Tom Tyler: Not your average Hollywood neighbor

One of the most surprising things about Tom Tyler during his early years of success in Hollywood was that he was not quite like other stars. In fact, when he did finally buy a house in Hollywood, it was simple in design, a typical California Spanish style split-level house, according to his biography, The Tom Tyler Story by Mike Chapman. It was an ideal house for the budding star, being single and unmarried with no immediate prospects in sight, and easy to take care of. Tom most likely had some hired help for cleaning, but what is known of his domestic habits is that he enjoyed cooking (especially sirloin tips) and cabinet making (he converted the basement into a workroom). In short, his house was not exactly a mansion by then-Hollywood standards outfitted with the latest décor for mass entertainment. Tom Tyler was not known for being a partygoer nor hosting massive parties with the growing Hollywood elite. If he was doing anything late at night, it was watching movies, instead of being in bed at 8 PM so he could rise before the crack of dawn to arrive at the studio fresh and chipper.

Ditto for his motor vehicle of choice. It is presently unknown what type of car he owned back in the day but according to the article published in The Warren Tribune (Warren, PA, July 14, 1926) it was not the most expensive, sleekest car recently manufactured for the wealthiest Hollywood figure. Chances are Tom's car was stylish to his own taste, clean, but then so was your average car-owning American.

One has to wonder if Tom Tyler even bothered to think about keeping up with the Joneses. It seems like he was happy doing his own thing when he was in Hollywood (it is probably a safe bet to say he was in Hollywood, versus being a part of Hollywood). Of course, no doubt his neighbors appreciated him too, since they did not have to worry about Tom holding wild parties at night, disturbing the peace, and property damage taking place. Tom had a reputation for being somewhat quiet and shy, which are admirable qualities in anyone. Did I mention part of his own thing was pumping iron, setting and breaking weightlifting records? Now that is something to put on a Hollywood resume to impress producers and directors.