Tom Hanks

ABOUT

Tom Hanks is an American actor and filmmaker known for his extensive and varied career in the entertainment industry. Born on July 9, 1956, in Concord, California, Hanks has become one of Hollywood's most respected and beloved actors. His performances in a wide variety of genres have earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards, including two consecutive Academy Awards for Best Actor for his roles in "Philadelphia" (1993) and "Forrest Gump" (1994).

Hanks has appeared in some of the most popular and critically acclaimed films of the past few decades, including "Big" (1988), "Sleepless in Seattle" (1993), "Saving Private Ryan" (1998), "Cast Away" (2000), and the Toy Story series, where he voiced the character of Woody. His work not only spans multiple genres but also encompasses successful ventures into writing, producing, and directing.

BEFORE FAME

Hanks developed an interest in acting during high school and pursued theater while attending Chabot College in Hayward, California. He later transferred to California State University, Sacramento. In 1978, he dropped out of college to take an internship at the Great Lakes Theater Festival in Cleveland, Ohio, which provided him invaluable experience in classic plays that shaped his foundational skills as an actor.

His early career was characterized by work in television, most notably with his breakout role in the sitcom "Bosom Buddies" (1980-1982), where he portrayed a man who, along with his friend, dresses as a woman to live in an affordable all-female hotel.

TRIVIA

• Hanks is known for his distinctive voice and has lent it to numerous animated and documentary films.
• He has collaborated frequently with director Steven Spielberg, including on "Saving Private Ryan" and the mini-series "Band of Brothers" and "The Pacific."
• In addition to his two Academy Awards for Best Actor, Hanks has also won Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Emmy Awards.
• He has a keen interest in the space program and even produced and hosted the miniseries "From the Earth to the Moon."
• Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, became Greek Orthodox Christians and have been long-time supporters of various charitable organizations.

FAMILY LIFE

Tom Hanks has been married twice. His first marriage was to actress Samantha Lewes in 1978; they had two children, Colin and Elizabeth. The couple divorced in 1987. In 1988, he married actress Rita Wilson, with whom he has two sons, Chester and Truman.

He is known for maintaining a relatively private and low-key personal life, despite his high-profile career. Hanks and Wilson have publicly supported each other’s careers and endeavors, and they are widely regarded as one of Hollywood's most stable and enduring couples.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Tom Hanks has worked with some of the most talented names in the entertainment industry. Notably, he has a long-standing professional relationship with director Steven Spielberg. Some other significant collaborators include director Robert Zemeckis, with whom he made "Forrest Gump" and "Cast Away," and his frequent co-star, Meg Ryan, with whom he has shared the screen in multiple romantic comedies, including "Sleepless in Seattle" and "You've Got Mail."

Additionally, Hanks is connected to the broader artistic community through his participation in various philanthropic ventures and his work as a producer. His influence and impact on Hollywood go beyond acting, marking him as a versatile and continually relevant figure in the world of cinema.