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Who was J. Alan Thomas?
J. Alan Thomas was an American actor who appeared in many acclaimed comedies in the 1970s and 1980s. He is best known for his role as Jeff Bennett, the assistant of Louie De Palma, in the Emmy-winning sitcom Taxi. He was a regular cast member of the show from its second episode until its series finale, appearing in 70 episodes.
Thomas was born on June 28, 1950, in Los Angeles, California. He began his acting career in the late 1970s, landing guest roles in shows like The Rockford Files, The Incredible Hulk, and CHiPs. He also had a small part in the 1978 film The Buddy Holly Story, playing a radio announcer.
How did he become a part of Taxi?
Thomas auditioned for the role of Jeff Bennett, a timid and quiet employee of the Sunshine Cab Company, who often followed the orders of his boss, Louie De Palma, played by Danny DeVito. Thomas impressed the producers with his subtle and understated performance, and was hired as a recurring character. He made his debut in the second episode of the first season, titled “Like Father, Like Daughter”, which aired on September 19, 1978.
Thomas soon became a familiar face on the show, appearing in almost every episode as a background performer. He rarely had any lines, but his expressions and reactions added to the humor of the scenes. He also developed a good rapport with his co-stars, especially DeVito, who often teased him on set. Thomas once said that DeVito was “like a big brother” to him.
What was his most memorable episode?
Although Thomas was mainly a supporting actor on Taxi, he had a few episodes where he got to showcase his acting skills and personality. One of them was the fifth episode of the fifth season, titled “Crime and Punishment”, which aired on November 4, 1982. In this episode, Thomas had a major role as Jeff Bennett, who was accused of stealing money from the cab company. He was interrogated by Louie, who tried to make him confess by using various tactics, such as bribery, threats, and even torture. Thomas delivered a hilarious and touching performance, as he resisted Louie’s pressure and maintained his innocence. He also revealed some of his personal secrets, such as his fear of spiders, his love for opera, and his dream of becoming a dancer. The episode ended with a twist, as it was revealed that Louie was the real thief, and Jeff was innocent all along .
What did he do after Taxi?
After Taxi ended in 1983, Thomas continued to work as an actor, appearing in several other comedies, such as Cheers, Night Court, and The Golden Girls. He also reunited with his Taxi co-star Danny DeVito in the 1987 film Throw Momma from the Train, playing a detective. His last on-screen appearance was in the 1999 biopic Man on the Moon, which starred Jim Carrey as Andy Kaufman, another Taxi co-star who passed away in 1984. Thomas played himself in a cameo role, as one of the actors who attended Kaufman’s funeral .
How did he die?
On April 15, 2007, Thomas died at the age of 56 in Los Angeles, California. The cause of his death was not publicly disclosed, but according to some sources, he suffered from a heart attack. He was survived by his wife, Susan, and his two children, Jennifer and Jason .
Why is he remembered?
J. Alan Thomas was a talented and versatile actor, who could play both comedic and dramatic roles. He was a loyal and dedicated member of the Taxi family, who contributed to the success and legacy of the show. He was also a kind and humble person, who was loved and respected by his colleagues and fans. He may not have been a star, but he was a hero in his own way. He will always be remembered as the unsung hero of Taxi, who passed away too soon.
