Trivia

Trained Tae Kwon Do under Master Jun Chong. Besides Tae Kwon Do and Kenpo Karate, he's also trained in kickboxing, wrestling and fencing. He also has experience in stage combat.

Has studied Tae Kwon Do since childhood; he's also a black belt in Kenpo Karate.

Despite appearing much older and noticeably larger, Griffith is actually younger than Ralph Macchio, whom he co-starred with in El Karate Kid, parte III: el desafío final (1989).

Trained with Loren Avedon in preparation of his role in El Karate Kid, parte III: el desafío final (1989). While sparring, Avedon accidentally broke some of Griffith's ribs.

He spent part of his youth traveling with his mother to the United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada to participate in Irish step dancing competitions.

He had originally turned down several offers to portray Terry Silver in Cobra Kai (2018) citing his retirement from acting. In May 2021, after filming of season four had completed, Netflix confirmed that Griffith will return as Terry Silver for season four of Cobra Kai.

Thomas is also accomplished on accordion and won contests on the latter instrument. He trained as an opera singer in New York City with Metropolitan Opera star Delia Rigal.

Best known by the public for playing two villains: Terry Silver in John G. Avildsen's sequel El Karate Kid, parte III: el desafío final (1989) and vampire boss Jan Valek in Vampiros (1998).

Has appeared in a music video for Reba McEntire called "What Do You Say", and later that same year, starred with her in the television movie Secret of Giving (1999).

Father of two sons with Mary Page Keller: Connor O'Neil Griffith (b. June 3, 1994) and Eamon Michael Griffith (b. March 28, 1997).

He retired from acting in 2007.

Attended and graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in Worchester, Massachusetts (1982).

His parents are: Thomas Joseph Ian Sr., a college professor; and Mary Ann Griffith, a dance instructor. He also has two sisters.

Was a fan of the NHL's Hartford Whalers, prior to their move to Raleigh, North Carolina in 1997.

Born on the same day as James McMurtry.