Thomas Francis Wilson Jr., born on April 15, 1959, is an American actor, stand-up comedian, musician, podcaster, and YouTuber who achieved worldwide fame for his iconic portrayal of the villainous Biff Tannen and his ancestors in the Back to the Future film trilogy. His performance as the brutish, leather-clad bully who torments Michael J. Fox’s Marty McFly across multiple timelines became one of the most memorable antagonist roles in cinematic history, showcasing Wilson’s remarkable ability to blend menace with comedic timing. He further demonstrated his versatility by playing three distinct Tannen characters across the trilogy, including the 1950s greaser Biff, his grandson Griff in 2015, and the Old West outlaw Buford “Mad Dog” Tannen in the third installment.

Wilson’s career began in stand-up comedy, where he honed his sharp timing and character work before landing his breakout role in Back to the Future in 1985. The film’s massive success made him a household name, and he reprised the role in its sequels, cementing his place in pop culture. Beyond the Tannen legacy, Wilson proved his acting range in the critically acclaimed but short-lived television series Freaks and Geeks, where he played Coach Ben Fredricks, a well-meaning but often frustrated high school gym teacher. The role earned him praise from audiences and critics alike, highlighting his ability to bring depth to a supporting character. He also appeared in films such as The Garbage Pail Kids Movie and Action Hero, though his work in television and voice acting became increasingly prominent.

Wilson found a second career as a prolific voice actor, particularly in animation. He has been a recurring voice on the long-running series SpongeBob SquarePants since 2001, where he voices various characters, most notably The Tattletale Strangler, a menacing but inept villain. He also lends his voice to Cecil Star, the father of Patrick Star, in the spinoff series The Patrick Star Show. His deep, commanding voice has made him a sought-after talent for animated projects, and he has contributed to shows like The Fairly OddParents, American Dad!, and The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack. In addition to acting, Wilson is an accomplished musician and painter, often sharing his artwork and music with fans through his YouTube channel and podcast, where he discusses his career and creative process. He continues to perform stand-up comedy and make convention appearances, delighting fans with his enduring connection to the Back to the Future franchise and his diverse body of work.