- [Speaking about how Vine has affected his career in show business] Having Vine take me places - I went to Los Angeles, I went to Canada, I was on The View - and all because I'm on my phone too much.
- [about how being a stage actor helped him build his comedy on Vine] I was into theater way before Vine. Theater has always been my passion and my dream, so I had done a lot of theater before - I think nearly 20 shows - before I got into making Vines. I borrowed a lot of my own theatricalities for the Vines. In fact, I think I was the only one chalking up character acting and singing and nerdy humor, and that was my niche and that's how I took off. So I owe a lot of my success on Vine to theater, to stage performance, and now I am able to borrow back and forth.
- [speaking about real life encouraging words he has received from his followers] It always takes me aback that the videos I make can positively affect someone somewhere in the world, and then to see them face-to-face thanking me just makes it all the more corporeal. I've been to a few State Thespian competitions where individuals have come up thanking me for bringing some representation to the LGBTQIA community in comedy without making their identity the butt of the joke, which unfortunately happens so much in social media. I have been messaged by some students that their sign language teachers really appreciated my use of sign language in some vines to represent the Deaf/Hard of Hearing community. And I've also had a student write to me that their teacher used my Vine about mental health to start a conversation in their classroom, which absolutely amazes me.
- [when asked what was something fans did not know about him] I am remarkably an introvert. I really do like my alone time, I think a lot of people online like their alone time, whether they like to admit it or not. Being in the public for too long, it's draining. It's also nice to have your alone time to refresh and recharge.
- [about how he does cope with critics and internet trolls] Thats a really good question. Honestly, I've learned pretty fast that a lot of comments you kind of just have to tune out. The important thing that I try to do is give an ear to those who send me positive feedback. I don't give my attention to the people who have something negative to say. I think I'm lucky I'm coming from a point where I'm a little bit older and I'm able to put myself in that position. They might be coming from a place of jealousy, they're not in a good place in their own heart, and you can't give into that negativity.
- [about what advice he would give to people who look up to him] We don't give young people enough credit, for how smart they are, and how [worldly] they are. And also how much stress they have, how much they have to live with. Now with the internet, there's an added pressure of identity and criticism, and they really need to take that into consideration. For them, I want to say: Don't let other people tell you how you should be. Or who to be. Don't let people make you feel lesser than the amazing person that you are, because it's just such a shame. There are so many sweethearts out there and they should never be made to feel as sad as they are being made to feel. It's a shame. I just want to be there to offer their support.
- [about what's the message he wants to spread to his fans] I want kids to understand that they have the power to conduct their own story, that they are the protagonists of their own narratives. I think that people try to tell others how they should be and how they should live and what their lives should be like. They need to remember that they have the power to write their own stories, and to be who they are.
- [about the shut down of Vine] It's definitely, definitely an emotional day. It's kind of like that last day of school where people are reminiscing. It's bittersweet because I know these and how talented they are. They are going to keep on doing amazing things. But it's kind of sad that the app that got me started, that started this whole career, is shutting down.
- Keep in mind the power you hold as an individual. You all are capable of creating beautiful art, inspiring written word, and plans for change in this world. Do not let anyone convince you one person can't make a difference.
- [Published on the National Coming Out Day, 2018] Seven years of being out of the closet. Although I'm still figuring myself out, I at least am so happy to be more comfortable with my sexuality! If you haven't come out yet, don't worry! You'll come out when you're ready and it's the right time for you.
- [about the experience of coming out as gay] I still remember the fear I had when I told friends that I was gay because I knew there was no turning back. I've not regretted a day since. I had a support system and it was the right time for me. Coming out isn't a race and there'll be a time when you'll be ready to take that leap.
- [after a long day of backstage work with nothing published] Ugh!! I get so frustrated when a ton of work gets done in a day, but nothing is able to be shown or posted yet. Especially when I was /planning/ on posting at least a short today, but other work took over. I'll get something out to you guys soon, promise!
[after reading responses from his followers encouraging him to rest and not overwork himself and telling him they care about his health more than him rushing out to publish a video, among other responses] And it's at these times after I've vented that I'm reminded I'm dealing with some of the sweetest freakin people in the world. Thank you all so much for your sweet words. I just know it's nice to provide some small bit of content that might make you smile, so I try to do that. - [speaking on Twitter about when he suffered from bullying in middle school] I think much of my self worth issues can be traced as far back as my early days in school. One kid in middle school once said, "No one likes Thomas, because he's... Thomas." It's wild how that can still stick with a person years later. Try your best to be kind to one another. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't and still am anything but perfect. I was an eccentric kid for sure. But being aware of what you say to one another can really go a long way. That's a lesson even younger me needed to be reminded of.
[after receiving hundreds of tweets showing him love and support] By the way, you all are the sweetest sweethearts for all the things you're tweeting at me right now. You're far too kind, and trust me, I thank God each day for the kindness you all show to me. I know how lucky I am here and now and feel so fortunate, so don't you worry. - [on a tweet from 2013] You don't stop having fun because you get old. You get old because you stop having fun.
- [on a tweet from 2022] "God help me, I'm gonna always try approaching things with kindness."
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content