Tom Hanks

Overview

Thomas Jeffrey Hanks, known globally as Tom Hanks, is an American actor and filmmaker renowned for his versatile and acclaimed performances in both comedic and dramatic roles. Born on July 9, 1956, Hanks has established himself as one of the most popular and recognizable film stars worldwide, earning numerous awards and honors throughout his career.

Main Milestones

Birth

July 9, 1956

Tom Hanks was born in Concord, California, to Janet Marylyn Frager and Amos Mefford Hanks. His early life was marked by frequent moves due to his father's itinerant career as a cook.

Early Education and Theater

1970s

Hanks attended high school in Oakland and later enrolled in junior college before transferring to the theater program at California State University. During his summers, he acted and worked at the Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival in Ohio.

Move to New York and Early TV Roles

1980

Hanks dropped out of college and moved to New York City, where he was cast as Kip Wilson on the ABC sitcom "Bosom Buddies". This role marked his breakthrough in television and led to guest appearances on shows like "Happy Days", "Taxi", "The Love Boat", and "Family Ties".

Film Debut and Rising Fame

1984

Hanks starred in Ron Howard's film "Splash" opposite Daryl Hannah, which was his first major film role. This collaboration with Howard would be the first of many successful projects between the two.

Star-Making Role in "Big"

1988

Hanks' performance in Penny Marshall's "Big" earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. This film established him as a major Hollywood talent and a box-office draw.

Academy Award for "Philadelphia"

1993

Hanks won his first Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of a lawyer with AIDS in Jonathan Demme's "Philadelphia". This role marked a significant shift in his career towards more dramatic roles.

Consecutive Academy Awards for "Forrest Gump"

1994

Hanks won his second consecutive Academy Award for Best Actor for his title role in Robert Zemeckis's "Forrest Gump". This achievement made him only the second actor to win back-to-back Oscars, after Spencer Tracy.

Directorial Debut with "That Thing You Do!"

1996

Hanks made his directorial and screenwriting debut with the film "That Thing You Do", a comedy about a one-hit wonder band in the 1960s. This marked his transition into behind-the-camera roles in addition to acting.

Critical Acclaim for "Cast Away"

2000

Hanks starred in Robert Zemeckis's "Cast Away", a film about a man stranded on a deserted island. His performance earned him another Academy Award nomination and highlighted his ability to carry a film solo.

Kennedy Center Honor

2014

Hanks was awarded the Kennedy Center Honor, recognizing his contributions to American culture through the performing arts.

Presidential Medal of Freedom

2016

Hanks was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, the highest civilian honor in the United States, for his contributions to the arts and his philanthropic work.

Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award

2020

Hanks received the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award for his outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.