Friday, May 13, 2011

The Tragic Death of Actor Tom Bridegroom Leaves Hollywood Speechless

Life, Entertainment, News: 
The tragic and sudden passing of actor 
Tom Bridegroom has left many in Hollywood shocked. The actor and personality was commonly known for his work as co-host on MTV’s The X-Effect, but it was Tom’s off screen persona that captured the hearts of so many. Comical, welcoming and genuinely kind hearted, Bridgegroom was anything but your typical Hollywood stereotype. 
Having spent many of his days in Hollywood as an agent at the iconic ACME Talent & Literary Agency, Tom ambitiously dabbled between modeling, acting, hosting and talent representation. Charismatic and brilliantly talented, there was no doubt that this bright eyed boy from Indiana would soon take over entertainment. 

On Saturday, May 7th (2011), the day before Mother’s Day, Tom was photographing a model on top of a building in Silverlake, CA when he stepped back a tad too far tragically falling to his death. He was 29 years old.

Facebook memorial page has been established in his memory which states that the actor will be laid to rest in Indiana with an additional memorial in Los Angeles, tentatively scheduled for June 11th. An administrator for the memorial page writes:
"We want to let you know that Tom's mother, Martha Bridegroom, is planning Tom's funeral arrangements and he will be laid to rest in his home state of Indiana. The Los Angeles memorial will bring together anyone and everyone who will not be able to attend the memorial in Indiana.”
So sad! 

Rest In Peace, Mr. Bridegroom. You’ll be missed dearly by so many.
Above image: Tom Bridegroom as "Hot Boy Next Door," Teen People Magazine

76 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a sad story! And the day before Mother's Day, so so so sad!!!! :'(

Sara said...

This is so sad. :(

Anonymous said...

I miss you Tommy! <3

Unknown said...

Although I did not know him or his body of work, I am sure he will be extremely missed. God bless.

Bel Baca said...

Tom was one of the most fun, caring people I've ever met. I had the pleasure of working with him at ACME Talent & Literary and we became friends immediately. I miss his laugh.

Anonymous said...

this is my cousin/: i love you tom and miss you so does grandma jean(: R.I.P tom bridegroom(:

Anonymous said...

Except he was gay, and when he came out to his family he was attacked, physically and mentally. His boyfriend was also threatened if he attended Tom's funeral.

Anonymous said...

It's so sad that Tom lost his life at such a young age, with everything ahead of him. It's his long-term boyfriend, Shane, who Tom dearly loved, who my heart goes out to. Some of Tom's closest family behaved appalingly both before and after his death. Watch 'It Could Happen To You' on YouTube. Shane at least can say he shared 6 years of unforgetable experiences and memories with Tom.

Unknown said...

A very sad story. However everyone should know this man's family are not Christians they are bigots. They caused their son and his partner Shane terrible grief. As far as they are concerned it is better to have a dead son than a gay son. Shame on them.

Ashley Curran said...

Horrible parent they are! They should be ashamed of themselves.. and the rest of toms family for not defending him!! Poor Shane my heart goes out to him what a horrible way to be left alone!

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Unknown said...

His mother does not deserve to have a man like that as her son. Horrible horrible person she is. Toms poor partner my sincerest condolences for that man. Martha you should be ashamed of yourself and I hope karma kicks you in your big ass.

Anonymous said...

Fuck his mother and her mother's day

Unknown said...

Fuck toms mom. SHE "suddenly" cared after he passed. Bull!!!!!!!!!! My heart goes out to Shane. He is a real inspiration to gays everywhere. God bless always《3

Unknown said...

Fuck toms mom. SHE "suddenly" cared after he passed. Bull!!!!!!!!!! My heart goes out to Shane. He is a real inspiration to gays everywhere. God bless always《3

Anonymous said...

I have no remorse for the mother or father they didn't even love there son!

Anonymous said...

look up the background people are saying aww right b4 mothers day but his mother hated the fact that he was gay and was commited with someone for 6 years

Anonymous said...

Yes, a mother still loves her child even when she disagrees with him. Haters need to have some compassion. Many people, gay or not live together and choose not to commit to protect each other, esp. when it comes to finances and end of life decisions. This is not just a story of loss, but a story to teach ALL people in relationships to think ahead. If you are not family and do not have a legal document, expect these results. RIP Tom

Anonymous said...

I feel so sorry for his love, Shane. How could Tom's parents treat him like they did?

Anonymous said...

Tom's parents or trash in my book. Karma never rests. thet will get there just deserves . All they have iin that grave is a body. his soul is with Shane. I am sure there iss room in hell for his parents. Shane you are in my prayers everyday and hope you have the strength to mmove on. yap Tap Tap. (That is for Tom)

Anonymous said...

Shane my heart bleeds for your loss.you and your love tom what you both shared the love you both made cannot be erased by time shane please know your tommy is with you always.god bless you baby.

Anonymous said...

Tom''s parents knew that their boy had a serius relashionship withhis love shane ..by not allowing shane to attend the funeral or any services shows the world that evi does exist hatred exists toms father is sick old man the mother a malignant cunt.

Anonymous said...

Toms parents acted malicous and hateful I hope thy are not planning on writing a tell all they made tom roll in his grave bY these actions.toms mother is a malignant cunt

Anonymous said...

Tom. May have been the. Victim of child abuse its obvius..

Anonymous said...

When a person dies so tragic as tom did family and friends and loved ones are supposed to join together and grieve as one.put differences aside and lean on each otheR.shane the world mourns with you and only you.this is all too common it happens in samesex and heterosexual relashionships too.married or not.their should be a living will as well as a will as to your spouses wishes..

Anonymous said...

Even though his parents are closed minded and did not do right by his partner in life, they did love their son. When they showed the cemetery stone in the documentary it showed he was loved by his family. They just didn't understand that part of him that was gay. He wasn't just a gay man. He obviously made a huge impact on the people in his life. My heart goes out to his partner, his family, and his friends. What a tragic loss. To fall in love and then lose it so young is tragic.

Jerry said...

I'm overhelmed by their love. For each other.

Anonymous said...

Watching the video on NF last night I was in tears. Being gay is not about sex no more then being straight is. It's a who you love...and how they love you!

Anonymous said...

Its sad and ppl say his parents loved him but i think different.If they would have came together in the end then okay but they didnt.They tried to hide what their son was happy to be which is happy weather it was gay or straight......we are not the one to judge Only GOD can and will do that.I pray for Tom love Shane because true love sometimes take a lufe time to find but im glad you guys did.... and i pray his family find peace and grow up and if thwy really love there son Tom try to reach out to Shane because he is all they have left of the real Tom that they did not except... my GOD bless you all!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

this documentry was not only inspirational too all us young folk but it really touched my heart and i hope it touches a whole lot more youngsters and i hope your okay i shall pray for u

Anonymous said...

Shane my heart cried out for you both. Such a beautiful, inspirational and magical love that you both shared. I could not help but fall in love with you two. Your story touched my heart and broke it too. I felt your pain and your grief for I too lost the love of my life. Take strength in knowing that love like that lasts forever and a day.

Anonymous said...

It's difficult to imagine the dynamic Tom sprang forth from his parents depicted in the heart wrenching film I just saw ( from Redbox,even!) . So easy to judge but I think the message is Love in the face of tragic adversity/ bad behavior. Shane inspires me with his sincerity, courage and tribute.tap tap tap

Hancockenstein said...
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Hancockenstein said...

As much as I despise homophobes the documentary on this felt a bit exploitative and revenge-driven. Almost enough that I'd be reluctant recommending it even if there weren't quite a few others that help the cause just as much in a more civilized manner. Whether or not the guy's parents may truly be scum, would Bridegroom want them to be pubically demonized like so? I'm not likely to feel sorry for any verbal abuse they get for it but the boyfriend/director's actions give me a feeling he's not as sincere as some of my fellow viewers think. Were those moments of him filming closeups of himself crying supposed to be candid, just the idea seems so dishonest or manufactured. The movie also seemed to be marketed like it was more about gay marriage than it actually was.

I don't know even if this helps the LBGT movement in the long run, it sure seems lose-lose to both parties actually involved. Homophobia and prejudice can be overcome, I'm hoping this isn't seen as an ideal constructive way to go about it.

oh and lol @ Teeny mags(above), still as irresponsibly shallow as I remember.

Anonymous said...

I just got done watching this on Netflix. I hate to think this, but has anyone thought maybe he fell on purpose.. He sang the song "if I fall" the night before the accident, he told Shane 2011 was going to change their lives forever. Maybe secretly he was distraught that the parents didn't accept him Gay, and his relationship with Shane.
And it happened all right before Mothers' Day...................................................... Obiviously an exceptionally talented guy, and beautiful iniside and out, just so tragic

jridaho84 said...

RIP Tom... Heal in time Shane and FU to Tom's mom and dad.

Shane was with Tom for 6 years, traveled the world etc... and then tom dies and you ask about bank accounts and personal effects? Threaten him to not come to the funeral and finally take down his facebook page? OH hell no!!!!!!! I'm sorry Tom and Shane :(

Anonymous said...

great documentary. just watched, so much love. so sad.

Anonymous said...

I just watched the documentary so sad..All over your son being gay? I have a son and two daughters my son is going to be 20 in October. If my son or one of my daughters came to me and said they were gay I definitely would not act in the manner that Tom's mother did. I would embrace my child and the person they chose to be with, same sex or not. When you are a parent you love your children unconditionally..Shame on Tom's mother!! My thoughts are with you Shane. I wish I knew both of you so I could be there for you now. God bless you. R.I.P Tom.. Tracy Asselstine-Babcock Ontario, Canada

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...
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Anonymous said...

Funny,even in death,Tom will continue to haunt his Parents. They have to live with these repercussions day after day. And now,that the movie is out "Bridegroom"..they will NEVER know peace. And, rightfully so. May they have eternal Hell to deal with.

Anonymous said...

Tom Bridegroom's Parents are well off. They sent him to "Military School" hoping to "Straighten" him out. He was talented,and knew LA offered so much more. There,he met an"equal" especially career wise and monetary wise. If this were about any other gay dude,it would have never been made into a movie. Connections do help. But Norman and Martha Bridegroom are venomous homophobes,that deserve everything they are getting.

Unknown said...

Whenever some one dies lets be real we make him/her a saint. Dont judge the mother you never know if he is even telling the truth. I can speak so much shit about my mother in law and people would believe even of it is not true. I dont believe the story with so much love is real. Remember that when you write something the producers add a little 70% extra to your story. Hope his mother is okay along with the people he left here.

Anonymous said...

I can not disclose about myself being gay to my friends, family or any relatives, homosexuality is sin in my religion.. so I never tried and never had sex with any guy but Tom's & Shane's story touched my heart and really disturbed me, since 3 nights I couldn't sleep well. .. my heart cried out for you both. You both made such a beautiful couple together. .. May Tom's soul rest in peace and God bless you Shane :( Shane proved that real love does exist. .. love you both

Anonymous said...

Miss you, Tom! ;) pray for u, pray for your enteral love.....tap tap tap

Anonymous said...

The problem with "Martha" (Martie) to her friends)..and" Norm" (Normy Daddy) to his friends..is that they don't know any better. Tom,at least got out of Bumfuck Indiana. Thay are just like 2 farmers (with money) who just don't get it. Tom would have never wanted to be buried in Knox,Indiana. He hated it. He was gay,and dear Mom and Dad really hated him for it. Just look at the gravestone..all "wedged in" between Daddy and Mommy. When Normy and Martie die,and get buried..he's liable to grab them. God works in mysterious ways.

Anonymous said...

All of you that think Tom's parents and family are evil have your facts VERY wrong. They couldn't be kinder, loving, hard working, salt of the earth kind of folks. They love Tom, they love Shane, and I see it everywhere in their house. Now there is something that happened in LA after Tom passed, between Tom's mom and Shane. I don't know what it was, and I've never asked her. I just know how she feels about Shane. She has every text from Shane saved so she never forgets him. I can go on for hours, but I just want to say that there are always two sides to every story. I don't really appreciate Tom being used as a pawn in the gay agenda, after his death. I know I wouldn't want that.

The only thing I know is there is grief - for Tom's family and friends, and for Tom's would be husband and "extended" family of Shane's. This should be a time for healing - not putting salt in a wound that will never heal. Tom's parents and Shane are forever changed because of this.

I think of it this way. Tom would want to protect his mom, at all costs. But he would also protect Shane at all costs two. The problem is that there isn't any middle ground. All we have is an amazing man that died way too far before his time. I say we celebrate what Tom brought to all of us, and stop pointing fingers. It does no good now.

Unknown said...

His mother didn't love him that what I think cause if you love your son regardless of what his u love him hay or no is your baby boy

Unknown said...

Not hay *gay

Valerie M said...

I am sure Toms parents did love him, but the issue runs deeper than them as parents. Religion and intolerance... of which is ingrained deep. This needs addressing from the top so God fearing folk do not have to behave in such ways. It was his Mothers way of reclaiming her Son and creating an imaginary existance for others, like her ,to perceive. But you cannot remove the imprint of Toms life on earth and those he loved.
RIP Tom .And to his partner , you know the truth and I wish you peace knowing how much he loved you. .

Anonymous said...

I just watched the documentary.
what an incredible love story
if only we all could experienced love like that.....
tim

Anonymous said...

it is very difficult to judge people for their actions, who knows what is inside the whole history?. Sad that people who have been in a relationship don't have the right to event say goodbye in the final moments. Each to their own.. if the parents acted in a bad way or not .. life will tell them.. really is no point to hate.... what will get out of hate... more hate......!!
I am gay, and I don't like the idea of feeling that we have not freedom.. but families rules in different ways, if we think a bit, even in the more out there families, there are members that don't agreed with our life stile, but do we really hate them for it? do we have the right to judge them for the way they think ? Would It be much better to teach people to respect others for who they are and treat them with kindness better that hate..
I know is difficult to think like that, but life is beautiful and we have to make the best of it ...
we only live once. Why waist energy and time that is precious on hate......!!!

Anonymous said...

I feel terrible for Shane and the way Tom's parents treated him. There is no excuse for their poor behavior. But, the real lesson learned here is that you shouldn't wait for the state to allow you to marry to protect yourself legally. Had Tom & Shane drawn up wills, which they should have considering they had a business and house together, and had listed all their wishes including burial instructions (you can make very specific instructions, even excluding someone from attending your funeral if you want to), Shane would have been able to do exactly what he wanted after Tom's passing and there would have been nothing his family could have done to prevent it. It wasn't the state that prevented that, it was their lack of planning and protecting their relationship legally which they could have and should have done, especially if they were that committed. It would have been the same situation for a heterosexual couple who choose to live together and weren't married yet. If you are committed to someone, have a will and put all your wants in it in the case of your death, its just a common sense, smart thing to do!

Anonymous said...

I just stumbled onto this. I tell you, this story has touched my heart for days. As another wrote it is not for us to judge it is only God that can and will judge. We are made in Gods image how can someone say otherwise. Two young men I never knew or met has left an impression on me in my heart and honestly, in my life. I will always remember this story till the end of my days. Gods peace serenity compassion grace and love be with all of you.

Anonymous said...

I feel bad for Shane. He is hurting so deeply and Toms parents deserve to rot in hell....such a sad story for these two :( xoxo

Anonymous said...

The most disgusting thing is that she had shane pay for the funeral he never was allowed to attend

Anonymous said...

My Partner & I have a relationship like Tom & Shane did. We have been together for over 30 Years. Fortunately our Family and Friends on both sides support us. It took a few years but we are all together now.

Congratulations on having a true love and stay focused as I know Tom would want you to Shane.

John & Terry

HellNoKitty said...

I just watched this documentary and I still am choked up. This tribute to the beautiful love this couple shared reflects why gay marriage is absolutely necessary. No partner should be denied the right to be at their lover's bedside as he or she dies because of ridiculously bigoted outdated laws and legislation. My heart goes out to Shane. What a beautiful soul he is, and what an amazing family he has too. But my heart also aches for Tom's family in a different way because I truly pity them for their prejudice in the face of a partnership that was so special and rare that they missed out celebrating a huge portion of their beautiful boy's short life. How could they have done such a thing as bar his partner from attending his funeral and live with themselves? They only missed out on the opportunity to share their grief with his partner who knew him better than they were able to because of their refusal to accept him for who he was. They denied their son in death the acceptance that they withheld from him in life. They are extremely limited, and it's unfortunate that they couldn't love ALL of their child, but only the part of him they wanted to see. Any parents would have been proud to have a son like Tom, gay or not-and now they must live with the guilt that I'm sure they will eventually feel in hindsight. It doesn't excuse their behavior, but their pain is palpable too and there is nothing worse than losing one's child. It's just upsetting that they were so selfish and close minded. Still, it does no good to hate them now. Hopefully they will eventually see how wrong they were and apologize to Shane. In the meantime, may Tom's death be a symbol of how important it is for gay partnerships to be legalized. I'm so happy for the years this blessed couple had together, and I only hope that Shane can proceed with his life knowing that his lasting tribute to Tom was the most beautiful, courageous thing he could have done to share their story with the world. We all grieve with him and for him. If this does anything to change hearts and minds (and I don't know how it cannot) then at least Tom's death may be a catalyst for progress that must be made today.

Anonymous said...

What a sad story .. Well the mother can go fly as well as the dad !! Stuck up motherfuckers !! Shane we all feel for you we all know its hard for you but just know everyone who has heard of your story is thinking of you and wishing they could personally be there for you and thank you to Shanes parents for supporting Tom and Shane in their relationship its wonderful to know there are still a few decent people out there thannks to everyone for sharing this story

Anonymous said...

I have to say that as I cry to break my heart after watching BRIDEGROOM. As a mother, first and foremost, how could you lay your child to rest without portraying who he really was. SHAMEFULL! Shutting out one of the most important parts of his life. Somehting that each and every person on this planet wants!!! TRUE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, I am grateful that Tom recieved that TRUE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE from Shane. Something he obviously did not receive from his parents. I feel sad for them as they have missed out on so much for being weak and forgive me, stupid. Tom is definatley watching over you Shane. HE IS ALWAYS WITH YOU!! You are blessed!!

Anonymous said...

Shameful dosen't even cut it. They took his Facebook page down,and deleted everything...everything..photos..condolences,etc. What total fools.When the roll is called up Yonder,will they be there???? What Bigots.

Anonymous said...

My heart aches for Shane, my heart aches for Tom's parents. I mull all of this over in my mind but mostly in my heart. I invoke Romans 8:28, that all things happen for the good, of which I admit I don'f fully understand. I'm internalizing a lot of information on a subject that binds me in knots. I believe love trumps anything else in existence. I hope everyone has someone to love. When we all are together again I can't wait for Tom to be with us. Shane will be there. I love both of you.

Unknown said...

So very sad my heart goes out to all Shane lost his boyfriend but his mum and dad lost a son. Regret is painfull

Unknown said...
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sweetdeb07 said...

Shane is a much better person than i am, as i would have told Tom's mother "No", you cannot go thru his things...i will go thru them and send you what i feel you deserve !! I'm sorry, but their life was seperate from his parents life and since they wanted nothing to do with him in life, why give her the option of going thru his things after his death ?? And to not allow him to attend the funeral ? That was just evil ! :(

Anonymous said...

It shouldn't matter who u love as long as u do.

Anonymous said...

I am sorry for the whole situation but if anyone really and truly knows and follows the bible both thes boys are dammed to hell. No matter how Tom's parents acted or any kind of professed love they are in and will go to hell.Good works here on earth do not get you into heaven. I pray for Shane that you can find your way before it's too late.I am not a basher of any kind I speak the truth.

Anonymous said...

Hello, you who know the bible, this is exactly why people are closed to the gospel because of this kind of mindset. Listen, the only job for the true believer of God's word is to tell them of the Love and Mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ. Sin is sin, not matter what it is, and without the death of Christ all men would go straight to hell. You have no idea what either of these young men did with Christ or what happened in the last moments of that young man's life, you should judge no man, that is for God alone. Shame on your for your attitude!

Álvaro said...

I'm sooo sad for this lost. Yesterday I saw the documentary and I can't stop crying. I'm sure he's with angels. Álvaro from Argentina.

arain41 said...

.i don't blame his parents neither do i will blame Tom..God has plans for everyone..stop blaming people for their weaknesses.

Anonymous said...

My thoughts are with Shane x

CureVita said...

Weakness is one thing, but willful intervention against love and planned treachery to deny the love of a son's life access to the grieving process we all must endure is quite another. Much like the difference between neglect that results in someone's death and taking a gun and shooting them. For a father to say he would like to "gut" the love of his life, for a mother to deceive, lie, and cheat to claim back her liberated son is exceeded in disgust only by the cowardice of his father who sat at home on his throne and did not have the courage to face anything his wife took charge of. For the Bridegroom family, I'm sorry for your tragedy, grief and loss... but shame on every last one of you for watching the rape of a grieving man and doing nothing to stop it. Every one of you is guilty for your inaction, and I know for sure you're living a total hell now for those errors, as you will until you pass away. I just hope no one excludes your loved ones from your funerals, but karma is powerful. Read the Bible you claim to know and practice, it clearly never got through to you.

Anonymous said...

The father and in fact, most of the Bridegrooms are racist small minded people. I know them. The father Norm has always been a Bully. It's sad he had such an Amazing son and he couldn't love him the way he should. They are Not Christians. I think the Mom Martha could have accepted Tom. The proof is when she went out to see Shane and was agreeing to him coming to the funeral and gets home to Norm and everything changes. Big Racist gun toting Bully. He will answer to his Hatred one day. RIP Tom.

Anonymous said...

What street in Silverlake did this accident happen?

Anonymous said...

Hahahahahahaha what a effing retard if you can't pay attention to your footing while on a roof!!! The world is better off without him

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