Philip Michael Thomas

Despite having vanished into virtual obscurity in the 1990's, actor Philip Michael Thomas continued to hold a special place in the hearts of many for personifying Detective Ricardo "Rico" Tubbs on one of the most influential cop shows of its time, "Miami Vice" (NBC, 1984-89). One of the most recognized television stars of the eighties, Thomas, along with co-star Don Johnson, helped define the look of "cool" for an entire era with his role on the highly stylized program. His Tubbs not only influenced a decade of fashion designers, but also helped redefine the accepted image of the African-American television hero for a new generation.