Personal life
Sullivan was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of Marie C. (née Kelly) and Thomas J. Sullivan, who owned a saloon. Tom Sullivan Biography (1947-) His premature birth caused him to need oxygen treatment while in an incubator. Though the treatment saved his life, he was given too much oxygen, which caused permanent blindness, a condition now known as retinopathy of prematurity.
He enjoys golfing, skiing, skydiving and running. Sullivan has 2 children with his wife, Patricia. Sullivan once saved his infant daughter, Blythe, from drowning in the family pool by listening for air bubbles.
Career
Sullivan has worked as an author, composer, motivational speaker, and singer, as well as an actor, director, and producer. Sullivan also sang The Star-Spangled Banner, the national anthem of the United States, at Super Bowl X, and the 1976 Indianapolis 500. He had a recurring role on
Highway to Heaven as Frank Riley, who ultimately marries Priscilla Barnes's character. Among the songs Sullivan has written and performed are "All the Colors Of the Heart," which was used as the theme for his debut episode of
Highway to Heaven.A movie based on events of his college years was produced. If You Could See What I Hear starred Marc Singer as Sullivan.
Awards
- Won the American Foundation for the Blind's "Helen Keller Achievement Award" in 1997. The American Foundation for the Blind Helen Keller Achievement Award Recipients - American Foundation for the Blind