March 15, 1990, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 70. He left behind a legacy as a celebrated athlete, actor, and sportscaster, and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1954.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Off Limits | 1952-12-30 | Himself |
| Harmon of Michigan | 1941-09-11 | Tom Harmon |
| The Pigs vs. The Freaks | 1984-07-06 | Game Announcer |
| The Caddy | 1953-08-10 | Announcer |
| That’s My Boy | 1951-05-31 | Sports Announcer |
| Return to Campus | 1975-10-01 | Sports announcer |
| Pages of Death | 1962-01-27 | Narrator |
| Sonic Boom | 1974-01-01 | Officer Candy |
| Gentleman Joe Palooka | 1946-10-05 | Tommy Harmon |
| The All American | 1953-10-01 | Himself |
| Bonzo Goes to College | 1952-09-01 | Tom Harmon |
| Sweetheart of Sigma Chi | 1946-11-16 | Coach |
| An Annapolis Story | 1955-04-10 | Announcer |
| The Joe Piscopo Halloween Party | 1987-10-31 | |
| Pat and Mike | 1952-06-13 | Sportscaster (uncredited) |
| The Greatest American Hero | 1981-03-18 |