Tom Clark

Short Biography

Tom Clark grew up in Oklahoma City, the son of a respected businessman.His father, Harlod Clark Sr., ran an insurance agency for 32 years and was a popular member of the community, a Mason who loved hunting and fishing.Born in 1930, Tom Clark grew up in a stable, middle-class environment.But he too knew tragedy at an early age.His mother died of cancer when he was fifteen.Tom's father remarried quickly and with his new wife had a son within a year.Tom Clark felt himself drawn to the world of theater.During his year at Central High School, Tom acted in a number of school plays, even playing the lead in the senior-class play.As alluring as the theater was to Tom, he was still his father's son.At the University of Oklahoma, he majored in business administration, not drama.After graduation in 1951, Tom moved to Houston, where he worked at a series of sales jobs.None of them held much excitement for him, however.When he heard through friends of an opening in the publicity department at MGM in Hollywood, he jumped at the chance.Tom took to Hollywood instantly.He loved the glitter, the fantasy, and, most of all, the stars.At MGM, Tom began to learn the publicity end of the business.In the late 60's, he took a public relations job with Rupert Allan, who handled Rock Hudson, among other stars.