Ross Thomas (actor)
An American actor and adventurer who brings grounded intensity to supporting roles while pursuing extreme challenges off-screen.
Born 1981 (age 45)·American actor·Birthday: August 21·Millennials
Biography
Ross Thomas played the reliable friend in a 2014 episode of *Criminal Minds* and the determined soldier in an episode of *NCIS: Los Angeles*. Born in 1981, the American actor has built a steady career on television and film, often portraying everyday men caught in extraordinary circumstances. His acting carries a natural, unforced quality that lends credibility to each role. Away from the set, Thomas is a dedicated adventurer and philanthropist. He has undertaken demanding physical journeys for charitable causes, blending a thirst for challenge with a drive to contribute. This off-camera life of purpose and grit informs his work, making him an actor who understands the resilience required to live a full life.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ross was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ross Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Ross's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
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
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played a recurring role as Corporal Joe 'McG' McGregor on the television series *Army Wives*.
- Portrayed young Sam Winchester in a flashback episode of the long-running series *Supernatural*.
- Starred in the independent film *The Last Summer* and the thriller *The Philly Kid*.
- Founded a production company focused on creating content that highlights humanitarian and adventure stories.
Did You Know?
He is an avid mountaineer and has climbed some of the world's most challenging peaks.
Thomas embarked on a solo motorcycle trip from Los Angeles to Panama to raise awareness for humanitarian causes.
He worked as a model before transitioning into acting.
He is involved with several charities, including those supporting veterans and children's health.
“Every character is a real person; you find the truth in their silence.”
