Tom Megalis' journey as an artist, filmmaker, and performer feels like a creative tapestry, woven with threads of humor, cultural heritage, and a deep sense of playfulness. Starting as a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, Megalis ventured into a world where Greek-American roots met American pop culture, creating a distinctive voice that effortlessly blended satire with visual art. His love for storytelling and character creation led him to produce stop-motion puppet animation for MTV, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon, adding a quirky edge to shows like The Amanda Show and Kablam!.
As a voice actor, Megalis lent his voice to Old Goat on Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood and later voicing Captain Caveman for Yabba Dabba Dinosaurs. His feature film Sonny Days Youngstown Shakedown 2 is a testament to that, winning Best Feature Comedy at the New Hope Film Festival. His work has traveled the globe, showcased at prestigious events like the Sundance and Annecy International Animation Festivals.
But there’s another side to this storyteller: his love for radio, where Megalis’ characters Lou Koumatha and Costa became regular features on Pittsburgh’s WDVE. When he took to the airwaves in Cleveland as a morning radio host on WMMS "The Buzzard," it only added another layer to his persona—one that thrived on spontaneity, humor, and the art of conversation.
His fine art, on the other hand, is a canvas where everything—traditional painting, unconventional materials, and social critique—comes together. Like his animations, his mixed-media pieces draw from the color and vibrancy of life, while also carrying a satirical lens on modern culture. Recently, his skills were sought after by private buyers and national chains like Choolaah Indian BBQ, where he produced large-scale wall art and custom carved tables that echoed his playful yet thoughtful approach to creation.
Whether in a Cleveland studio or in Palm Springs, Megalis continues to tap into personal and cultural experiences to fuel his artistic practice. Every character, every table, every burst of color seems to tell a story, inviting viewers to laugh, reflect, and see the world through his uniquely eclectic lens.
Tom Megalis is continuously redefining himself as an artist; collaborating on a variety of projects around the world.
Tom Megalis Art Testimonials
“I began collecting original paintings slowly in the early 2000s, but everything changed about a decade ago when I discovered Tom Megalis’s lively, compelling work. I dove in full steam and now own a dozen of his pieces. They dominate our living space in the best possible way—so that every morning when I leave the bedroom, every time I come home through the front door, my eyes are greeted by a personal gallery of his art.
New friends, neighbors, and even tradespeople inevitably stop to admire the collection. I’m drawn to color, contrast, and people in art, and Tom’s paintings bring all of that vividly to life.
Getting to know Tom through his funny, insightful videos deepens my enjoyment of the work. His wit and wisdom feel infused into each figure, to the point that I almost know what the subjects are thinking. In one video, Tom made an observation that perfectly captures my own experience: “Art activates a room.” He’s exactly right. If I had more wall space, I’d have more Megalis paintings.”
Barbara Schick Ellison Durham, North Carolina
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”It’s with great pleasure to personally know Tom Megalis. I’ve collected his art for several years. I’ve acquired over a dozen original paintings, including a huge commission piece. Each of Megalis’ paintings tell an individual story yet they all fully complement each other together in my residential space. I’m drawn to Megalis’ use of wood, recycled materials, color palettes, subject matters, and storytelling. Our shared Greek heritage and Megalis’ eclectic personality shine through in all of his work.”
Harry Raphtis Warren, Ohio
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”I became aware of Tom Megalis’s art through Alumni from Carnegie Mellon University. We are both graduates of the college of Fine Arts although we just missed each other. After viewing his artI knew that at the first opportunity I would purchase a painting.
Although I am a trained traditional artist, my work is commercial and trapped in realism. His work showed me vibrant creative bravery with a strong sense of love and story telling. His paintings are well textured using mixed-media, dripping and simply amazing mark making has now filled my house with color and dynamic visuals.
I look forward to continue purchasing paintings from him. Collecting Tom’s artwork has been one of my greatest joys in life. “
Patrick Shea New York
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“After I lost my beloved husband Stan, I commissioned Tom Megalis to make a series of Archangels to help in my grief. His colorful bold nearly sculptural emotional work has brought me great joy and comfort and hope. His art is beautiful, strong and incredibly unique. I have never seen archangels like Tom’s; they are like nothing else. To date I own a nine of Megalis’ works and love them all. Meeting Megalis and commissioning him for art has been an inspirational experience for me “
Jeannine Haduch Pittsburgh