Thom Bierdz Bio

the 411

Actor/artist/author Thom Bierdz has endured much tragedy in his life, but has a long history of starting over.

The Kenosha, WI native began acting professionally when he was in his early 20s. In 1985, he had a small role in the hit St. Elmo's Fire; the next year, he appeared in THE GLADIATOR and HIGHWAY TO HEAVEN.

Meantime, he joined Y&R as Phillip Chancellor III, son of Jill and Phillip II. Almost immediately, Bierdz was thrown into two juicy storylines as Jill and Kay battled for the young man's respect and teens Nina and Cricket fought for his affections (Nina "won." She and Phillip had a baby, Phillip IV, and wed in 1989). In real life, Bierdz had also become a heartthrob, but was keeping secret the truth that he's gay.