Heather Thomas, known for her role in the action-comedy series "The Fall Guy," has opened up about the disturbing incidents that drove her away from Hollywood. The series, which aired on ABC from 1981 to 1986, featured Thomas as Jody Banks alongside Lee Majors, who portrayed Colt Seavers, a film stuntman moonlighting as a bounty hunter. The popular TV show ran for five seasons and left a lasting impact on its viewers.
The actress recently revealed that her decision to step back from the limelight was significantly influenced by persistent stalking incidents. During the height of her career, Thomas faced numerous threats that made her personal life increasingly dangerous.
"I know I had one guy, one night cut my screen in my bedroom and got in," – Heather Thomas
Thomas's recount of the terrifying ordeal highlights the severity of the situation. The stalker, armed with a giant buck knife, would frequently jump the gate of her home, creating an environment of fear and insecurity.
"Mine was scary. Mine was really scary," – Heather Thomas
During this tumultuous period, Thomas reported dealing with at least two stalkers a week. The constant harassment not only affected her sense of safety but also forced her to make difficult decisions regarding her career and personal life. Her experiences were reflective of a broader issue in Hollywood, with similar real-life cases inspiring storylines in "The Fall Guy," including the tragic 1989 death of actress Rebecca Schaeffer.
Despite stepping back from acting, Thomas made a cameo appearance as Jody Banks in a later project. Moreover, "The Fall Guy" experienced a revival with a 2024 film adaptation starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. Blunt took on the role of Jody Moreno, paying homage to Thomas's original character.