Early Life and Education
Tom Hanks was born Thomas Jeffrey Hanks on July 9, 1956, in Concord, California, to Janet Marylyn (née Frager), a hospital worker, and Amos Mefford Hanks, an itinerant cook. His parents divorced in 1960, leading to a peripatetic childhood during which he lived in ten different houses by the age of ten. Hanks attended Chabot College in Hayward, California, before transferring to California State University, Sacramento, to study theater. However, he left college early to pursue acting full-time.
Career
Early Roles and Breakthrough (1980s)
Hanks began his acting career in television, gaining recognition for his role in the sitcom 'Bosom Buddies' (1980–1982). He transitioned to film with notable performances in comedies such as 'Splash' (1984) and 'Big' (1988), the latter earning him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
Critical Acclaim and Major Success (1990s)
In the 1990s, Hanks solidified his status as a leading actor with a series of critically acclaimed performances. He won consecutive Academy Awards for Best Actor for his roles in 'Philadelphia' (1993), where he portrayed a lawyer battling AIDS, and 'Forrest Gump' (1994), depicting a man with a low IQ navigating significant historical events. Other notable films from this period include 'Saving Private Ryan' (1998) and 'The Green Mile' (1999).
Continued Success and Versatility (2000s–2010s)
Hanks continued to demonstrate his versatility with roles in 'Cast Away' (2000), earning another Academy Award nomination, and as the voice of Woody in the 'Toy Story' franchise. He collaborated frequently with director Steven Spielberg on films such as 'Catch Me If You Can' (2002) and 'Bridge of Spies' (2015). Hanks also portrayed Robert Langdon in the adaptations of Dan Brown's novels, including 'The Da Vinci Code' (2006) and 'Angels & Demons' (2009).
Recent Work (2020s)
In recent years, Hanks has taken on diverse roles, including portraying Fred Rogers in 'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood' (2019) and starring in the post-apocalyptic film 'Finch' (2021). He reunited with director Robert Zemeckis for the film 'Here' (2024), an adaptation of Richard McGuire's graphic novel.
Personal Life
Hanks married actress Samantha Lewes in 1978, with whom he had two children, Colin and Elizabeth. The couple divorced in 1987. In 1988, he married actress Rita Wilson, and they have two sons, Chester and Truman. Hanks became a Greek citizen in 2019, recognizing his contributions to raising awareness about the 2018 wildfires in Greece.
Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Hanks has received numerous accolades, including:
- –Two Academy Awards for Best Actor ('Philadelphia' and 'Forrest Gump')
- –Seven Primetime Emmy Awards for his work as a producer
- –The AFI Life Achievement Award in 2002
- –The Kennedy Center Honor in 2014
- –The Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016
Philanthropy and Public Image
Hanks is known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting causes such as AIDS research, veterans' affairs, and environmental conservation. His approachable and affable persona has earned him the nickname "America's Dad," reflecting his status as a beloved figure in American culture.
Bibliography
In addition to his acting career, Hanks authored a collection of short stories titled 'Uncommon Type,' published in 2017. The anthology comprises 17 stories, each featuring a typewriter, reflecting Hanks' personal interest in these machines.
Legacy
Tom Hanks' extensive and varied body of work, coupled with his contributions to the film industry and charitable endeavors, have solidified his legacy as one of the most respected and influential figures in Hollywood.