Last week we released our podcast interview with Tom Byron, and since then have received feedback from so many of you.
We knew there was a lot of affection for Tom, but we’ve been overwhelmed by the response the interview elicited. Many of you sent us emails describing how you felt you’ve grown up with Tom since the early 1980s. You’ve followed his career over the years – seeing him change from an awkward teenager to a mullet-haired rocker and ultimately a veteran of the industry. It’s been like watching a favorite soap star evolve over time.
A number of you also asked if there was anything that could be done to help Tom today. For those who haven’t heard the podcast, (spoiler alert…) Tom is now driving for Uber but has had to rent a vehicle as he hasn’t been able to afford a down payment to buy a car. He’s working long hours on the road to save up, but it’s a very slow process.
As a result of your messages, we’re taking a pause on new Rialto Report content this week to instead launch a fundraiser to raise money for Tom’s car down payment.
Long time fans of The Rialto Report will know that we are joint founders of the The Golden Age Appreciation Fund that has raised over $12,000 to date for industry figures like Sharon Mitchell, Kay Parker, Eric Edwards, and George Payne.
We have a policy at The Rialto Report of not accepting any advertising or free merchandise because we want you to enjoy our site free of any commercial interference. If you’ve enjoyed any of our recent articles, photos, or podcasts and are able – and we absolutely understand that not everyone might be – we hope you’ll consider making a donation to Tom using the link below or by visiting The Golden Age Appreciation Fund. No amount is too small.
100% of the money raised will go directly to Tom.
Needless to say, Tom is very grateful for this initiative and wishes to convey his appreciation to everyone who has written to us and him since the podcast.
The fundraiser will be active until Easter weekend – Friday 14th April, 2017.
Thank you for your support. Seriously. We don’t take it for granted.
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Tom Byron fundraiser
Well done…….. this seems the right thing to do to help TB. His interview was amazing, and if the community can do anything to help one of our own, then we should.
Count me in.
Tom deserves very chance to get started again.
I’m in. This is a show of appreciate to Tom, whose performances were not only erotic, but highly entertaining. To better times.
Too funny – I was gonna send you the pic posted of Tom in the pool (with prolific mag model ‘Mei Ling’).
This is a grand idea.
Well done R/R although it beggars belief that someone as busy as Tom – and on the (presumably more lucrative) production side too – should be in such parlous financial straits.
I see that his old partner in crime Peter North is still producing the occasional movie – featuring his new wife Nadia (and they say romance is dead!!) so maybe Tom could make the odd cameo there to boost his funds? And I’d think that many a fan would be delighted to be ferried from LAX in his Uber if they could!!
And on the subject of Peter, I think he may be 60 in few weeks so what better time to seek an interview with him?
Another excellent article. One of the commenters to this article wrote: “the pic posted of Tom in the pool (with prolific mag model ‘Mei Ling’).” I would be very interested in learning what happened to Ms. Ling if you ever have the opportunity to find out. Thanks again for refreshing people’s memories about some fascinating people.
Me as well… I can’t seem to find any information on her at all! If anyone has anything… feel free to update us! 😀
lol. i like that picture of him as a priest
I’m sorry about what Tom going if it’s true about him needing money. It’s hard to understand all that money he made and now he needs help.