Tom Hanks Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Thomas Jeffrey Hanks |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 9, 1956 |
| Age | 69 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Concord, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, producer, author |
| Years Active | 1977-present |
| Height | 6 ft (1.83 m) |
| Spouse | Married to Rita Wilson (1988-present) |
| Children | 4 |
| Net Worth | ~$420 million |
| Known For | Warm, everyman performances and two consecutive Oscars |
Early Life & Background
Hanks grew up moving frequently after his parents divorced. He studied theater at Chabot College and transferred to California State University, Sacramento, before joining the Great Lakes Theater Festival, which jump-started his acting career.
Career Journey
Sitcom Roots and Breakout
Hanks first gained attention in ABC's Bosom Buddies (1980-1982) and Ron Howard's film Splash (1984). His comedic timing carried films like Bachelor Party and Big (1988), earning his first Oscar nomination.
Oscar-Winning Run
He won back-to-back Academy Awards for Philadelphia (1993) and Forrest Gump (1994), cementing his status as America’s leading man. Hanks continued delivering acclaimed performances in Saving Private Ryan, Cast Away, and Captain Phillips.
Voice and Producing Work
Hanks voices Sheriff Woody in Pixar's Toy Story franchise and co-founded Playtone Productions, producing projects such as Band of Brothers, The Pacific, and My Big Fat Greek Wedding. He directed That Thing You Do! and 2022's novel adaptation A Man Called Otto through Playtone.
Writing & Recent Projects
Hanks authored the short story collection Uncommon Type (2017) and the novel The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece (2023). Recent films include Elvis, Pinocchio, and the Apple TV+ sci-fi drama Finch.
Upcoming Projects
In 2026 Hanks reunites with director Robert Zemeckis for Here, a time-travel drama, narrates National Geographic's Voices of the Pacific, and produces HBO's miniseries The Right Stuff: Legacy.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Big | Josh Baskin | Oscar nomination |
| 1993 | Philadelphia | Andrew Beckett | Academy Award win |
| 1994 | Forrest Gump | Forrest Gump | Academy Award win |
| 1998 | Saving Private Ryan | Capt. John Miller | Iconic war epic |
| 1995-2019 | Toy Story Franchise | Woody (voice) | Pixar classic |
| 2000 | Cast Away | Chuck Noland | Golden Globe win |
| 2013 | Captain Phillips | Capt. Richard Phillips | Oscar nominee |
| 2022 | A Man Called Otto | Otto Anderson | Producer and star |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Academy Awards | Best Actor | Philadelphia | Won |
| 1995 | Academy Awards | Best Actor | Forrest Gump | Won |
| 2002 | AFI Life Achievement Award | Career | Career | Honored |
| 2020 | Golden Globe Awards | Cecil B. DeMille Award | Career | Honored |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$420 million (2026)
Income flows from decades of acting salaries, backend profits on Forrest Gump and Toy Story, Playtone producing fees, author advances, and real estate in Los Angeles, Idaho, and Greece (where Hanks holds honorary citizenship).
Personal Life
Hanks splits time between Los Angeles and Greece with Rita Wilson. He enjoys collecting classic typewriters, scuba diving, and supporting his children's creative pursuits. In 2020 he and Wilson were among the first celebrities to share their COVID-19 diagnosis, promoting public health awareness.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
He supports Stand Up To Cancer, veterans causes through Playtone military series, and environmental organizations like the World Wildlife Fund. Hanks frequently hosts benefit concerts and PBS specials.
Social Media Presence
- Twitter: @tomhanks posts whimsical typewriter photos, lost-and-found items, and public service messages. He does not actively use Instagram or Facebook.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Hanks collects over 250 vintage typewriters and often gifts them to friends.
- He was made an honorary citizen of Greece for wildfire relief contributions.
- Hanks voiced Woody for hospital intercom greetings to comfort young patients.
- He once worked as a hotel bellman, using that experience for early characters.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Hanks is filming Here with Robin Wright, producing Playtone's WWII drama Blue Horizon, and recording narration for National Geographic's Voices of the Pacific. His second novel is in development at Apple TV+ as a limited series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Tom Hanks?
Tom Hanks is an American actor, producer, and author known for films like Forrest Gump, Philadelphia, Saving Private Ryan, and voicing Woody in Toy Story.
What is Tom Hanks most famous for?
He is most famous for his Oscar-winning performances in Philadelphia and Forrest Gump and for portraying beloved everyman characters across film and television.
Is Tom Hanks active on social media?
Hanks primarily uses Twitter for lighthearted posts and public service announcements; he maintains no official Instagram or Facebook accounts.