America’s Wild about JTT
By Steve Persall
Tampa Bay Times
Published June 30, 1997 | Updated Oct. 2, 2005
Ever since Jonathan Taylor Thomas made a name for himself, fans haven't stopped asking for it, even in the darndest places.
"I was in St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York and somebody asked me for my autograph," the 15-year-old movie and television actor recalled. "Which I thought was a bit odd since we're in, like, a beautiful church.
"I said I'd be happy to sign it, but can we step outside?"
Such a nice boy. Cute, too. Just ask thousands of mothers and daughters who would love to pinch his cheeks.
Thomas is growing up as America's boy-next-door, and the view from next door is pretty cool these days.
He reportedly gets more fan mail than his Home Improvement sitcom co-star Tim Allen, still gets recognized as the voice of Simba in The Lion King and is currently doing a publicity tour for the film Wild America, opening July 2 nationwide.
On top of that, Taylor just completed ninth grade with a 4.1 grade point average in honors classes. History is his favorite subject, although math classes come in handy considering movie star salaries these days.
Taylor modestly shrugs off any discussion of stardom.
"I've never really paid attention to that all that much," he said. "I know I'm in a good situation. I realize that, and I'm thankful every day. It's a lot of hard work, but overall the pluses outweigh the minuses."
In the film Wild America, Thomas plays Marshall Stouffer, the youngest of three brothers who embark on a treacherous cross-country journey to shoot endangered animals─with a movie camera, that is.
Facing an angry bear or moose must be a picnic for Marshall, after what his brothers put him through.
Older brothers Marty (Scott Bairstow) and Mark (Devon Sawa) use Marshall as a stunt boy for their elaborate home movies that usually include dangerous stunts such as being dragged behind a mud-bogging truck or submerged in a pool while firecrackers explode in his ears. The sort of reasons why the phrase "Kids, don't try this at home" was invented.
To its credit, Wild America is based on a true story. Most of those pranks and risks really happened and the Stouffer brothers survived to become accomplished wildlife documentary filmmakers.
"This film is in no way, shape or form meant to be imitated," Taylor said during a telephone conversation. "I hope people don't. These brothers are huge risk-takers, and they pay the price."
Thomas' fans may be surprised to see him portray Marshall, who isn't the glamorous champion that the young actor could hold out to play. Marshall is the butt of many jokes, but he's instrumental in preserving the Stouffer family unit in tough times.
"If anybody wants to call him weak, I'd say they didn't watch the film," Taylor said. "He's the strongest member of the family because in the end he's the one who decides to hold the family together.
"Physically, he gets pushed around. Mentally, he's very observant. He sees things differently than anyone else in the family, very intuitive. Just because he's used as a guinea pig, doesn't mean he's not a strong character."
Wild America has earned some positive buzz around Hollywood, and Thomas says he hopes that pays off.
"This film is not about special effects or explosions," Thomas said. "It's a true story, a very real story . . . Kids need this message that you can have goals and you should follow those dreams."
The X- press Files on Jonathan Taylor Thomas
Real name: Jonathan Taylor Weiss
Birthdate: Sept. 8, 1981
Birthplace: Bethlehem, Penn.
Parents: Claudine and Stephen, divorced in 1991.
Sibling: brother Joel, 18
Pets: A dog named Mac and two cats named Samantha and (of course) Simba
First acting role: Playing Tiny Tim and young Ebenezer Scrooge in a community theater production of A Christmas Carol.
Commercial jobs: Burger King, Canon cameras and Kellogg's cereal.
Movie credits: Man of the House, Tom and Huck, The Lion King (voice only) and The Adventures of Pinocchio (voice only until a late appearance).
Least-known role: Played Greg Brady's son Kevin in the 1989 sequel sitcom The Bradys.
On why he is a vegetarian: "I know for me it was a decision I made a long time ago because I wanted to do it. I never really liked meat, didn't like the concept of it. It's a very personal choice, not meant for everyone. Nor do I try to force my decision on anyone else. Frankly, people can eat whatever they choose to eat. I just choose not to eat meat."
Fan mail address: Jonathan Taylor Thomas, c/o Home Improvement, 2040 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067
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