Tom studied the Stanislavsky Method of acting under his father, Jovan Popovic at the King's Opera House in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. Born in Belgrade, he came to the United States at the age of fifteen.

He attended school in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, Salzburg, Austria, Chicago and Los Angeles. Tom also served in the U.S. Army in Korea.

He enjoys snow skiing, soccer, ping pong, tennis, swimming, and track and field.