Tom Hanks

“If you're funny, if there's something that makes you laugh, then everyday's going to be okay.” Tom Hanks, known for his grounded approach to performance and storytelling, has become one of the most recognizable figures in American cinema. Born in Concord, California in 1956, he studied theater at California State University, Sacramento before moving to New York to pursue acting. Hanks gained early recognition with the sitcom Bosom Buddies (1980–1982) and quickly transitioned into film, starring in Splash (1984) and Big (1988), the latter earning him his first Oscar nomination. Hanks’ acting style favors emotional sincerity, naturalism, and subtle transformation. His portrayals often highlight ordinary individuals facing extraordinary circumstances, as seen in Philadelphia (1993), Forrest Gump (1994), Cast Away (2000), and Captain Phillips (2013). He has also portrayed real-life figures such as Jim Lovell in Apollo 13 (1995), Walt Disney in Saving Mr. Banks (2013), and Mister Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019). Hanks’ cultural resonance stems not only from his characters but also from his consistent presence in major American narratives—both fictional and historical. He voiced Woody in the Toy Story series (1995–2019), starred in Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan (1998), and collaborated with the director again in The Terminal (2004) and Bridge of Spies (2015). His later roles in News of the World (2020), Elvis (2022), and A Man Called Otto (2022) show his continued relevance and range. Hanks has won two Academy Awards (for Philadelphia and Forrest Gump), four Golden Globes, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Through his performances, he has left enduring impressions of decency, resilience, and fallibility, contributing to a vision of the American everyman that transcends generations.