Feisty, bantamweight character actor who brought a strong credibility to small screen roles as ex-goalie Eddie LeBec on "Cheers" and as the comically combative sports writer Jack Stein, boyfriend of restaurant cook Dana Palladino (Annie Potts) on the hit CBS sitcom "Love & War" (1992-95). Though born in Kermit, TX and raised in New Orleans, Thomas's heavy accent could lead one to believe he grew up in one of New York City's five boroughs. Starting out as a stand-up comedian in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Thomas worked for a number of years as a radio sports announcer and disc jockey.