**Tom Hanks** is an American actor, producer, director, and writer, celebrated for his versatility, warm persona, and performances in both comedic and dramatic roles. He was born **Thomas Jeffrey Hanks** on **July 9, 1956**, in **Concord, California**.
– Hanks grew up in a modest household. His parents divorced when he was young, and he lived with his father, **Amos Hanks**, who was a cook. He moved frequently during his childhood, which contributed to his adaptability.
– He developed an interest in acting while attending **Skyline High School** in Oakland, California. Hanks later studied theater at **Chabot College** and transferred to **California State University, Sacramento**.
### Early Career:
– In the late 1970s, Hanks moved to **New York City** to pursue acting. His early career involved performing in community theater, including a **Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival** production that earned him his first accolades.
– His first break came in television, starring in the sitcom **“Bosom Buddies”** (1980-1982), where he played one of two men who disguised themselves as women to live in an all-female apartment complex. Though the show was short-lived, it showcased Hanks’ comedic talents.
### Breakthrough Roles:
– Tom Hanks gained widespread recognition with the 1984 romantic comedy **“Splash,”** directed by **Ron Howard**. The film, where Hanks played a man who falls in love with a mermaid, was a box office success.
– His career ascended with roles in movies like **“Big”** (1988), for which he earned his first **Academy Award nomination**. His portrayal of a boy who magically becomes an adult showcased his ability to combine humor with emotional depth.
Career Highlights:
– **“Philadelphia”** (1993): Hanks won his first **Academy Award** for Best Actor for his performance as a man battling AIDS in this groundbreaking drama.
– **“Forrest Gump”** (1994): Hanks won his second consecutive Oscar for playing the lovable and simple-minded Forrest. The film became a cultural phenomenon.
– **“Saving Private Ryan”** (1998): Hanks received critical acclaim for his role as Captain John H. Miller in Steven Spielberg’s World War II epic, which remains one of his most iconic roles.
– **“Cast Away”** (2000): Hanks’ portrayal of a man stranded on a deserted island earned him another Oscar nomination, demonstrating his ability to carry a film with minimal dialogue.
Other Major Films:
– **“Apollo 13”** (1995), where he portrayed astronaut Jim Lovell in the true story of NASA’s near-disaster mission.
– **“The Green Mile”** (1999), a prison drama based on a Stephen King novel.
– **“Toy Story”** franchise (1995–2019), where Hanks voiced the beloved character **Woody**, the cowboy doll, in the animated classic series.
– **“Catch Me If You Can”** (2002), alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, where he played an FBI agent.
– **“The Da Vinci Code”** series, in which he portrayed the character Robert Langdon, based on Dan Brown’s bestselling novels.
Collaborations with Steven Spielberg:
– Tom Hanks and **Steven Spielberg** have formed one of the most successful actor-director partnerships in Hollywood, with projects like:
Saving Private Ryan”** (1998)
Catch Me If You Can”** (2002)
The Terminal”** (2004)
-Bridge of Spies”** (2015)
– The Post”** (2017)
– Hanks has also ventured into producing and directing. He produced and starred in **“Band of Brothers”** (2001) and **“The Pacific”** (2010), both highly acclaimed miniseries about World War II.
– He directed films like **“That Thing You Do!”** (1996), a music-filled dramedy, and **“Larry Crowne”** (2011).
Personal Life:
– Hanks was first married to **Samantha Lewes** in 1978, and they had two children, including actor **Colin Hanks**. They divorced in 1987.
– In 1988, he married actress **Rita Wilson**, with whom he has two sons. The couple is known for their enduring marriage and frequent collaborations in film and charity work.
– Hanks is a devout supporter of various causes, including environmental conservation and veterans’ affairs.
Legacy and Awards:
– Hanks is one of the most decorated and beloved actors in Hollywood. In addition to his two Academy Awards, he has won multiple **Golden Globes**, **Emmy Awards**, and a **Presidential Medal of Freedom** in 2016.
– He is admired for his everyman charm, likability, and ability to portray characters with deep humanity. His movies have grossed billions globally, making him one of the most bankable stars of all time.
– Hanks continues to take on diverse roles in both film and television. Recent films include **“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”** (2019), where he played beloved TV personality **Fred Rogers**, and **“Elvis”** (2022), in which he portrayed Colonel Tom Parker.
Tom Hanks** has had an enduring and transformative career, with a legacy that spans decades. He remains one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, known for his authenticity, humility, and remarkable storytelling ability both on and off screen.