Trivia

Was shot and killed by his wife, former Playboy model and actress Saundra Edwards, during a domestic dispute. Gilson and Edwards had recently separated. His death was later ruled justified homicide by a coroner's jury after it was learned he broke into her home drunk and threatened to kill her and her children.

Was a good friend of Steve McQueen. McQueen served as a pallbearer at his funeral.

Known for playing Elvis Presley-like characters in films and on TV.

Was discovered in 1953 by director Henry Hathaway, who gave him an uncredited role in his film Prince Valiant (1954) starring Robert Wagner.

Interred at Forest Lawn (Glendale), Glendale, California, USA, in the Dawn of Tomorrow section, lot #998.

Had two stepchildren from wife Saundra Edwards' previous marriage.

Baptized Thomas Peter, Confirmed, Daniel Gilson. At the time of his death, he left a son, Tom Jr., brother Robert and sister Anne. No other family.