Biography

   Amandes was born the sixth of 11 children in the small town of Richmond, Ill. (population: 1,000). A self-described "theater jock," Amandes began acting at an early age, performing at home with his siblings as well as starring in school productions. In 1981, after graduating from The Goodman School of Drama at DePaul University, Amandes set out to apprentice on the Chicago stage. He appeared in numerous productions at such venues as the Court Theatre and the Body Politic Theatre.

   A turning point in Amandes' career was being cast as Eliot Ness in the television series The Untouchables, and he later went on to star in  The Pursuit of Happiness, with Brad Garrett and Larry Miller. His additional television credits include recurring roles on  The Guardian,  JAG,  Spin City,  Sisters and  From the Earth to the Moon, in which Amandes portrayed Astronaut Harrison 'Jack' Schmitt.

Amandes has guest-starred in numerous television series, including  The Practice,  King of Queens,  Just Shoot Me,  ER and  The Larry Sanders Show.

   Amandes' feature film credits include  Brokedown Palace with Claire Danes and Kate Beckinsale,  Second Chances,  Straight Talk,  The Long Kiss Goodnight with Geena Davis and  Billboard Dad with the Olsen twins. Most recently, Amandes finished work on HBO's  Live From Baghdad, aired December 2002, starring Helena Bonham Carter and Michael Keaton.

   Tom is married to actress Nancy Everhard, they met when she was cast opposite him as Katherine Ness on The Untouchables. She currently plays the role of Sharon Hart, on Everwood. Tom has three children.