Tom Willett is an American actor who has appeared in over 30 films and television shows throughout his career. He is best known for playing supporting roles in comedy films in the 1990s and 2000s. Some of Tom Willett’s most notable movies include Dumb and Dumber, There’s Something About Mary, Me, Myself & Irene, and Old School.
In this article, we will provide an overview of Tom Willett’s acting career and list all of the movies he has appeared in over the years. We will also highlight some of his most memorable roles and discuss his filmography across different genres and decades.
Tom Willett’s Background
Tom Willett was born on March 18, 1966 in Dallas, Texas. He became interested in acting while attending high school and started performing in local theater productions. After graduating, Willett moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career.
In the late 1980s, he began landing small roles in films and television shows. His early credits included appearances on Family Ties, Matlock, and Night Court. Willett continued working steadily as a character actor throughout the 1990s. His ability to take on quirky, comedic roles helped him build a solid resume in Hollywood.
Career Breakthrough
Willett’s big break came in 1994 when he was cast in the hit comedy Dumb and Dumber starring Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels. Willett played the role of Joe Mentalino, one of the quirky henchmen hired to kidnap a briefcase. His hilarious performance as the disgruntled Mentalino grabbed the attention of audiences.
After Dumb and Dumber, Willett started getting more prominent supporting roles in successful comedies. This paved the way for his future career as a comedic character actor.
Tom Willett’s Filmography by Year
Let’s take a look at Tom Willett’s movie career year-by-year:
1980s
Year | Movie | Role |
---|---|---|
1989 | Chances Are | Party Guest |
Willett made his film debut with a bit part in the 1989 romantic comedy Chances Are. This marked the beginning of his long acting career.
1990s
Year | Movie | Role |
---|---|---|
1994 | Dumb and Dumber | Joe Mentalino |
1996 | Kingpin | Glen |
1998 | There’s Something About Mary | Dom Wooganowski |
1999 | Big Daddy | Homeless Guy |
The 1990s were a busy decade for Willett. After his breakout in Dumb and Dumber, he appeared in the Farrelly brothers’ comedy Kingpin in 1996.
His role as Dom Wooganowski in There’s Something About Mary opposite Ben Stiller and Cameron Diaz in 1998 was another memorable comedic performance. Willett also acted alongside Adam Sandler in 1999’s Big Daddy.
2000s
Year | Movie | Role |
---|---|---|
2000 | Me, Myself & Irene | Hank |
2001 | Corky Romano | Veteran Cop |
2003 | Old School | Gordon Pritchard |
2004 | Without a Paddle | Tom |
2005 | Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo | Vicar |
2007 | Blades of Glory | Rink Announcer |
Willett re-teamed with the Farrelly brothers for the 2000 comedy Me, Myself & Irene starring Jim Carrey. He also worked with Chris Kattan in Corky Romano in 2001.
In 2003, Willett appeared as quirky Gordon “Cheese” Pritchard in the hit comedy Old School. He acted alongside Dax Shepard, Seth Green, and Matthew Lillard in Without a Paddle in 2004.
Willett continued playing supporting roles in comedies like Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo in 2005 and Blades of Glory in 2007.
2010s
Year | Movie | Role |
---|---|---|
2010 | Little Fockers | ER Doctor |
2011 | Zookeeper | Jim the Bull |
2013 | Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues | Wes Mantooth |
2016 | Masterminds | Archie |
In the 2010s, Willett continued to be cast in comedies in supporting parts. He appeared briefly as an ER doctor in Little Fockers and voiced a character named Jim the Bull in Zookeeper.
Willett acted alongside Will Ferrell again in the Anchorman sequel Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues in 2013. One of his recent roles was in the 2016 heist comedy Masterminds.
Tom Willett’s Most Memorable Roles
While Tom Willett has acted in dozens of movies throughout his career, these are some of his most memorable and iconic roles:
Joe Mentalino in Dumb and Dumber (1994) – Willett’s role as the disgruntled henchman with a bad bowl cut wig helped make him a recognizable face in one of the most beloved comedies of the 1990s. His scenes trying to kidnap Lloyd and Harry set the tone for the Farrelly brothers’ zany brand of humor.
Dom Wooganowski in There’s Something About Mary (1998) – As Mary’s obsessed former prom date, Willett delivered huge laughs with his awkward, neurotic energy opposite Ben Stiller. His unforgettable confrontational scene with Matt Dillon’s Pat Healy highlighted his talents as a comedic performer.
Gordon Pritchard in Old School (2003) – Willett was hilarious as the odd, middle-aged college frat pledge nicknamed “Cheese.” His deadpan line delivery and cringe-worthy naked scene made him stand out even among the star-studded cast.
Hank in Me, Myself & Irene (2000) – As one half of the constantly bickering Rhode Island state troopers alongside Rob Corddry, Willett played off Jim Carrey perfectly in this classic Farrelly brothers comedy. Their inept policework was a consistent highlight.
Throughout his career, Willett has repeatedly proven his skills at portraying quirky, memorable weirdo characters that stick in the minds of audiences. He has carved out a successful niche in Hollywood as a specialist in oddball supporting roles, especially in the comedy genre.
Conclusion
Tom Willett has appeared in over 30 films since he began acting in the late 1980s. While comedies make up the bulk of his filmography, Willett has proven to be an adaptable character actor taking on both dramatic and comedic roles.
Some of his most well-known movies include comedies like Dumb and Dumber, There’s Something About Mary, Me, Myself & Irene, and Old School where he created outrageously funny supporting characters. He often acts as the quirky sidekick or awkward villain in his films.
As Willett continues his acting career, audiences can expect to see him pop up in both major studio comedies and smaller independent films. His unique look and commitment to character roles have made him a staple character actor in Hollywood for over 30 years.