Tom Dillon
Actor
About Tom Dillon
Tom Dillon was an American actor whose known film career consisted of a single appearance in Curtis Harrington's atmospheric horror film 'Night Tide' (1961). Little is documented about his life or career beyond this one credit, suggesting he may have been either a brief performer who left the industry quickly or possibly a stage name used by someone with minimal film involvement. His appearance in 'Night Tide' came during the early phase of independent American cinema, when low-budget productions often utilized local talent or non-professional actors for smaller roles. The film itself has gained cult status over the years, though Dillon's contribution remains largely unexplored in cinema history. His brief appearance places him within the transitional period of Hollywood's studio system decline and the rise of independent filmmaking in the early 1960s.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in Curtis Harrington's 'Night Tide' (1961)
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Tom Dillon's cultural impact is minimal due to his extremely limited filmography, consisting of only one known appearance. However, his participation in 'Night Tide' connects him to the early independent film movement of the 1960s and to a film that has since gained cult status. The movie itself is significant as an early starring vehicle for Dennis Hopper and as an example of atmospheric, low-budget horror filmmaking that influenced later independent directors.
Lasting Legacy
Tom Dillon's legacy in cinema history is essentially non-existent beyond his single credited role in 'Night Tide'. He represents the countless anonymous performers who appeared briefly in films during Hollywood's transitional period, contributing to movies that would later gain recognition while the actors themselves remained obscure. His brief appearance serves as a reminder of the many forgotten contributors to classic and independent cinema.
Who They Inspired
Given the brevity of his known career, Tom Dillon had no documented influence on other actors or directors in the film industry.
Off Screen
Very little information is available about Tom Dillon's personal life, as his only known film credit suggests either a very brief acting career or possibly a pseudonymous appearance. The lack of additional documentation about his life beyond this single film role indicates he may have returned to other pursuits outside the entertainment industry shortly after his appearance in 'Night Tide'.
Did You Know?
- Tom Dillon's only known film credit is 'Night Tide' (1961)
- He appeared in what would become a cult classic horror film
- The film starred a young Dennis Hopper in one of his first leading roles
- Director Curtis Harrington was known for his atmospheric horror films
- Night Tide was filmed on a very low budget of approximately $75,000
- The movie was based on an original story by Harrington
- Dillon's role in the film appears to have been minor or uncredited in some sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Tom Dillon?
Tom Dillon was an American actor known only for his appearance in the 1961 horror film 'Night Tide', directed by Curtis Harrington. His career appears to have been extremely brief, with this being his sole documented film credit.
What films is Tom Dillon best known for?
Tom Dillon is known only for one film: 'Night Tide' (1961), an atmospheric horror movie that has since gained cult status and featured an early starring role for Dennis Hopper.
When was Tom Dillon born and when did he die?
Birth and death dates for Tom Dillon are not publicly documented, which is common for actors with very brief or minor film careers in the early 1960s.
What awards did Tom Dillon win?
Tom Dillon did not receive any known awards or nominations for his brief acting career, which consisted of only one film appearance.
What was Tom Dillon's acting style?
Due to the limited documentation of his work and the brevity of his career, Tom Dillon's acting style and techniques are not documented in film history or critical analysis.
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Films
1 film
