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Tom Willett

b. 1938

American actor, singer-songwriter, and YouTuber

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About Tom Willett

Born 1938. Tom Willett is an American businessperson, television actor, actor, singer-songwriter and film actor.

Thomas Willett (born 1938)

Career In April 1956 at age 17, Willett moved to Los Angeles. He produced country music records in the evenings, while working at a furniture warehouse during the day. His label was called Freeway Records and boasted releases by musicians such as Greg Penny; as well as Willett's own piano-playing alter-ego, "Herman Schmerdley". Willett invested small amounts of money in audition attire. "One of the things I did, I got an Abe Lincoln beard and hat and everything. I was Abe Lincoln in a lot of productions ... I could be a cowboy, I could be a prisoner, I could be a detective."

According to Willett, he has had "over 800 jobs in front of the camera", including over 100 films, 80 television movies and more than 145 TV programs; mostly uncredited and non-speaking roles.

YouTube channel Willett made his first YouTube video in 2006;

Called a "YouTube sensation" in the Nashville Scene, Willett's channel is titled Featureman. Online food reviewer Clayton Trutor commented in 2021 that Willett has a "refreshing appreciation for the ordinary" and "the ability to make the seemingly mundane seem awfully interesting".

Legal issues In the mid-1970s, Willett received three life sentences from a Nevada court on the grounds of "infamous crime against nature". He was placed on probation after the sentences were suspended. In 2023, he spoke of the ruling in a YouTube video which he later deleted.

Filmography (partial listing of notable television and film appearances) Year Title RoleNote 1979–1980 Vega$ Gambler / Coroner 3 episodes 1977–1982 The Incredible Hulk Match Spectator Episode: "Half Nelson" 1980 Melvin and Howard Kissing Cowboy Uncredited 1982 Happy Days Abe Lincoln Episode: "Poobah Doo Dah" 1980–1982 Quincy M.E. Various 3 episodes 1982 Grease 2 Bowling Alley Manager Uncredited 1982 Little House on the Prairie Cowboy Uncredited 1982 Airplane II: The Sequel Hospital Dipstick Patient Uncredited 1981–1983 Dynasty Hotel Guest / Man at Station 2 episodes 1983 Psycho II Grave Digger Uncredited 1983 Blood Feud Attorney Uncredited 1981–1983 Twilight Zone: The Movie K.K.K. Episode: "Time Out" 1984 Dukes of Hazzard Deputy Episode: "Cool Hands, Luke & Bo" 1985 The New Mike Hammer Funeral Director Episode: "Deadly Reunion" 1985 Hill Street Blues Arts Council / Police Official 2 episodes 1985 Murder, She Wrote Doctor Episode: "Keep the Homes Fries Burning" 1985–1986 Amazing Stories Various 3 episodes 1985–1986 L.A. Law Courtroom / Lawyer 2 episodes 1988–1992 Dear John Tom 90 episodes 1997 Bringing up Jack Abe Lincoln Episode: "The Beeper" 1997 George & Leo Mayor Episode: "The Cameo Episode" 1998 The Drew Carey Show Abe Lincoln Episode: "What’s Wrong with This Episode?" 2018–2020 The Andy Due Show Various 6 episodes 2020 Bigtop Burger Customer / Panelist 2 episodes

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Important facts

Born
1938
Birth century
Nationality
Also known as
Featureman, Herman Schmerdley

People in Tom Willett's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Tom Willett's

Frequently asked questions

Who is Tom Willett?

American actor, singer-songwriter, and YouTuber

When was Tom Willett born?

Tom Willett was born in 1938.

What is Tom Willett's occupation?

Tom Willett is a businessperson, television actor, actor, singer-songwriter and film actor.

What nationality is Tom Willett?

Tom Willett is American.

Sources & further reading

Β· Wikipedia: Tom Willett

Β· Wikidata: Q7818059

Β· DBpedia: Tom Willett

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Tom Willett. https://biography.guide/tom-willett/

MLA: "Tom Willett." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/tom-willett/.

Chicago: "Tom Willett." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/tom-willett/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-23 Β· Spot an error? Report a correction.

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