Tom Hanks is a household name in the entertainment industry. He is one of the most respected and successful actors in Hollywood, with an impressive body of work that spans over four decades. His films have grossed billions of dollars at the box office, and he has won numerous awards, including two Academy Awards. In this article, we will explore 15 interesting facts about Tom Hanks that you may not have known.
1. Tom Hanks Was Born in Concord, California
Tom Hanks was born on July 9, 1956, in Concord, California. His parents, Amos Mefford Hanks and Janet Marylyn Frager, were both of English ancestry. Hanks grew up in a Mormon household, and he has three siblings: two brothers and one sister.
2. He Worked as a Bellman and a Theater Intern Before Becoming an Actor
Before pursuing a career in acting, Tom Hanks worked odd jobs to make ends meet. He was a bellman at a hotel, and he also worked as a theater intern. It wasn’t until he landed a role in the TV show “Bosom Buddies” in 1980 that his acting career took off.
3. Hanks’ First Film Role Was in a Low-Budget Horror Movie
Tom Hanks’ first film role was in the low-budget horror movie “He Knows You’re Alone” in 1980. Although the film was not successful, it gave Hanks his first taste of the movie industry.
4. He Has Been Married Twice
Tom Hanks has been married twice. His first marriage was to Samantha Lewes, with whom he has two children: Colin and Elizabeth Hanks. The couple divorced in 1987. Hanks then married actress Rita Wilson in 1988, and they have two children together: Chester and Truman Hanks.
5. Hanks Has Played Real-Life People in Several Movies
Tom Hanks has played several real-life people in movies, including astronaut Jim Lovell in “Apollo 13,” FBI agent Carl Hanratty in “Catch Me If You Can,” and Captain Richard Phillips in “Captain Phillips.”
6. He Voiced Woody in All Four “Toy Story” Movies
Tom Hanks has voiced the character of Woody in all four “Toy Story” movies. The franchise has been wildly successful, grossing over $3 billion worldwide.
7. Hanks is a Huge Baseball Fan
Tom Hanks is a huge baseball fan, and he has been spotted at numerous games over the years. He is a lifelong fan of the Oakland A’s and the Cleveland Indians.
8. He Directed and Starred in the Film “That Thing You Do!”
In 1996, Tom Hanks wrote, directed, and starred in the film “That Thing You Do!” The movie was a critical and commercial success, and it earned Hanks a nomination for Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards.
9. Hanks Was Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in 2013
In 2013, Tom Hanks announced that he had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. He has since become an advocate for diabetes research and awareness.
10. He Was Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016
In 2016, Tom Hanks was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. The award is the highest civilian honor in the United States.
11. Hanks Is a Huge Baseball Fan
Tom Hanks is a big fan of baseball and has been known to attend games in his free time. He has even written and produced a TV series called “From the Earth to the Moon,” which features an episode about the Apollo 14 mission in which astronaut Alan Shepard famously hit a golf ball on the moon. Hanks is also a lifelong fan of the Oakland A’s and the Cleveland Indians.
12. He Supports Various Charities
Tom Hanks is known for his philanthropic work and supports various charities. He has been a longtime supporter of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, the Children’s Health Fund, and the World Wildlife Fund.
13. Hanks Has Been Nominated for 6 Academy Awards
Tom Hanks has been nominated for six Academy Awards and has won two of them. He won his first Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in “Philadelphia” in 1994 and his second for Best Actor in “Forrest Gump” in 1995.
14. He Has Starred in Numerous Box Office Hits
Tom Hanks has starred in numerous box office hits, including “Big,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” “Saving Private Ryan,” “Cast Away,” and “The Da Vinci Code.” His films have grossed over $9 billion worldwide.
15. Hanks Is One of the Most Likable Actors in Hollywood
Tom Hanks is widely regarded as one of the most likable actors in Hollywood. He has a reputation for being down-to-earth, approachable, and friendly. He is also known for his sense of humor and has been a popular guest on talk shows for years.
Conclusion
Tom Hanks is a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, and it’s easy to see why. He has had an incredibly successful career, but he remains humble and approachable. His philanthropic work and advocacy for causes like diabetes research and awareness have also endeared him to many. These 15 interesting facts about Tom Hanks are just a few of the reasons why he is such a beloved and respected figure in Hollywood.
FAQs
What was Tom Hanks’ first movie role?
Tom Hanks’ first movie role was in the low-budget horror movie “He Knows You’re Alone” in 1980.
Has Tom Hanks won any Academy Awards?
Yes, Tom Hanks has won two Academy Awards for Best Actor, for his performances in “Philadelphia” and “Forrest Gump.”
What charities does Tom Hanks support?
Tom Hanks supports various charities, including the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, the Children’s Health Fund, and the World Wildlife Fund.
What baseball teams does Tom Hanks support?
Tom Hanks is a lifelong fan of the Oakland A’s and the Cleveland Indians.
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