Thomas the Tank Engine
Thomas's on-screen appearances in the TV series were developed by Britt Allcroft. The first series of 26 stories premiered in October 1984 on the ITV Network in the UK, with former Beatles drummer/vocalist Ringo Starr as storyteller. The stories were featured as segments as part of Shining Time Station in the US beginning in 1989 with Starr as the show's Mr. Conductor character. From 1991 to 1993, George Carlin replaced Starr as both the storyteller and as Mr. Conductor for Shining Time Station. Carlin also told the Thomas stories for Shining Time Station in 1995.
Dave Thomas (actor)
He wrote for, produced, and starred in "The Dave Thomas Comedy Show" (1990). In 1991, he starred in the Showtime comedy, "Public Enemy #2". In 1992, he tried his hand at reality TV and co-executive produced ABC's "America's Funniest People" with Vin Di Bona, but left after thirteen weeks to appear in the film "Coneheads". In 1993, he officially co-starred in ABC's "Grace Under Fire" with Brett Butler and Tom Poston and continued with the show for 5 seasons. In 1995 Thomas starred in ABC TV movie "Picture Perfect" with Mary Page Keller and Richard Karn. In 1996, Thomas played the title role in the Fox TV movie "Mr. Foster's Field Trip" aka "Kidz in the Wood" with Julia Duffy. In 1996, he wrote the book "SCTV: Behind the Scenes" (McClelland & Stewart, publishers). From 1999-2002, he voiced various roles on the animated series "Mission Hill". He also voiced Rex Banner in the Simpsons.