BEVERLY HILLS, CA (July 20, 2025) — Beloved actor Tom Troupe passed away of natural causes at his Beverly Hills home on Sunday, just five days after his 97th birthday, his family confirmed. A Korean War hero, Broadway standout, and prolific screen actor, Troupe leaves behind a legacy spanning eight decades of performance.
From Korean War to Broadway Debut
Born July 15, 1928, in North Kansas City, Missouri, Thomas Troupe began acting in local theatre before relocating to New York in 1948. He earned a scholarship at the prestigious Herbert Berghof Studio, training under Uta Hagen alongside future luminaries such as Geraldine Page and Jason Robards.
Before his Broadway debut in 1957 as Peter van Daan in The Diary of Anne Frank, Troupe bravely served in the Korean War, earning a Bronze Star for valor.
A Life on Stage and Screen
Following Broadway success, Troupe moved to Los Angeles in 1958. His face became familiar to TV audiences through guest roles on iconic shows like Mission: Impossible, Star Trek, CHiPs, Quincy M.E., Cagney & Lacey, Cheers, and more, totaling over 75 TV appearances.
He also earned roles in films like The Big Fisherman (1959), The Devil’s Brigade (1968), Kelly’s Heroes (1970), Summer School, and My Own Private Idaho (1991).
Troupe remained a respected stage actor, co-starring with his wife Carole Cook in productions such as The Lion in Winter, The Gin Game, Fathers Day, and his own co-written play The Diary of a Madman. In 2002, he and Cook received the L.A. Ovation Award for Career Achievement.
Tom Troupe Enduring Partnership with Carole Cook
Tom and Carole married in 1964 and remained partners in both life and art until her passing in 2023 at 98. Together they were often referred to as the “Lunts of L.A. theater” for their seamless stage collaborations.
Mentor & Teacher: Co‑founder of The Faculty
Beyond acting, Troupe was committed to nurturing talent. He co‑founded The Faculty, a Los Angeles acting school, alongside Charles Nelson Reilly, Dom DeLuise, and others — extending his influence offstage.
Tom Troupe Family & Legacy
Survived by his son Christopher, daughter-in-law Becky Coulter, granddaughter Ashley, and numerous nieces and nephews, Troupe leaves a personal and professional legacy rooted in integrity, mentorship, and a deep love for the craft.
Why Tom Troupe Resonates
Tom Troupe embodied a rare blend of veteran courage, classical training, and versatility—from high‑stakes war stories to intimate theater. His transition from battlefield hero to beloved character actor shows a life defined by purpose and passion. Many modern actors cite his path—from disciplined military service to acting classroom—as a timeless example of discipline and artistry.
At 97, Tom Troupe’s passing marks the close of a storied life. One that bridged stage and screen, wartime valor and storytelling’s timeless magic. He may be gone, but his performances continue to inspire.