Tom Hanks is one of Hollywood’s most beloved and versatile actors. Known for his everyman appeal and a career spanning over four decades, Hanks has left an indelible mark on the film industry. Here, we look into 20 interesting facts about this iconic actor.

1. Early Life: Thomas Jeffrey Hanks was born on July 9, 1956, in Concord, California. His father was a cook, and his mother was a hospital worker.
2. Family Background: Hanks’ parents divorced when he was five years old. He lived with his father and moved frequently, attending 10 different schools by the time he was 10.
3. Theater Roots: Hanks developed his love for acting during high school and later studied theater at Chabot College in Hayward, California, before transferring to California State University, Sacramento.
4. Early Career: Hanks began his acting career with small roles in television shows such as “The Love Boat” and “Happy Days”.
5. Breakthrough Role: His breakthrough role came in the 1984 romantic comedy “Splash”, directed by Ron Howard. The film’s success catapulted Hanks to stardom.
6. Diverse Roles: Hanks has played a wide range of characters, from the comedic lead in “Big” to the dramatic role of a AIDS-stricken lawyer in “Philadelphia”.
7. Academy Awards: Hanks has won two consecutive Academy Awards for Best Actor, for his roles in “Philadelphia” (1993) and “Forrest Gump” (1994).
8. Box Office Success: Hanks has starred in several box office hits, including “Saving Private Ryan”, “Cast Away”, and the “Toy Story” series.
9. Voice Acting: Hanks is also known for his voice work as Woody in the beloved “Toy Story” franchise, a role he has voiced since 1995.
10. Directorial Debut: In 1996, Hanks made his directorial debut with “That Thing You Do!”, a film about a one-hit-wonder band in the 1960s.
11. Production Company: Hanks co-founded the production company Playtone in 1998. The company has produced several acclaimed projects, including “Band of Brothers” and “Mamma Mia!”
12. Television Work: Hanks has also made significant contributions to television, both as an actor and a producer. He starred in the HBO miniseries “From the Earth to the Moon” and “Band of Brothers”.
13. Humanitarian Efforts: Hanks is known for his humanitarian work. He has supported various causes, including AIDS research, cancer support, and environmental conservation.
14. Historical Interests: Hanks has a keen interest in history, which is reflected in his involvement in numerous historical films and documentaries.
15. Author: In addition to his film career, Hanks is an author. He published a collection of short stories titled “Uncommon Type” in 2017.
16. Personal Life: Hanks has been married to actress Rita Wilson since 1988. The couple has two sons, Chester and Truman. Hanks also has two children, Colin and Elizabeth, from his first marriage to Samantha Lewes.
17. Greek Citizenship: In 2020, Hanks and his wife were granted honorary Greek citizenship in recognition of their efforts to help the victims of a deadly wildfire near Athens in 2018.
18. NASA Enthusiast: Hanks is an avid space enthusiast and serves on the Board of Governors for the National Space Society.
19. Typewriter Collection: Hanks has a passion for vintage typewriters and owns a collection of over 250 models.
20. COVID-19: In March 2020, Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson were among the first celebrities to publicly announce they had tested positive for COVID-19. They have since recovered and continued to promote health and safety measures.

The Life and Career of Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks, born Thomas Jeffrey Hanks on July 9, 1956, in Concord, California, is one of the most revered actors in Hollywood. Raised in a family that frequently moved, Hanks attended ten different schools by the time he was ten years old. His parents, a cook and a hospital worker, divorced when he was five, leading him to live with his father.

Hanks found his passion for acting during high school, which he later pursued at Chabot College in Hayward, California, and subsequently at California State University, Sacramento. His acting career began with small television roles, including appearances on “The Love Boat” and “Happy Days”.

His breakthrough came with the 1984 romantic comedy “Splash”, directed by Ron Howard, which brought him widespread recognition. This success paved the way for a versatile career where Hanks demonstrated his range through diverse roles. Notable performances include his comedic role in “Big” and his dramatic portrayal of a lawyer battling AIDS in “Philadelphia”.

Hanks’ talent earned him two consecutive Academy Awards for Best Actor for “Philadelphia” (1993) and “Forrest Gump” (1994). His ability to connect with audiences contributed to the success of numerous films, such as “Saving Private Ryan”, “Cast Away”, and the “Toy Story” series, where he voiced the beloved character Woody.

In 1996, Hanks expanded his repertoire by making his directorial debut with “That Thing You Do!”, a film about a 1960s one-hit-wonder band. He also co-founded the production company Playtone in 1998, which produced acclaimed projects like “Band of Brothers” and “Mamma Mia!”

Hanks’ contributions extend to television, where he starred in and produced HBO miniseries such as “From the Earth to the Moon” and “Band of Brothers”. Beyond his film and television work, Hanks is known for his humanitarian efforts, supporting causes like AIDS research, cancer support, and environmental conservation.

His interest in history is evident in his involvement in historical films and documentaries. In addition to his acting and production work, Hanks is an author, having published a collection of short stories titled “Uncommon Type” in 2017.

Hanks has been married to actress Rita Wilson since 1988, and they have two sons, Chester and Truman. He also has two children, Colin and Elizabeth, from his first marriage to Samantha Lewes. In 2020, Hanks and Wilson were granted honorary Greek citizenship for their support of wildfire victims near Athens in 2018.

A NASA enthusiast, Hanks serves on the Board of Governors for the National Space Society. He also has a passion for vintage typewriters, owning a collection of over 250 models. In March 2020, Hanks and Wilson were among the first celebrities to announce they had tested positive for COVID-19, after which they recovered and continued to promote health and safety measures.

Tom Hanks’ career and life are marked by a blend of professional excellence and personal integrity, making him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and beyond.