Tom McCarthy, 88, a stalwart of the Philadelphia theater scene, has left an indelible mark on the city’s cultural landscape. A veteran actor, president of the local Screen Actors Guild, and longtime champion of local talent, McCarthy’s passing on Saturday, May 31, has sent shockwaves through the community. Born on June 23, 1936, in Philadelphia, McCarthy grew up with a passion for the performing arts. After dropping out of St. Thomas More High School, he attended Niagara University for a year before enlisting in the Army. Following his military service, McCarthy worked as a bartender for 20 years, sharpening his acting skills at local theaters and eventually earning a degree in acting from Hedgerow Theatre Company in Rose Valley. McCarthy’s breakthrough role came at 42, when he landed a memorable part in the 1980s film Blow Out, starring alongside John Travolta. This was followed by roles in Mannequin, Fallen, and Mayor Cupcake, among others. His extensive filmography boasts 28 credits on IMDb, with notable performances alongside Zsa Zsa Gabor, Harrison Ford, and Kristin Scott Thomas. A prolific stage actor, McCarthy appeared in hundreds of productions at various theaters across the city, including the Hedgerow, Wilma, and Arden theaters. He was particularly fond of Shakespeare and Arthur Miller’s work, earning a Barrymore Award in 1997 for his poignant portrayal of Willie Loman in Death of a Salesman. McCarthy’s impact on the local theater scene extends beyond his performances. As president of the local Screen Actors Guild for 35 years, he championed local talent and pushed for greater representation of Philadelphians in film and television. His commitment to the craft raised the bar for actors, and his joy and laughter made the work fun for all involved. “His commitment to the work raised the bar. His joy and laughter made the work fun, and he always seemed to make it look easy.”
Terrence J. Nolen, producing artistic director at Arden Theatre Co. McCarthy’s legacy extends beyond the stage and screen. He was a true Philadelphia original, and his love for the city and its culture shone through in everything he did. As he once said, “What I love is that I’m a Philly guy, and I get to work in my town, live in my town, and go to bed each night in my town.”
Throughout his career, McCarthy worked tirelessly to support local actors and filmmakers, often taking on multiple roles and performances in a single day. He was his own agent and public relations man, and his dedication to the craft earned him a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia in 2003. Offstage, McCarthy was a devoted family man, married to Barbara Burk for over 50 years. The couple had a son, Tom Jr., and a daughter, Kelly, who has followed in her father’s footsteps as an actress. McCarthy’s love for his family was evident in his numerous public appearances and behind-the-scenes moments at rehearsals and performances. McCarthy’s passing has left a void in the community, but his legacy will live on through the countless actors, filmmakers, and theatergoers he touched throughout his career. As a testament to his enduring impact, the Delco Hi-Q, a high school quiz competition he hosted for 39 years, inducted him into their Hall of Honor. A devoted fan of the local sports teams, especially college basketball, McCarthy spent many memorable summers at his seaside home in Sea Isle City with his family. His love for the city and its culture was evident in everything he did, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In a statement, his daughter said, “He was bigger than life to everyone. His love for his family, his community, and his craft was truly inspiring.”
As the city mourns the loss of a true Philadelphia legend, it is clear that Tom McCarthy’s impact will be felt for generations to come. His legacy serves as a reminder of the power of hard work, dedication, and a passion for the performing arts.
| Key Achievements |
|---|
| President of the local Screen Actors Guild for 35 years |
| Earned a Barrymore Award for his portrayal of Willie Loman in Death of a Salesman |
| Championed local talent and pushed for greater representation of Philadelphians in film and television |
| Appeared in hundreds of productions at various theaters across the city |
| Hosted the Delco Hi-Q, a high school quiz competition, for 39 years |
What They Said About Tom McCarthy
- “Tom was one of the most influential people in the development of a resident performing arts community.”
- “His commitment to the work raised the bar. His joy and laughter made the work fun, and he always seemed to make it look easy.”
- “He built a life and a career that defined what being a Philadelphia actor could be.”
- “Tom was more than just the voice of Hi-Q.
