R.I.P., Tom: It’s Curtains for Showbiz Vet’s Bold & Beautiful Character
Two months after he made his Bold & Beautiful debut as Tom the Homeless Guy, Clint Howard’s role on the show was expanding — or so it appeared. But in the July 1 episode of the CBS soap, the character met his maker when one of these shady characters slipped something into his electric-blue drink. By the time the half-hour was through, so, it seemed, was Tom!
In late April, the audience met the former singer as Deacon and Finn searched the streets for the “late” Sheila. The amiable transient provided crucial intel that led to the merry murderess’ discovery and return to the loving arms of her fiancé and Biological Son™. Deacon was so grateful to Tom that he had him officiate his and Sheila’s wedding — and hired him at Il Giardino. The onetime chick magnet had even started performing at the pizzeria!
More: Here’s why Bold & Beautiful was graded F
But alas, the little family that Deacon was building around himself wasn’t to be. Tom’s shocking assertion to Poppy that he was Luna’s father and the both of them knew it set in motion a chain of events that left the upwardly mobile newcomer without a pulse. (Sorry, Bill, but we still think this character is Luna’s dad.) Before you could spell D-N-A, Tom was DOA. Though whether it was Poppy who went to extremes to shut him up remains to be seen.
Though Bold & Beautiful wasn’t Howard’s first soap — he guest-starred on Santa Barbara in 1987 — it did mark the showbiz vet’s longest run on a daytime drama. His other credits include everything from The Andy Griffith Show (with big brother Ron) to four different Star Trek series (including the original). The actor has his own band and, in his free time, makes custom snow globes. Who knew?!?
