Tom Bodett

Tom Bodett – Life, Career, and Memorable Wisdom

Tom Bodett – American author, radio personality, and the friendly voice behind Motel 6’s slogan. Explore his life story, career, writings, and famous quotes.

Introduction

Thomas Edward “Tom” Bodett (born February 23, 1955) is an American author, voice actor, radio host, and columnist known for his warm, folksy style and his longtime role as the spokesman for Motel 6, with the signature line, “I’m Tom Bodett for Motel 6, and we’ll leave the light on for you.”

Beyond that iconic voice, Bodett has authored numerous books, contributed to radio and television, and built a reputation for authenticity, storytelling, and humanness in his public persona. His words often reflect simplicity, honesty, and reflective humor.

Early Life and Background

Tom Bodett was born in Champaign, Illinois, on February 23, 1955. Sturgis, Michigan. His childhood and upbringing—rooted in small-town life—shaped the grounded, unpretentious voice he later brought to his work.

Over time, Bodett gravitated toward creative pursuits: writing, broadcasting, and engaging with rural and wilderness settings, including Alaska, which became a significant influence in his life and writing.

Career and Achievements

Motel 6 Spokesperson and Voice Work

In 1986, Bodett’s voice took on national recognition when he was hired to record a commercial for Motel 6. He ad-libbed the now-famous tagline:

“I’m Tom Bodett for Motel 6, and we’ll leave the light on for you.”

His warm, conversational tone and authenticity resonated with audiences, and he continued to serve as the company’s spokesperson for decades.

He also contributed voiceovers to wake-up calls and other audio media associated with Motel 6.

Writing & Books

Bodett is a prolific writer, covering memoir, fiction, children’s literature, and nonfiction. Some of his notable works include:

• As Far As You Can Go Without a Passport (1985)

• Small Comforts (1987)

• The End of the Road (1989)

• The Free Fall of Webster Cummings (1996)

• Norman Tuttle on the Last Frontier (2004)

• Williwaw! (children’s book, 1999)

• America’s Historic Trails (1997)

He has also contributed essays, columns, and radio programs.

On radio, Bodett hosted programs such as The End of the Road and Bodett & Company, and has appeared as a panelist on NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!.

Later Projects & Community Involvement

After moving to Vermont, Bodett became involved in woodworking and community initiatives. He co-founded HatchSpace, a nonprofit collaborative workshop in Brattleboro.

He has also engaged in local governance (e.g. serving on town boards) and energy policy commissions in Vermont.

In more recent years, Bodett has had legal and public attention related to his long-term voice contract with Motel 6. In 2025, he filed a lawsuit against the chain, claiming it failed to pay a yearly contract payment.

Personality, Style & Themes

Tom Bodett’s public voice is characterized by:

• Warmth and authenticity: He often writes and speaks in a conversational, down-to-earth manner.

• Reflection on place and nature: Much of his writing is rooted in rural life, wilderness, and small communities—especially Alaska.

• Light humor with depth: His quotes and prose often combine a wry wit with underlying wisdom or gentle observation.

• Unpretentiousness: He often emphasizes simplicity, honesty, and resistance to pretense.

These traits contribute to why his voice resonated in both advertising and literature; there is a sense that you are hearing a real person rather than a polished persona.

Famous Quotes

Here are some memorable quotes by Tom Bodett that reflect his worldview and expressions:

“They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for.”

“In school, you’re taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson.”

“The difference between an optimist and a pessimist? An optimist laughs to forget, but a pessimist forgets to laugh.”

“You can make a new friend but you can’t make an old one.”

“I’m Tom Bodett for Motel 6, and we’ll leave the light on for you.”

“I’m real. I believe what I’m saying. If Motel 6 wasn’t the type of operation they say it is — and I stay at them when I travel — I wouldn’t do their commercials.”

“It’s not like Alaska isn’t wilderness — it mostly is. But most Alaskans don’t live in the wild. They live on the edge of the wild…”

These quotes offer glimpses into his values: connection, realism, humor, and fidelity to experience.

Lessons & Insights from Tom Bodett

1. Speak with authenticity. Bodett’s success as a voice, writer, and public figure hinges on sounding real—being yourself rather than performing.

2. Embrace simplicity. In both writing and life, clarity and modesty can resonate more than flash or artifice.

3. Value place and context. Many of his works draw deeply from nature, landscape, and small-town life, showing how environment shapes perspective.

4. Blend humor with truth. His ability to invest light phrasing with deeper meaning helps communication stay approachable yet profound.

5. Consistency matters. His long relationship with Motel 6, and continued work across media, reflect commitment and evolving relevance.

Conclusion

Tom Bodett remains a singular figure: at once a storyteller, public voice, writer, and craftsman. From Michigan upbringing to Alaskan adventures, from radio microphones to woodworking benches, his life reflects a devotion to sincerity, humility, and place. His words—simple yet resonant—remind us that meaning often lies in small moments, honest speech, and the daily rhythms of life.