Film and Television

Begin with Tom’s Story on

Prophetic Voices

Hear Tom Sawyer share his near-death experience in the 1979 documentary with Dr. Kenneth Ring. This documentary contains the earliest known video recording of Tom recounting his near-death experience. The story behind the interview is also discussed in his first book, What Tom Sawyer Learned from Dying.

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The Phil Donahue Show

Near-Death Experiencers

Phil Donahue interviewed a number of near-death experiencers on his show in 1988. Unbeknownst to the lady sitting next to him, Tom had reached out to her in spirit when she faced death on the 1985 hijacked plane EgyptAir Flight 648. This video is available on Facebook only.

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Oprah

NDE Podcast with Doctor

Tom appeared on the Oprah show where he was briefly interviewed by her in 1986. Oprah recently republished the segment when interviewing Dr. Bruce Greyson in 2025 on her podcast about his new book “After“, in which he writes about Tom Sawyer.

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Unsolved Mysteries

Near-Death Experiences

In 1989, Tom and his family were invited to be featured in a Near-Death Experiences episode on Unsolved Mysteries. His family participated in a reenactment of the accident in which Tom was trapped beneath his truck.

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Sanctuary of the Beloved

Tom’s Video Tapes

This eight-part video collection features Tom Sawyer of America in a series of in-depth interviews conducted by Carol Scoville between July 1989 and January 1991.

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Tom’s Recommended

Full Feature Films

Just like any of us, Tom enjoyed watching movies. Here’s a list of movies that came up in convesations with Tom, some of which are now free to watch online.

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Full List of Film and Television Appearances

As listed in Tom’s first book, “What Tom Sawyer Learned from Dying”.

  • “Prophetic Voices,” Dr. Kenneth Ring, Ph.D. 1982. American Journal of Nursing Co. Education Services Media Festival. Commercial film about Tom Sawyer and four other Near-Death Experiencers, Produced by Andrew Silver, 1982.
  • 20/20, ABC News Magazine with Steve Fox. 1982. ABC News at 6:00 and 10:00 p.m., Channel 13, WOKR, Rochester, New York, 1982.
  • CBS Nightwatch with Bruce Greyson, Ph.D. 1982.
  • “Open Door” with Rev. Daniel Chesbro (three separate appearances on a cable broadcast, shown five times), 1983.
  • Afternoon Exchange, with Charles Flynn, Ph.D. Columbus.
  • The Last Word, ABC Nightly News, 1983.
  • Morning Break, with Don Alhart, Live plus call-in. 1983.
  • The Oprah Winfrey Show, 1986.
  • The Phil Donahue Show, 1988.
  • The Geraldo Show, 1989.
  • Unsolved Mysteries, 1989.
  • Good Morning America, 1990.