Tom Hanks: Hollywood’s Beloved Leading Man
Tom Hanks is an actor whose name is an iconic staple in the film industry. With a career spanning over thirty-five years, this award winning actor–and two-time Oscar winner–has been celebrated as Hollywood’s beloved leading man. Hanks has a unique ability to capture an audience’s attention, emotionally move people, and earn worldwide adoration. Let’s take a look into the life and career of this treasured actor.
Early Life
Tom Hanks was born on July 9, 1956 in Concord, California. He was born to mother Janet Marylyn and father Amos Mefford Hanks, both of whom were of Portuguese-English descent. Hanks’ parents divorced three years after his birth, and he had two siblings–an elder brother, Larry, and a sister, Sandra. His mother remarried three years after the divorce and the family moved around Northern California, settling in Oakland when Tom was nine. Tom credits his mother and stepfather–trade-school executive Edwin “Ed” Vasques– with forcing him to take drama classes.
Breakthrough Role
Hanks had been passionate about the theatre long before his mother enrolled him in weekly drama classes at the age of 12. He eventually graduated from college and landed numerous small roles for television and film. But it was Hanks’ iconic role as a lightly jovial, yet naively innocent, teenage boy in the 1980 hit movie, “Big”, that would sky rocket him to superstardom. Following this role, Hanks graced audiences with his extraordinary talent, starring in other heartfelt blockbusters such as Forrest Gump, Apollo 13, Saving Private Ryan, and Cast Away.
Awards and Accomplishments
Hanks has been widely celebrated in the film industry over the course of his career, counting himself amongst the most highly decorated actors in Hollywood history. Along with two Academy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, and two Primetime Emmy Awards, Hanks was also listed in the biggest listing compiled by the @guinness world record, as the most celebrated actor in the world with a total of 67 award-winning nominations, coming in at 27 wins.
Personality and Philanthropy
Tom Hanks is known not just for his talent, but also for his genuineness and his kind heart. Despite his stardom status, Hanks has maintained a humble, down to earth attitude. He is beloved by his cast and crew, and is always seen to have an approachable and humorous demeanor on set.
Hanks is also a philanthropist who is actively involved in various charity causes. In 2000, he established the charitable organization, the Ranger’s Apprentice. Dedicated to helping children in need, the foundation seeks to provide them with educational and extracurricular materials.
Filmography
Throughout his impressive career, Hanks has attempted to portray a variety of characters, a feat that he has mostly executed. Here is a selection of some of Tom Hanks most notable performances in film:
• Forrest Gump (1994)
• Apollo 13 (1995)
• Saving Private Ryan (1998)
• Cast Away (2000)
• The Da Vinci Code (2006)
• Captain Phillips (2013)
• Saving Mr. Banks (2013)
• Bridge of Spies (2015)
• A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)
In the pantheon of Hollywood greats, Tom Hanks stands out; he is widely recognized and revered for his incredible range of portrayals, from a heartfelt castaway to a light-hearted romantic lead. Hanks’ memorable characters provide warmth and compassion to countless fans around the world. Despite his fame and success, Hanks is celebrated for his down-to-earth approach and thoughtfulness. It’s no surprise that he is considered the beloved leading man of Hollywood.
