News and Updates
Modelling Trivia Time
Sat February 18th 2006 @ 11:41PM - James - Tom Welling - 10 Comments
There's one particular question about Tom's time as a model that I'm frequently asked, and it's a question that I receive so often that I thought it would be a good idea to answer it here: How old was Tom when he started modelling? Most of the time you'll read or hear that he was 21 when he was approached, and even Tom himself has said that's how old he was; so why do I always go against the grain and say that he was 20?
Tom's first modelling job was for the Christmas 1997 edition of Abercrombie & Fitch Quarterly (pictures to your left), with the shoot taking place during the spring/summer of 1997. If Tom was really born in April 1977 there's no way he could have been 21 in 1997; for that to be possible he would have to be a year older than he claims to be! Granted, celebrities aren't exactly known for being honest about their age ...
Moreover, he was approached by the model scout in the spring: if he was approached before April 26th he would have only been 19!
So there's the answer as to why I like to be disagreeable. Either Tom was under 21, or I'll eat my sweater. I should probably add this to the FAQ.
Comments
Sun February 19th 2006 @ 4:09AM GMT - Barb - E-Mail
What a doll he was even then. Isn't that Ashton Kutcher with him in the last picture?
Sun February 19th 2006 @ 5:47AM GMT - Jenna
It's safe to say that long hair definitely doesn't suit Tom. That second picture looks shocking!
Sun February 19th 2006 @ 6:02PM GMT - Nicki
Well, ain't that cute?! Thanks for posting these pictures, they are hilarous and fun. It definitely reminds me of my teenage years when I used to get the A&F magazine.
The dude with him looks like Ashton Kutcher; do you think that's when they met?
Sun February 19th 2006 @ 7:42PM GMT - Terri Gostola - E-Mail
May I please inquire how you have such excellent knowledge of Tom, his history, and his current activities? Do you know a family member? I'm thinking from your posts on Tom's brother you may be an old school friend. Is my guess way off?
Sun February 19th 2006 @ 9:01PM GMT - James - E-Mail - URL
Way, way off. I'm just a fan like every one else. 
And to answer the burning question, that is when Tom first met Ashton.
Mon February 20th 2006 @ 5:02PM GMT - Melanie
Maybe he didn't start pursuing a career until the following year? Who knows, I've always assumed he was 20 ... maybe Tom can't add. 
Mon February 20th 2006 @ 7:23PM GMT - Jen
This explains the baby fat. 
Mon February 20th 2006 @ 11:48PM GMT - Amie
So how old is Tom then? If he was born in 1977 he must be 28 ... I don't get how he looks so young on Smallville.
Tue February 21st 2006 @ 7:11PM GMT - Arista
He looks like a little baby! Fun stuff. Thanks, James.
Thu February 23rd 2006 @ 2:15PM GMT - Stacey C. - E-Mail
Thank you so much for sharing these pictures. I was curious about his modelling days - what a sweetheart! I'm glad he's not into modelling any more, though; he has so much more to offer.