Thomas Jeffrey Hanks, born on July 9, 1956, in Concord, California, is one of the most celebrated actors and filmmakers in Hollywood. He is the son of Amos Mefford Hanks, a traveling cook, and Janet Marylyn Frager, a hospital worker. After his parents divorced in 1960, Tom, along with his siblings, experienced a transient childhood, moving between different homes under his father’s care. These formative years, marked by change and adaptability, helped forge Hanks’s affable and empathetic nature.
Hanks developed an interest in acting during high school and pursued theater at Chabot College and later California State University, Sacramento. His big break came when he landed a role in the sitcom Bosom Buddies (1980–1982), which showcased his comedic talent. However, it was his performance in Splash (1984), directed by Ron Howard, that catapulted him to stardom.
Over the decades, Tom Hanks has delivered iconic performances in films like Big (1988), Forrest Gump (1994), Saving Private Ryan (1998), Cast Away (2000), and The Green Mile (1999). Renowned for his versatility and everyman charm, Hanks is a two-time Academy Award winner for Best Actor for his roles in Philadelphia (1993) and Forrest Gump. His career spans not only acting but also producing and directing, with numerous projects under his Playtone production company.
Standing at 6 feet tall (183 cm) and weighing approximately 180 pounds (82 kg), Hanks is admired for his relatable on-screen presence. At the age of 68, his career continues to flourish, earning him the status of one of the most respected and bankable stars in Hollywood.
Hanks married his first wife, Samantha Lewes, in 1978, and the couple had two children, Colin and Elizabeth. Following their divorce in 1987, he married actress Rita Wilson in 1988. Together, they share two sons, Chet and Truman. Hanks and Wilson are often regarded as one of Hollywood’s most enduring and beloved couples. The family resides primarily in Los Angeles, California, where Hanks enjoys a quiet life away from the cameras.
In addition to his professional achievements, Tom Hanks is known for his close friendships within the entertainment industry. He shares a notable bond with Steven Spielberg, collaborating on multiple projects, including Saving Private Ryan and Bridge of Spies (2015). Hanks also has enduring friendships with actors like Gary Sinise, with whom he starred in Forrest Gump, and Ron Howard, who directed several of his films.
A philanthropist at heart, Hanks supports numerous charitable causes, including environmental conservation, veterans’ welfare, and arts education. His down-to-earth demeanor and public generosity have cemented his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most relatable stars.
With a reported net worth of over $400 million, Hanks’s wealth is a testament to his decades-long success and wise financial choices. As an actor, producer, and cultural icon, Tom Hanks remains a shining example of talent, integrity, and humanity in the entertainment industry.
