Piri Thomas was born on September 30, 1928 in East Harlem, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA as Juan Pedro Tomas. He was an actor and writer, known for Every Child Is Born a Poet: The Life and Work of Piri Thomas (2002), Sabado Morning (2003) and Independent Lens (1999). He was married to Suzie Dod, Betty Elder and Daniela Calo.