| Full name | Thomas Jeffrey Hanks |
| Birthdate | July 9, 1956 |
| Birthplace | Concord, California |
| Age | 67 |
| Height | 6‘0" |
| Net worth | $400 million |
| Social media | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram |
Thomas Hanks is a famous American actor and filmmaker known for his comedic and dramatic roles; he is an iconic figure in American culture revered for playing amiable everymen.
Early Life and Influences
Born in Concord, California, Hanks had an unstable childhood due to his parents‘ divorce when he was 5. He found solace in acting and humor, admiring comedians like Bob Hope and Sid Caesar. As a teenager, Hanks went to theater camp at Chabot College and was drawn to plays and roles that allowed him to take on various personas.
Rise to Stardom in the 1980s
After small TV roles, Hanks had his big break playing a cross-dressing protagonist in the sitcom Bosom Buddies. Though cancelled after two seasons, it got him noticed and led to starring roles in lighthearted films like Splash, Bachelor Party, The Money Pit and Big – the latter earned him his first Oscar nomination and established him as a comedic lead.
Awards Glory in the 1990s
The 1990s cemented Hanks‘ status as an A-list dramatic actor. His moving performance as a gay lawyer with AIDS in Philadelphia won him his first Best Actor Oscar. As Forrest Gump, Hanks reached peak popularity and landed his second consecutive Oscar playing the eponymous man with low IQ who unwittingly influences key historical events. The role highlighted his trademark everyman charm.
Saving Private Ryan and Other Hits
Hanks collaborated with Steven Spielberg on the World War II epic Saving Private Ryan, giving an nuanced performance as Captain John Miller leading soldiers behind enemy lines. The film further showcased his gravitas as a serious actor. He ended the decade with Toy Story 2 and a third Oscar nod for Cast Away.
Versatile Roles in the 2000s
In this decade, Hanks demonstrated his wide range in films like Catch Me If You Can and Charlie Wilson‘s War. He went dark in Road to Perdition playing a hitman with issues of fatherhood and morality. Voicing Woody in two more Toy Story films solidified their indelible bond. He garnered two more Oscar nods for playing symbologist Robert Langdon in The Da Vinci Code and lawyer in Charlie Wilson‘s War.
Recent Acclaimed Performances
In recent years, Hanks has played several real life honorable men such as Captain Phillips, pilot Sully Sullenberger, and Mister Rogers – earning his sixth Oscar nomination for the latter. He also reunited with Spielberg as Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee in The Post. Audiences worldwide eagerly await each new Tom Hanks film.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
With his 100+ film and TV credits playing diverse characters, Tom Hanks has crafted an unparalleled legacy as Hollywood‘s quintessential leading man. He represents the kind of roles and stories that resonate across generations. Hanks‘ name attached to a project guarantees a certain poignant warmth and quality. As two-time Oscar winner and the quintessential good guy on and off screen, he will forever remain an American cinematic icon cherished by audiences worldwide.