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Tom Arnold
Comedian, Actor & Writer
Tom Arnold
Comedian, Actor & Writer
Biography
Tom Arnold has appeared in 150 films, starred in 8 television series, 5 stand up comedy specials, hosted dozens of shows including SNL 4 times and a Fox Sports show. He has won a Golden Globe, Peabody Award and the Humanitas Award for writing and producing. His charity work includes Camp Del Corazon, the largest camp in America for kids with heart defects and disease. He’s given out 300 full ride college scholarships to deserving men and women. Tom has supported too many charities to mention but include charities helping abused children, substance abuse, after school programs, multiple Jewish charities and he has traveled the world entertaining our troops for the USO.
None of this would be possible if Tom hadn’t begun his personal recovery journey 40 years ago.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing. Tom hasn’t drank alcohol since December 10th, 1989 but at 19 years sober he broke his back in a motorcycle accident and became addicted to pain medication.
Tom humbly started over at day one with the help of rehab and the unconditional support of the recovery community, including many who’d started their recovery journey with Tom’s help.
Then 8 years ago Tom had a relapse using Benzos so he started over again.
Today Tom is clean, sober and living his best life. He loves to share openly, honestly and even humorously about his many ups and downs (Tom has 4 ex-wives).
Tom grew up in a small town in Iowa surrounded by chemical, alcohol and child sexual abuse. His mother gave him his first drugs and alcohol at age 10.
In his teen years Tom was arrested 7 times for everything from drunk driving to fighting with police officers. Tom’s dream was to get out of his small town and work in Hollywood.
He worked on the kill floor of a meat packing plant for 3 years after high school to save money to get to the University of Iowa were he thought he could begin his comedy career. Tom brought his addictions with him and got into more trouble.
After college Tom moved to Minneapolis to work in the comedy clubs. This is where Tom discovered cocaine which made everything exponentially worse.
Tom was in the back of a squad car, on the way to jail again with his arms handcuffed behind his back when a voice inside said “you are screwing everything up, your life, your dreams but you still have a chance.”
This was 1986, and when Tom got out of jail he went to his first 12 Step meeting and discovered a fellowship of honest, loving fellow travelers.
This fellowship has saved his life every day since including and especially when he stumbled.
While Tom was on a recovery path his little sister Lori went the other way.
Like their mother Lori became a drug dealer except bigger. Tom’s little sister was the biggest drug dealer in America and ended up spending 20 years in Federal Prison.
Discovery Channel made a documentary series about their childhood and Lori’s life The Queen of Meth.
Every dream Tom ever had has come true because of hard work, luck and sobriety. Movies, TV but most of all family. Tom is a single father raising a son, Jax 11 and a daughter, 9 year old Quinn.
Besides being a great dad, Tom’s sobriety has enabled him to accomplish amazing things including tracking down the pedophile who raped him as a child, confronting him and making sure everyone knew his name, location and crimes. Tom stopped the man from adopting his 4th son. After Tom told his story in public 30 other boys came forward and told their stories.
Speech Topics
My Road to Recovery: How I Finally Stood Up to Addiction
Tom Arnold has a message for those with an addiction: Although there may be bumps and relapses along the way, it is possible to recover and dramatically improve your life, health and relationships. And he should know. The comedian, actor and writer has been struggling with addiction for decades. Today, he is twenty years sober, a proud dad of two and continues his successful career. In this deeply moving talk, Tom shares his journey to recovery, his active involvement in the recovery movement and how there is always hope—no matter what stage of addiction you’re in.
My Life in Hollywood
What has made Tom Arnold a success in Hollywood when so many others have failed? Besides his talent, it’s his unshakeable belief in himself and his ambition. This combination has led him from stand-up comedy in Minneapolis to the heights of Hollywood. In this talk, Tom shares his journey to the top of the entertainment business, how he overcame insurmountable problems, his battle with addiction and the lessons he learned that can be applied to anyone, no matter what career they’re in.
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