Brian Baumruk Collins

TTHS 1960

St. Joseph Grade School

After graduating from Thornton in 1960 (last class from Homewood), I went to the Naval Academy in Annapolis where I played football, ran track, and boxed. After graduation I went into the nuclear power program, and then submarines, where I spent a couple of tours in the South China Sea off Vietnam. I spent my last four years in the Navy as an advisor, instructor, and admiral's aid at Moffett Field near San Jose. During my military career I traveled extensively, including most of Europe, the Caribbean, the Far East, Morocco, Australia, and Brazil.

I left the service in 1973 and stumbled into acting and modeling. My first job was a play in San Francisco that starred Jimmy Doohan…Scottie in Star Trek. I also did the cover of Playgirl, and frequently appeared in Playboy…ah, the salad days! I remained in Northern California, commuting frequently to LA and Chicago for work until late 1982. During that period I acted in General Hospital, The Young and The Restless, Falconcrest, Emergency, and a number of films. Also did improv, news, special events, telethons, commercials, and European speaking tours. I moved to Southern California in 1982 to continue my acting career, and got married in San Diego in 1995.

For fun I used to camp, kayak, cross-country ski, and run competitively, with several sub-three hour marathons. Now I hike, bike, lift, and play basketball, including the Senior Olympics. I still do TV commercials and corporate films - 300 and counting - theatre (here and Europe) and teach speakers to use the actor’s secret (www.earprompter.com) to give presentations word-for-word with no memorizing or notes.

My name was Brian (Colin) Baumruk during my school days. It is now Brian Baumruk Collins, the name I've been using as an actor since 1973 (No one could pronounce Baumruk).

Terah and I moved to Florence, Oregon in 2020 after being on the road all over Washington, Oregon, and northern California for four years trying to figure out our next move. We Kayak (25 lakes locally), hike, bike, and I volunteer at the local radio station interviewing bands and local figures, and I write and record PSAs. Is there a reunion on the horizon?

Actor/spokesman/video producer/presentations coach

I am so looking forward to seeing you all. I went to St. Joseph grade school with many of you, played Little League and Pony League with others, went to Thornton for a few years with some of you, and just hanging out as a kid in the H-F area bumped into the rest. Looking at your pictures, I remember almost all of you, and I can hardly wait until September.

I love these reunions, and look forward to reconnecting with you all in September.