Biography

Tom Yi has lived in four countries on three continents. His formative years were spent in the South Bay area of Southern California. Attended Denver University before transferring to (LMU) Loyola Marymount University.

His work credits include numerous regional and national commercials, as well as roles in episodic television, including a recurring role on FX's The Shield (2002) as Detective Rodriguez. One of his favorite working experiences was a small role on The West Wing (1999), where he received valuable career advice from Martin Sheen.

Other notable appearances on comedy series are Monk (2002), The Office (2005), Men of a Certain Age (2009) and season four of Arrested Development (2003). Recognized for his role as Rabbi Chang, brother to Ken Jeong Señor Chang, on the NBC's Community (2009).

Comedic film credits include roles in Senior Skip Day (2008), Bridesmaids (2011) - directed by Paul Feig and This Is 40 (2012) - directed by Judd Apatow.

In 2013 he departs from comedy and plays Mr. Cali in a Science Fiction film, The Purge (2013), written and directed by James DeMonaco, starring Ethan Hawke and Lena Headey

Tom Yi's nickname was given to him by The Los Angeles Times when they misprinted his name in an article -- total of 5 letters. His family and friends often refer to him as "Yom Ti."

His high school friend and college roommate is writer, director, producer Jim Praytor who created the innovative transitions for the hit television sitcom Home Improvement (1991) starring Tim Allen.

In a Viagra commercial, he is the one who asks, "Hey, Bob, did you lose weight?"
- IMDb mini biography by: S. Touchstone