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Heather Thomas
Heather Thomas.jpg
Thomas in May 2008
Born (1957-09-08) September 8, 1957 (age 67)
Occupation Actress, author, political activist
Years active 1978–1998, 2013−present
Known for The Fall Guy
Spouse(s)
  • Allan Rosenthal
    (m. 1985; div. 1986)
  • Skip Brittenham
    (m. 1992; died 2025)
Children 2

Heather Thomas (born September 8, 1957) is an American actress, author, and activist. She is most famous for playing Jody Banks in the popular TV show The Fall Guy with actor Lee Majors.

In 1998, Thomas decided to take a long break from acting. She wanted to focus on her family and start a new career in writing. She has since returned to acting for a few special roles and has also become active in supporting important causes.

Acting Career

Early Start in Television

Heather Thomas began her acting journey at the young age of 14. She was a host on an NBC show called Talking with a Giant, where she got to interview famous people. A few years later, in 1978, she started getting small parts in other TV shows.

Becoming a Star on The Fall Guy

In 1981, Thomas landed her biggest role as Jody Banks in the action series The Fall Guy. The show, which also starred Lee Majors, was a huge hit and ran until 1986. Her role on the show made her a well-known star. During the 1980s, she also appeared in movies like Zapped! (1982) and was a popular poster model.

A New Path in Writing

After her time on The Fall Guy, Thomas explored her talent for writing. She wrote a movie script called School ... and sold it to Touchstone Pictures. Later, she wrote her first novel, Trophies, which was published in 2008.

Returning to the Screen

After a long break, Thomas appeared in the 2014 movie G...: All Night Long. In 2024, she made a special appearance with her former co-star Lee Majors in the movie The Fall Guy, which was based on their original TV series.

Personal Life and Activism

Family Life

Heather Thomas was married to Allan Rosenthal from 1985 to 1986. In 1986, she was in a serious car accident but recovered from her injuries.

In 1992, she married entertainment lawyer Skip Brittenham. They had a daughter, who was born in 2000. Brittenham passed away in July 2025. Thomas chose to step away from her acting career to have more privacy and focus on raising her family.

Helping Important Causes

Thomas is also known for her work as an activist. An activist is someone who works to bring about positive change in society. Along with her husband, she hosted regular events at their home to raise money for different causes. These gatherings became well-known and were nicknamed the "L.A. Cafe".

She has also supported environmental groups, including the Amazon Conservation Team, which works to protect the Amazon rainforest.

Filmography

Film
Year Film Role Notes
1982 Zapped! Jane Mitchell
1987 Cyclone Teri Marshall
Kiss of the Cobra Merryl Davis Also known as: Death Stone
1990 Red Blooded American Girl Paula Bukowsky
1993 Hidden Obsession Ellen Carlyle
1997 Against the Law Felicity
1998 My Giant Showgirl
2014 G...: All Night Long Nadine Robson
2024 The Fall Guy Jody Banks End credits cameo with Lee Majors
Television
Year Title Role Notes
1978 David Cassidy: Man Undercover Caryl Manning 1 episode
1979 Co-Ed Fever Sandi 1 episode
California Fever Joanne 1 episode
1980 B. J. and the Bear Caroline Capote 1 episode
The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo Caroline Capote 1 episode
1981–1986 The Fall Guy Jody Banks Main cast
1983 The Love Boat Sheila 2 episodes
1984 T. J. Hooker Sandy 1 episode
Cover Up Amber 1 episode
1987 The New Mike Hammer Andrea 1 episode
Ford: The Man and the Machine Evangeline Cote Television movie
Hoover vs. The Kennedys: The Second Civil War Marilyn Monroe Television movie
1988 The Dirty Dozen: The Fatal Mission Lieutenant Carol Campbell Television movie
1989 Rodney Dangerfield: Opening Night at Rodney's Place Joan Emery Television movie
1990 Flair Tessa Clarke Miniseries
1991 P.S. I Luv U Mary Markham 1 episode
1992 Swamp Thing: The Series Tatania 1 episode
1995 Pointman Lynn Forbes 1 episode
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