Tommy Flanagan (sometimes credited as Tommy J. Flanagan) was born July 3rd 1965 in Glasgow, Scotland. Tommy grew up in a very rough part of Glasgow known as Easterhouse and admits getting into some trouble as a young man but his mother Betty always managed to keep him in line. He has worked as a painter, decorator and disc jockey at various points in his career.

Upon leaving a club one night with his records and a nice leather jacket in hand, Tommy was approached by a group of men who demanded his things. When he refused, Tommy was viciously attacked and left for dead; the scars from this attack are clearly visible on Tommy's face to this day. After his intensive recovery, Tommy's friend Robert Carlyle suggested he get into acting and although he thought it wasn't for him, Tommy decided to give it a chance. He worked alongside Robert in the Rain Dog theatre for 3 years, appearing on stage in productions like "The Lucky Suit" as well as several British television shows. When actor/director Mel Gibson came to Scotland to shoot his epic "Braveheart" (1995), Tommy was given his first major role in film. Gibson, seeing what a wonderful actor he was, gave Tommy an even bigger role then was originally scripted.

The success of "Braveheart" led Tommy to many other roles in such huge hits as "Gladiator", "Sin City" and, most recently, "Smokin' Aces". His unique appearance and range of character has allowed Tommy the opportunity to showcase his talents on several different levels ranging from Irish henchmen to Roman servant. For his work in the highly acclaimed Scottish film "Ratcatcher", Tommy and his co-stars were honoured with a London Film Critics Circle award. Tommy was even thanked for his support by Hollywood superstar Russell Crowe during his "Best Actor" Oscar acceptance speech for the role of Maximus in "Gladiator".

Tommy Flanagan resides in Mailbu California when not at his London home. 2007 will prove to be a busy year for Tommy with roles in several movies such as "Heroes Wanted" and "The Final Run" as well as appearing in an online film titled "The Follower".