Tom Nielsen’s early career brought him to NYC to study acting with Lee Strasberg (1977-1980). He also studied with Kim Stanley and Anna Strasberg, who became his mentor. After performing in several LSTFI productions, Tom eventually landed a recurring role on the daytime drama Guiding Light. For over six years he was known to millions as “Floyd Parker”. Initially comic relief on the drama, Tom’s character, in typical soap opera fashion, rose from hospital custodian to rock star. But the life of a “rock star” on a soap was destined for disaster and after 620 episodes, “Pretty Boy Floyd” was sent off to prison with no chance for parole. Tom eventually returned to Guiding Light as a freelance director. It was then that Anna Strasberg offered Tom an opportunity to teach Lee’s Method.
While teaching at the Institute, Tom enrolled in the NYU Film school. During this time, he was hired to direct live multi-camera concert videos at the famed Village club, The Bottom Line. Artists ranged from Kris Kristofferson to Dizzy Gilliespie. Tom continued his work as a multi-camera director with an ear for music. A live concert broadcast of Mick Jaggers’ solo album, Wandering Spirit, at Webster Hall in NYC won Tom a Gold Camera Award from the International Film and Video Festival. Some of the artists Tom has had the opportunity to work with have been Prince, Pete Townsend & Richard Daltry, The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Duran, Duran, Green Day, Huey Lewis, Tom Jones, Paul Simon, and many more. Tom has been fortunate to have been around, seen, heard, and worked with some of the world’s best performers, artists, and teachers. This invaluable experience infuses his love and passion for the performing ARTS.