Thomas Waites | From Street Gangs to Hollywood Legend

What do The Warriors, The Thing, Juilliard, addiction, and forgiveness have in common? One man: Thomas G. Waites. In this gripping and deeply human episode, the cult film icon takes us on a wild ride from his gritty beginnings in street gangs to starring in legendary films and finding salvation through storytelling. Waites pulls back the curtain on the chaos of Hollywood sets, the discipline of Juilliard, and the fragile power of empathy in a cutthroat industry.

He shares the untold stories behind The Warriors and the brutal realities of filming in Alaska, while offering hard-earned wisdom on addiction, leadership, and the redemptive force of art. Plus, a sneak peek into his upcoming play, Lucky Man: A Warrior’s Journey—a raw and powerful reflection on the choices that define us.
If you love film, believe in second chances, or crave stories that stir the soul—this episode is for you.