Born Nov. 4, 1975 in Hinsdale, IL, Tom grew up in Chicago and Seattle with her mother, Marie, and her siblings David and Nicholle. The Tom children took on acting and modeling jobs to help bring in additional income after their parents split. At the age of 10, Tom performed with the Seattle Pacific Ballet before Marie moved the family to Los Angeles to pursue additional acting opportunities. Almost immediately, Tom landed roles on TV shows like “Who’s the Boss?” (ABC, 1984- ) and “Kids Incorporated” (syndicated, 1984-1993) while Nicholle eventually landed a part on the CBS sitcom “The Nanny” (1993-99).
At the tender age of 15, Tom was cast in the pivotal role of Victor and Nikki Newman’s rebellious teen daughter Victoria on “Y&R.” Tom was an instant hit with fans and critics as Victoria schemed to reunite her parents. Winning her first Daytime Emmy in 1993, Tom went on to become the most-nominated actress under the age of 30, earning nominations in 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 (her second win), 2000, 2004 and 2005.
While many young working actors in Hollywood spent their earnings on expensive cars and lavish vacations, Tom used some of money to produce (and star) in local theater productions of “Biloxi Blues” and “Gila,” for which she had to learn sign language. Tom also found time to donate her time and lend her name to several AIDS charities including Project Angelfood, Tuesday’s Child and AIDS Project Los Angeles.
The actress took a hiatus from “Y&R” in early 1997 to pursue her education and theater roles. She was so liked by the soap’s executives that they let go her replacement and rehired Tom later that year. Her return gift: a storyline in which a pregnant Victoria reluctantly prepared for motherhood. It was for this work – including Victoria’s reaction to losing her baby – that the actress won her second Daytime Emmy in 1999.
In 2003, Tom quit “Y&R” after her growing concerns about her character’s lack of storyline and being asked to take a pay cut while still under contract. While other daytime performers opted to accept salary decreases from their shows, Tom chose to test new waters. She accepted an offer to join “One Life to Live” as Kelly Cramer, niece of long-running character Dorian Lord.
Tom, who remained bi-coastal, spent time off from her daytime duties by taking on parts in such independent films as “Stiffs” (2006) and “City Teacher” (2007).