Tom Hanks: America’s Favorite Leading Man
Tom Hanks is likely the most recognizable face in Hollywood, a hallmark of American masculinity and a representation of some of the best America has to offer. As the two-time Academy Award winner reaches his 60s, we’re taking a look back on the career and personal life of one of the nation’s most beloved actors.
Early Life and Career
Tom Hanks was born in California on July 9, 1956, but only stayed in the state for a short time before his family moved to Oakland, where he spent the majority of his childhood. His parents separated early in his life, and this period of turbulence is thought to have guided his eventual interest in acting.
Rather than attending college after high school, Hanks moved to Cleveland, where he remained for two years, working in restaurants and doing comedic theater. After appearing in a few plays and stints on television, Hanks made the leap to the silver screen with his breakthrough role in the 1982 movie “Splash.”
Major Roles
One of the traits that Tom Hanks is noted for is his ability to take on a wide variety of roles and genres. Many of these roles also gave him the opportunity to work alongside other Hollywood greats, with perhaps the most notable being his six-film collaboration with Steven Spielberg, which included “Saving Private Ryan,” “Catch Me if You Can” and “The Terminal.”
The movies that really catapulted Tom Hanks to stardom were his roles in the early 90s, including “Sleepless in Seattle,” “Apollo 13” and “Forrest Gump.” Along with being box office hits, this era of performance also earned him two Academy Awards for Best Actor, one for “Philadelphia” and the other for “Forrest Gump.”
Recent Years
Since the emergence of streaming services like Netflix, Tom Hanks has been extremely active in developing content for the small screen as well as film. He was nominated for an Emmy for his portrayal of Fred Rogers in the hit movie “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.” He also recently played Geppetto in the live-action remake of Disney’s “Pinocchio” and reprised his role of Robert Langdon in “Inferno.”
Personal Life
Along with enjoying great success in Hollywood, Hanks has also enjoyed much success in his personal life. He has been married to actress Rita Wilson since 1988, and the pair have two sons, Chester and Truman. Hanks is known for being a generous philanthropist, and has supported various charities, including The Midnight Mission, which provides homeless individuals in Los Angeles food and comfort.
Legacy
Throughout his life, Hanks has managed to stay true to him self and true to his beliefs; this humility and quality of character is something that has endeared him to millions of fans around the world. He has been able to remain relevant with younger audiences thanks to the timeless quality of his performances, and it’s likely this will remain the case as long as Hanks is in the public eye – and even after.
Tom Hanks will undoubtedly remain a popular figure in Hollywood cinema and with the public until his death and beyond. Not only is he a great actor, but he also embodies many of the qualities that make America great. Whether he’s playing a lead role in a movie or giving back to those in need, Tom Hanks stands as a testament to what can be achieved with talent, dedication and an unwavering will.
