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Heather is an American actress, activist, and author; she starred in the ABC series “The Fall Guy.”
Age, Early Life, and Education Background
Heather Anne Thomas hails from Greenwich, Connecticut, and was born under the Virgo zodiac sign on 8 September 1957, which makes her 66 years old as of 2023. She’s the daughter of the university dean, Leon Thomas, and the special education teacher, Gladdy Lou Ryder, who worked in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. She was raised alongside her siblings David and Nicholle Thomas.
Heather attended Santa Monica High School, from where she matriculated in 1975. She later joined the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Theater, Film, and Television. During her college days, Heather was a member of Chi Omega women’s fraternity. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1980.
Career
When she was 14, Thomas was selected to co-host the NBC talk show “Talking with a Giant.” In 1978, she was cast for a minor role of Caryl Manning in an episode of the police drama “David Cassidy: Man Undercover”, and went on to appear in single episodes of four more TV series before landing the role of Jody Banks in the Lee Majors-starred action-adventure TV series “The Fall Guy” ((1981-1986). Concurrently, in 1983, Thomas appeared in two episodes of the ABC romantic drama “The Love Boat”.
Thomas made her film debut in 1982, as Jane in the teen sex comedy “Zapped!” which was followed by an appearance in the 1987 action film “Kiss of the Cobra.” She’s also credited for her performance in the 1987 Canadian-American TV film “Ford: The Man and the Machine.”
Thomas appeared in single episodes of a few series in the ‘90s including “Swamp Thing: The Series.” She retired from acting in the late ‘90s, after appearing in the comedy “My Giant.”
Heather then ventured into screenwriting, and she sold her first plot to Touchstone Pictures – However, the production firm failed to produce her movie, which prompted her to reclaim its production rights. In April 2008, Thomas released a book entitled “Trophy.”
Why Heather Thomas Quit Acting
Thomas quit acting to begin a writing career and focus on her family because she was allegedly being harassed by stalkers, as she told the news agency “Reuters” in a 2009 interview, ‘… I was getting so stalked. I had one guy climb over the fence with a knife one time. I had these two little girls and they desperately needed raising so that was that. But I think now I’ve gotten so old that people won’t bother me much.’
Awards and Nominations
Thomas scooped the 1985 Bravo Otto Germany Award for Best Female TV Star. She has been nominated for four consecutive Bravo Otto Germany Awards (1986-1989) and a Gemini Award for Best Performance by a Supporting Actress for her performance in “Ford: The Man and the Machine” in 1987.
Personal Life
Heather has married twice – In August 1985, she exchanged vows with the psychotherapist and actor, Allan Rosenthal, who is one of the founders of the Cocaine Anonymous (C.A.) program. Rosenthal has appeared in various films, including “Left Behind: The Movie” in 2000 and “Alphas” in 2011. Heather and Allan divorced in September 1986 without explanation, after spending just 13 months together.
In 1992, Thomas walked the aisle with the attorney Harry M. Brittenham, who specializes in Entertainment Law. Brittenham also serves as a film consultant, and came in as the Special Consultant for the 1972 movie “Bone”, and Production Consultant for the 1975 film “God Told Me To.” In June 2019, the couple welcomed their daughter, India Rose Brittenham. Heather is also the mother of Shauna Brittenham and Kristina Brittenham. Heather and Harry have worked together on various projects – they host the monthly fund-raising breakfast gathering, The L.A. Café, at their Santa Monica-based home. Many film producers, activists, and celebrities including actor Dennis Hopper’s wife, Victoria Hopper, Balcony Films executive, Julie Bergman-Sander, and CODEPINK creator, Jodie Evans, have donated funds to various charity organizations through The L.A. Café. Thomas and Harry own a fly-fishing ranch in Jackson Hole Valley, Wyoming.
Substance Abuse Issue
Heather has revealed that she developed substance abuse issues during her school days, because she believed that drugs were responsible for her success in academics. Her cocaine addiction spiraled out of control during her stint in “The Fall Guy.” She previously revealed during an interview, ‘At first, I was in a honeymoon stage with the drug. I felt that I was getting a lot for my money. It enabled me to stay up all night and then work all the next day.’ The addiction affected her professional and personal life deeply, which saw her parents intervene and admit her to rehab at the Santa Monica-based medical facility, St. John’s Hospital. She successfully underwent a detoxification program – she had pneumonia, scarred lungs, severe chemical imbalance, and an inflamed kidney when she began the program – and turned a new leaf after her discharge.
Activism
Thomas has served as a member of the board of advisors for various non-profit organizations including the Amazon Conservation Team (A.C.T.) and Rape Foundation. She’s been on the frontline when it comes to bringing to book actors accused of violating women through several women’s empowerment organizations. Thomas was a dedicated supporter of John Edwards when he was running for the presidency; she’s contributed funds – over $280,000 since 1992 – to various politicians, including the retired senators Al Franken, Barbara Boxer and Mary Bono.
Accident
Shortly after divorcing her first husband, Heather was struck by a car while crossing San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles. She sustained serious leg injuries, which saw her undergo six hours of orthopedic and plastic surgery.
Jeez! it’s coldAF out here! pic.twitter.com/sMu1mPjADV
— Heather Thomas (@HeatherThomasAF) December 10, 2022
Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
Thomas is of White roots, has a set of blue eyes, and long blonde hair. She stands at the height of 5ft 5ins (1.65m), weighs around 125lbs (57kgs), and her vital statistics are 36-24-34. The Connecticut native wears shoe and dress sizes 8(US) and 6(US) respectively.
Net Worth
Thomas has accumulated a decent sum from her career as an actress and author. She is reputedly worth around $2 million, as of 2023, and seemingly leads a modest lifestyle.
