The Nine Osmonds: A Deep Dive Into Tom Osmond's Siblings And His Inspiring Life Beyond The Spotlight

Few families in American entertainment history are as iconic as The Osmonds, but the full story of the nine siblings extends far beyond the stage lights and hit records. While Alan, Wayne, Merrill, Jay, Donny, Marie, and Jimmy became global superstars, the lives of the two eldest brothers, Virl and Tom Osmond, are a testament to resilience, faith, and a different kind of public service. As of December 2025, the entire Osmond clan continues to be a subject of fascination, particularly the unique path forged by Thomas Rulon Osmond, the second-oldest brother who rarely performed with the famous musical group.

The narrative of Tom Osmond and his siblings is one of extraordinary family unity, overcoming challenges, and a commitment to their values. Unlike his younger brothers who were groomed for show business, Tom’s journey was defined by his work as a dedicated activist and a long career in public service, making his life story just as compelling as any chart-topping hit. This article provides a comprehensive look at Tom Osmond's biography and the complete roster of his famous siblings.

Thomas Rulon Osmond: A Full Biography and Profile

Thomas Rulon Osmond is a respected figure within the famous Osmond family, known for his work in television production, his long-standing career in the U.S. Postal Service, and his advocacy for the deaf community. His life's work stands as an inspiring counterpoint to the dazzling careers of his performing siblings.

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• Full Name: Thomas Rulon Osmond
• Born: October 26, 1947
• Place of Birth: Ogden, Utah, U.S.
• Parents: George Virl Osmond Sr. and Olive May (Davis) Osmond
• Position in Family: Second-oldest of nine children (eight brothers, one sister)
• Key Challenge: Born with profound hearing loss, a condition also shared by his older brother, Virl.
• Career Highlights: Television producer (credits include *Donny and Marie* and *The Gift of Love*), activist for the deaf community, worked for the United States Postal Service for 28 years (retired in 2014), and served as one of the first deaf missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).
• Marriages: Married twice. First to Lyn Heslop on January 13, 1972 (divorced), and later to Carolyn Olsen in 1989.
• Children: He and Lyn Heslop had five children: Benjamin Thomas (b. 1972), Anmaree (b. 1974), Matthew, Stephen, and Jennifer. He also adopted Carolyn Olsen's children.

Tom's profound hearing loss was a major factor in his life, and while it prevented him from joining the original performing group, his parents, George and Olive Osmond, encouraged him and his brother Virl to pursue other avenues of service and contribution. He is known for his determination, often encapsulated in his personal motto: "Just Do the Best You Can."

The Complete Roster of Tom Osmond's Siblings: The Nine Children of George and Olive

Tom Osmond is one of nine children born to George and Olive Osmond. This large family, rooted in a strong faith and musical talent, produced one of the most successful entertainment dynasties of the 20th century. Tom’s siblings can be divided into the two eldest brothers who faced hearing challenges and the seven younger siblings who formed the musical group known as The Osmonds.

The nine Osmond siblings, in order of birth, are:

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1. George Virl Osmond Jr. (Virl Osmond)

Virl is the oldest of the nine Osmond children. Like Tom, Virl was born with profound hearing loss, which led him and Tom to establish the Osmond Foundation (now the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals) to help other children. Virl did not perform with the main group, but he played a crucial role behind the scenes and has been a lifelong advocate for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. He is married to Chris Osmond and has seven children.

2. Thomas Rulon Osmond (Tom Osmond)

As detailed in his biography, Tom is the second-oldest. His career focused on television production, working on the famous *Donny & Marie* show, and his long-term position with the U.S. Postal Service. He is an activist who used his platform to raise awareness and support for children with hearing loss.

3. Alan Ralph Osmond

Alan was the eldest of the performing brothers and a founding member of The Osmond Brothers. He was instrumental in the group's early success, often writing and arranging music. Alan retired from performing due to the progression of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which he has bravely battled for decades. He and his wife, Suzanne, have eight sons who have continued the family's musical legacy as the Osmond Brothers Second Generation.

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4. Melvin Wayne Osmond

Wayne was another original member of The Osmonds, known for his guitar playing and vocal talents. He was a key part of the group’s classic lineup. Wayne has maintained a lower profile in recent years but remains a beloved figure among fans of the group.

5. Merrill Davis Osmond

Merrill served as the lead singer of The Osmonds and is easily recognizable as the voice behind many of their biggest hits, including "One Bad Apple." His powerful vocals defined the group's sound. Merrill continues to tour and perform as a solo artist, keeping the Osmond music alive for new generations.

6. Jay Wesley Osmond

Jay was the group's drummer and a core member of the performing brothers. He is known for his energetic stage presence. Jay has also continued to perform and share the family's story through various projects and appearances.

7. Donald Clark Osmond (Donny Osmond)

Donny is arguably the most famous of the Osmond siblings. He rose to fame as a teen idol and later successfully transitioned into a long solo career, Broadway, and television, including hosting *Pyramid* and competing on *Dancing with the Stars*. His partnership with his sister Marie on *Donny & Marie* is legendary.

8. Olive Marie Osmond (Marie Osmond)

Marie is the only sister in the family and achieved major success as a solo artist in country music. She is famous for the hit "Paper Roses" and her variety show with Donny. Marie has also had a successful career in acting, talk shows, and as a designer of dolls.

9. James Arthur Osmond (Jimmy Osmond)

Jimmy is the youngest of the nine siblings. He began his career as a child star and later became a successful businessman and producer, owning theaters and managing various entertainment ventures. He has also continued to perform and maintains a presence in the entertainment industry.

Tom Osmond’s Resilience and Recent Health Scare

Despite his non-performing role, Tom Osmond has faced his own challenges with the same public scrutiny and family support as his famous siblings. In a significant health event that drew attention from the family's fanbase, Tom experienced a serious medical crisis a few years ago.

In 2018, Tom underwent an emergency surgery and was placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), hanging on life support. The news was shared publicly by his sister, Marie Osmond, who asked fans for their prayers and support. The family provided updates on his condition, with Donny Osmond later sharing that he was able to speak with Tom via video phone, indicating a positive step toward recovery.

This event highlighted the enduring bond among the nine Osmond siblings, demonstrating that their commitment to one another extends far beyond their professional lives. The family's public sharing of the health scare—and the subsequent good news of his recovery—reaffirmed their trademark unity and faith in the face of adversity.

The Legacy of Service: Tom and Virl’s Impact

The lives of Tom and Virl Osmond provide a powerful, often overlooked, dimension to the Osmond legacy. Their profound hearing loss was not a barrier but a catalyst for their most important work. Their parents, George and Olive, were determined that their two eldest sons would not be defined by their disability. This conviction led to the founding of the Osmond Foundation, which evolved into the internationally recognized Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

Tom's personal journey as one of the first deaf missionaries for the LDS Church further exemplifies his commitment to service and his ability to transcend physical limitations. His work as an activist and his long-term employment with the U.S. Postal Service show a life dedicated to stability, community, and quiet impact, contrasting with the high-octane careers of his younger brothers and sister. Tom Osmond’s life, alongside his siblings, proves that while the spotlight shines on a few, the entire family contributes to a legacy of faith, resilience, and profound influence on the world.