Frankie Thomas
A child star turned space-age hero, he defined early television sci-fi as the earnest lead of Tom Corbett, Space Cadet.
1921–2006 (age 85)·American actor·Birthday: April 9·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Frankie Thomas entered the spotlight almost as soon as he could walk, making his Broadway debut at age seven. The son of vaudevillians, he transitioned seamlessly from the stage to Hollywood, appearing in the 'Nancy Drew' film series and the 'Andy Hardy' movies as a fresh-faced supporting player. His career found its most enduring orbit in the new medium of television. From 1950 to 1955, he embodied Tom Corbett, the dedicated cadet-in-training, bringing a believable sincerity to one of the first major space adventure series. When the show ended, Thomas didn't fade away; he pivoted to a second, quieter act as a respected authority on contract bridge, writing columns and books on strategy. His life traced the arc of 20th-century entertainment, from footlights to rocket ships to card tables.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Frankie was born in 1921, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Frankie Was Born
The biggest hits of 1921
#1 Movie
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
Frankie's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1921Born
First commercial radio broadcasts
President: Warren G. Harding"My Man" — Fanny Brice
1926Started school
Robert Goddard launches the first liquid-fueled rocket
President: Calvin Coolidge"Baby Face" — Jan Garber
1934Became a teenager
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stars Fell on Alabama" — Jack TeagardenBest Picture: It Happened One Night
1937Could drive
Hindenburg disaster; Golden Gate Bridge opens
Gas: $0.20/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"A-Tisket, A-Tasket" — Ella FitzgeraldBest Picture: The Life of Emile Zola
1939Could vote
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1942Turned 21
Battle of Midway turns the tide in the Pacific
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,175Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"White Christmas" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Mrs. Miniver
1951Turned 30
First color TV broadcast in the US
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,925Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Too Young" — Nat King ColeBest Picture: An American in Paris
1961Turned 40
Yuri Gagarin becomes the first human in space
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,500Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Tossin' and Turnin'" — Bobby LewisBest Picture: West Side Story
1971Turned 50
Voting age lowered to 18 in the US
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $18,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Joy to the World" — Three Dog NightBest Picture: The French Connection
1981Turned 60
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1991Turned 70
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
2001Turned 80
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2006Died at 85
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
Key Achievements
- Starred as the title character in the pioneering television series 'Tom Corbett, Space Cadet' from 1950 to 1955.
- Appeared in over a dozen films as a young actor, including roles in the 'Nancy Drew' and 'Andy Hardy' series.
- Made his Broadway debut at the age of seven in 'The Warrior's Husband' in 1932.
- Became an established bridge expert and author, writing a nationally syndicated newspaper column on the game.
Did You Know?
He was a nationally ranked contract bridge player and wrote several books on bridge strategy.
His father, Frank M. Thomas Sr., was also a successful stage and film actor.
He served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II.
The spaceship in 'Tom Corbett' was named the *Polaris*, which later became the name of a U.S. ballistic missile submarine.
“I started on Broadway at seven; the theater was my real school.”
