Tom McCarthy

Tom McCarthy (also credited as Thomas McCarthy) is an American screen artist best known for acting, born June 7, 1966, in New Providence, New Jersey. A familiar presence in smart, character-driven films, he has built a reputation for grounded performances that balance humor, restraint, and quiet authority.

On the big screen, McCarthy is widely recognized as Dr. Bob Banks in Meet the Parents, and for roles such as Palmer Williams in Good Night, and Good Luck., Principal Caden in The Lovely Bones, and Gordon Silberman in 2012. His other notable credits include Year of the Dog, Mammoth, Fair Game, and The Great New Wonderful, where he often plays professionals and everyday men under pressure.

Beyond film, McCarthy has appeared on major television series including The Wire, Boston Public, and Law & Order, as well as the Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation Saint Maybe. He has also earned critical attention behind the camera as a writer-director on acclaimed independent features such as The Station Agent, The Visitor, and Win Win.

McCarthy is based in Manhattan and is noted for business ties as a silent partner in a successful Papaya Dogs chain in the greater metropolitan area.