- Tom Hanks was born on July 9, 1956, in Concord, California. His full name is Thomas Jeffrey Hanks.
- He gained early fame with comedies like Splash (1984) and Big (1988), where he earned his first Oscar nomination.
- Hanks won consecutive Academy Awards for Best Actor in Philadelphia (1993) and Forrest Gump (1994), a rare achievement.
- Moreover, he voiced the beloved character Sheriff Woody in the Toy Story animated film series.
- Hanks has collaborated with director Steven Spielberg on numerous projects, including Saving Private Ryan and Bridge of Spies.
- His 1995 film Apollo 13 showcased his skill portraying real-life heroes, earning critical praise and multiple Oscar nominations.
- Tom Hanks directed and starred in That Thing You Do! (1996), a tribute to 1960s pop music.
- He is known for his friendly, approachable personality, often called “America’s Dad” by fans and media.
- Hanks has received prestigious honors like the Kennedy Center Honor (2014) and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016).
- In 2020, he won the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement in film.
- He married actress Rita Wilson in 1988; they have shared a longtime partnership both personally and professionally.
- Hanks is a typewriter enthusiast and a fan of model trains, showing passions outside of acting.
- He tested positive for COVID-19 in early 2020 along with his wife while filming in Australia, bringing attention to the pandemic.
- The actor is also an author, with several published works including novels and non-fiction.
- Interestingly, an asteroid named “12818 Tomhanks” honors his cultural impact.