Tom McCarthy

Photo of Tom McCarthy

Biography

Prior to his turn to directing, McCarthy made a name for himself on stage, forming a noted comedy improv troupe in college before exploring the depths of Shakespeare in several productions. After cutting his teeth guest-starring on "Law & Order" (NBC, 1990- ), "Spin City" (ABC, 1996-2002), "Alley McBeal" (Fox, 1997-2002) and "The Practice" (ABC, 1997-2004), McCarthy had a memorable, but short-lived regular series role on "Boston Public" (Fox, …
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Job Title

Actor, Director, Producer, Writer

Born

Thomas Joseph McCarthy on January 30, 1966 in New Jersey, USA

Career Milestones

1998

First sitcom appearance, a bit part on ABC's "Spin City"

2000

Cast as coach Kevin Riley in the FOX drama, "Boston Public"

2000

Had a small role in "Meet the Parents" opposite Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller

2001

Had featured role in the Broadway revival of "Noises Off"

2002

Directorial debut (also scripted), "The Station Agent"

2004

Played an FBI agent opposite Matthew Broderick in the comedy "The Last Shot"

2005

Starred in the George Clooney-directed "Goodnight, and Good Luck"

2006

Cast in Clint Eastwood's WWII drama, "Flags of Our Fathers"

2006

Played an Editor in Steven Zaillian's "All the Kings Men"

2007

Cast in Mike White's "Year of the Dog" starring Molly Shannon

2008

Had a recurring role on HBO's "The Wire" as Scott Templeton

2008

Helmed second feature, "The Visitor"; earned a nomination from the Independent Spirit Awards for Best Director

2009

Co-starred with Amanda Peet in Roland Emmerich's disaster film, "2012"

2009

Contributed to the story for the animated feature, "Up"; nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay

2009

Had a small role as the principle in Peter Jackson's "The Lovely Bones"

2011

Directed the sports themed drama, "Win Win" starring Paul Giamatti and Amy Ryan

Awards

2003

BAFTA Award for Screenplay (Original) in The Station Agent

2003

San Sebastian International Film Festival for SIGNIS Award in The Station Agent

2003

San Sebastian International Film Festival for Special Jury Award in The Station Agent

2003

Sundance Film Festival for Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award in The Station Agent

2004

Independent Spirit Award for Best First Screenplay in The Station Agent

2004

Independent Spirit Award for John Cassavetes Award in The Station Agent

2006

Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture in Good Night, And Good Luck

2008

Deauville Festival of American Cinema for Grand Prize in The Visitor

2009

Academy Award for Writing (Original Screenplay) in Up

2009

Independent Spirit Award for Best Director in The Visitor

2011

Critics' Choice Award for Best Original Screenplay in Win Win

2012

Independent Spirit Award for Best Screenplay in Win Win

2012

Writers Guild of America Award for Original Screenplay in Win Win