Tom Shillue, a talented comedian hailing from Norwood, Massachusetts, grew up in a bustling household as one of five children. From a young age, Shillue developed a passion for comedy, immersing himself in the comedy albums of renowned comedians like Bill Cosby and Bob Newhart. His early exploration of these comedic styles helped him recognize the unique approaches different comics brought to their acts. Shillue's burgeoning interest led him to perform one of Newhart's routines at a Junior High public speaking contest, earning him the role of hosting the school talent show and much encouragement from teachers to further explore his comedic talent.
Shillue's journey into comedy continued at Emerson College in Boston, a breeding ground for comedy talent like Denis Leary and David Cross. While there, he joined the Emerson Comedy Workshop, where his focus shifted towards performing arts rather than solely writing. His brief academic stint at the University of Massachusetts didn't last long, as Shillue soon decided to leave school altogether to pursue a career in performing.
Relocating to New York City in 1993, Shillue quickly became a fixture on the comedy scene. Utilizing his clean act and polished appearance, he began emceeing and gradually built a reputation. With every new temp job, he invited colleagues to watch his performances, steadily growing his audience. Within four years, headlining comedians recognized his talent and started inviting him to feature on their bills. Tom's comedic style remains light and positive—what he describes as "pathologically positive"—a reflection of his early influences, though he performs with the artistry often attributed to edgier comics.
Though Shillue enjoys writing, his real talent lies in crafting material on stage, using an improvisational approach to his storytelling. He often revisits recordings of his performances to identify and refine successful bits. Beyond stand-up, Shillue is a familiar face in national commercials and voiceover work, which has cemented his presence in the New York comedy scene over becoming a road comic. His appearance on Comedy Central's "Premium Blend" showcased his versatility, where he performed "I’m an Artist," a piece nurtured in the alternative comedy showcase "Eating It," to positive acclaim from mainstream audiences.
In 2007, Shillue released his first comedy CD, “Overconfident,” a nod to his own sense of exaggerated self-esteem. The Boston Globe recognized the work, listing it among the top 10 comedy CDs of the year. More recently, Shillue has delved into autobiographical comedy, with productions like his solo show “Dad 2.0,” exploring the experiences of fatherhood. Through his multifaceted comedic talents, Tom Shillue continues to engage audiences with his distinct blend of humor and insight, both on stage and beyond.
Boston Globe's top 10 comedy CDs of 2007