Introduction
Thom Bierdz (born March 24, 1962) is an American actor best known for his portrayal of Phillip Chancellor III on the daytime drama The Young and the Restless, appearing from 1986 to 1989, returning for a "dream sequence" in 2004, and in a surprising twist, returned to the role in May 2009. He was also a guest star on Melrose Place as Sarah's abusive boyfriend, Hank.
Personal life
Bierdz is openly gay and left The Young and the Restless in July 1989 to pursue film roles. Shortly after, his youngest brother, Troy, murdered their mother with a baseball bat and is currently serving a life sentence in a Wisconsin prison. In May 2000, his brother, Craig, committed suicide. He has one sister, Hope. Bierdz has devoted most of his life to painting. In 2005, he received the 2005 Out Magazine Best Emerging Artist of Los Angeles for painting pictures of cows. He is also the recipient of the Key to the Light Award from The Theylains. Thom has also written a memoir entitled "Forgiving Troy". In September 2009, The Human Rights Campaign at a Black Tie Gala themed "Speak Your Truth" presented Thom with their Visibility Award for his continued contributions to charity work for human rights, through his art, his acting, his writing, and his painting in the nude.