Portrait · Dick Thomas Johnson / CC BY-SA 2.5

Tom Hanks

Actor, producer and filmmaker

Born 1956

Tom Hanks is an American actor and film producer born in Concord, California. He developed his craft in repertory theatre with Vincent Dowling, learning backstage work as well as performing Shakespeare. After theatre work in Cleveland, he reached television audiences through Bosom Buddies and moved into leading film comedy with Splash and Big. Philadelphia and Forrest Gump brought consecutive Academy Awards, while Apollo 13, Saving Private Ryan, The Green Mile and Cast Away expanded his dramatic career. As Woody in the Toy Story films, he became a familiar voice across generations; his Disney roles also include Walt Disney in Saving Mr. Banks. His television work extends behind the camera: Band of Brothers combined directing, producing and writing, and later producing credits include John Adams, The Pacific and Olive Kitteridge. He wrote and directed That Thing You Do!, bringing his filmmaking experience to a story about a rising band. Larry Crowne also combined acting, directing, writing and producing. His stage career includes Lucky Guy on Broadway in 2013, playing journalist Mike McAlary. He also wrote the screenplay for Greyhound and starred as its naval commander. Away from the screen, he is the author of The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece. His earlier book, Uncommon Type, collects short stories connected by typewriters. Later screen work includes Here, reuniting him with Robert Zemeckis and Robin Wright. He returned as Woody in Toy Story 5. NBC has also announced his return as narrator for the second season of The Americas.

Verified identityCore facts checked against named sources.

Keep exploring

Connected people

ConnectionRita WilsonSpouse, documented in Parade's relationship review.

ConnectionSteven SpielbergCollaborator on films and Band of Brothers.

ConnectionRobert ZemeckisHere reunites Hanks with the filmmaker.

Official records · wins and honours

Awards & Honours

Selected recognition linked to the awarding organisation or primary record.

2020
Golden GlobesIndustry honor
Cecil B. deMille Award
Tom Hanks
Official record
2016
The White HouseIndustry honor
Presidential Medal of Freedom
Tom Hanks
Official record
2015
Primetime Emmy AwardsCompetitive win
Outstanding Limited Series
Olive Kitteridge
Official record
2014
Kennedy CenterIndustry honor
Kennedy Center Honor
Tom Hanks
Official record
2013
Theatre WorldCompetitive win
Theatre World Award
Lucky Guy
Official record
2012
Primetime Emmy AwardsCompetitive win
Outstanding Miniseries or Movie
Game Change
Official record
2010
Primetime Emmy AwardsCompetitive win
Outstanding Miniseries
The Pacific
Official record
2008
Primetime Emmy AwardsCompetitive win
Outstanding Miniseries
John Adams
Official record
2002
American Film InstituteIndustry honor
Life Achievement Award
Tom Hanks
Official record
2002
Primetime Emmy AwardsCompetitive win
Outstanding Miniseries
Band of Brothers
Official record
2002
Primetime Emmy AwardsCompetitive win
Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special
Band of Brothers
Official record
2001
Golden GlobesCompetitive win
Best Actor – Drama
Cast Away
Official record
1998
Primetime Emmy AwardsCompetitive win
Outstanding Miniseries
From the Earth to the Moon
Official record
1995
Academy AwardsCompetitive win
Best Actor
Forrest Gump
Official record
1995
Golden GlobesCompetitive win
Best Actor – Drama
Forrest Gump
Official record
1994
Academy AwardsCompetitive win
Best Actor
Philadelphia
Official record
1994
Golden GlobesCompetitive win
Best Actor – Drama
Philadelphia
Official record
1989
Golden GlobesCompetitive win
Best Actor – Musical or Comedy
Big
Official record

Cecil B. deMille Award

Presidential Medal of Freedom

Outstanding Limited Series

Kennedy Center Honor

Theatre World Award

Outstanding Miniseries or Movie

Outstanding Miniseries

Outstanding Miniseries

Life Achievement Award

Outstanding Miniseries

Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special

Best Actor – Drama

Outstanding Miniseries

Best Actor

Best Actor – Drama

Best Actor

Best Actor – Drama

Best Actor – Musical or Comedy