Thomas Barbusca is an American actor born on March 3, 2003, in New Jersey, where he spent his early childhood before relocating to Los Angeles with his family.
Of 100% Italian descent, with his surname pronounced “Bar-boos-ka,” Barbusca entered the entertainment industry at a young age, inspired by familial ties to the craft.
Known for his distinctive ginger hair and versatile performances, he has built a reputation as a promising talent in Hollywood, blending comedic timing with dramatic depth across television and film.
Siblings
Thomas shares a close bond with his older sister, Brielle Barbusca, who has been a pivotal influence in his life and career.
Born in the same New Jersey family to parents Louie and Debra Barbusca, the siblings grew up supporting each other’s ambitions in the entertainment world.
Brielle, an established actress and influencer, began her professional path earlier, booking a series regular role as the daughter of Debra Messing’s character in the USA Network miniseries The Starter Wife in 2007, which prompted the family’s move to Los Angeles when Thomas was just six years old.
Brielle has since appeared in notable projects like Modern Family, Bones, Royal Pains, and Hope & Faith, earning multiple Young Artist Awards between 2013 and 2016 for her television work, including a win for Best Supporting Actress in Bones.
The two have even collaborated professionally, such as in a Build-A-Bear commercial alongside Victoria Justice.
Career
By age six, Barbusca had become a sought-after talent for ad campaigns, securing spots in award-winning advertisements for brands like Domino’s, Ford, Kraft, JCPenney, and Lunchables, which showcased his photogenic appeal and early ease in front of the camera.
Transitioning to television, Barbusca made his mark with guest appearances on popular shows such as Body of Proof on ABC, The New Girl on FOX, Sam & Cat on Nickelodeon, Anger Management on FX, and The Thundermans on Nickelodeon, demonstrating his range in both comedic and dramatic contexts.
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Recurring roles soon followed, including stints on The New Normal for NBC and Grey’s Anatomy for ABC, where he played Link McNeil, earning early industry notice for his poise opposite seasoned performers.
A pivotal breakthrough came in 2015 with his role as the sarcastic camper Drew in Netflix’s Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp, a reboot of the cult classic, where his witty one-liners positioned him as one of the series’ breakout stars.
This momentum carried into 2016, when he starred as Rafe Khatchadorian in the CBS Films adaptation Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life, based on James Patterson’s bestselling book series, blending physical comedy with heartfelt moments.
That same year, Barbusca recurred as Chris Schenck on AMC’s Preacher, directed by Seth Rogen, and appeared in FX’s American Horror Story: Hotel, further diversifying his portfolio in horror and dark humor.
He even lent his charm to the 2015-2016 Geico commercial campaign, portraying a timeless Peter Pan at a high school reunion.
Barbusca’s defining television role arrived in 2017 as Chip Pemberton, the scheming middle child in FOX’s sitcom The Mick, opposite Kaitlin Olson, where he honed his skills in ensemble comedy over two seasons, contributing to the show’s cult following for its irreverent family dynamics.
Post-The Mick, he starred in the 2019 Sundance hit Big Time Adolescence alongside Pete Davidson, playing a teen navigating risky influences, which premiered to strong reviews for its raw take on coming-of-age turmoil.
In 2022, he joined the Netflix thriller Luckiest Girl Alive as Arthur Finnerman, supporting Mila Kunis in a story of trauma and revenge, solidifying his transition to more mature, film-centric projects.
Recent credits include roles in TBS’s Chad as a series regular, Netflix’s upcoming teen comedy Incoming with Bobby Cannavale, and guest spots on One Day at a Time and The Studio.
At 22, Barbusca continues to balance indie films, streaming series, and high-profile ensembles, with his career marked by a steady ascent driven by innate talent and strategic choices.
Accolades
Barbusca received six nominations across various projects, reflecting his consistent impact as a young actor.
His sole win came for his recurring role on Grey’s Anatomy, where he was celebrated for bringing emotional depth to his character amid the medical drama’s high-stakes narratives.
Additional nominations highlighted his work in The Mick, underscoring his comedic prowess as Chip Pemberton, and other early television appearances that showcased his versatility.
Beyond formal awards, Barbusca’s commercial endeavors earned acclaim, with several campaigns lauded for their creativity and effectiveness, though specific industry honors for those are not detailed publicly.
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