Tom Hanks emerged as a prominent comedic actor in the 1980s, gaining recognition first on television with his role in Bosom Buddies and then transitioning to blockbuster success with films like Splash and Big.
His career swiftly expanded to encompass both comedy and drama, earning him two Oscars in the 1990s for his poignant performances in Philadelphia (1994) and Forrest Gump (1995).
Beyond his accolades, Hanks has endeared himself to audiences worldwide through iconic roles such as portraying Mr. Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019) and voicing Woody in the beloved Toy Story franchise.
His warm, approachable persona on-screen mirrors his reputation off-screen, where his enduring marriage to Rita Wilson and his supportive family life has made him a role model for many.
Hanks continues to be celebrated not only for his acting prowess but also for his contributions to cinema and his embodiment of the quintessential Hollywood star.
#1 Hanks is distantly related to Abraham Lincoln
Interestingly, Tom Hanks has a surprising familial connection to one of America’s most revered presidents, Abraham Lincoln.
Lincoln’s great-great-grandfather, John Hanks, is also Tom Hanks’s great-great-great-great-great-grandfather.
#2 As a teen, Hanks worked as a peanut vendor
As a teenager, Tom Hanks took on a job selling peanuts and soft drinks at baseball games.
Recalling the experience to Jimmy Kimmel, he humorously shared, “I thought it would be like on a TV show, but I got robbed twice.
He also mentioned that professional vendors didn’t appreciate teenagers working the games and often confronted them about it.
#3 Tom Hanks funded some of Forrest Gump
Paramount Pictures, the studio behind “Forrest Gump,” initially hesitated to fund the scenes where Forrest runs across the country.
To ensure these pivotal moments remained in the film, Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis agreed to cover the additional costs themselves, opting for a greater share of the profits instead.
#4 Typewriter collector
After receiving a typewriter as a gift from a friend, Tom Hanks developed a passionate interest in these machines.
In an interview, he expressed admiration for their singular purpose of translating thoughts onto paper, noting their perfect execution of this task.
Hanks went on to build an extensive collection, amassing over 250 different models of typewriters.
#5 The world celebrates International Tom Hanks Day in April.
In 2004, Western Michigan University students held a Tom Hanks movie marathon on April 2, sparking a campus tradition.
Founded by Kevin Turk, the event grew into International Tom Hanks Day, celebrated annually on the nearest Saturday to April 1.
After moving to Chicago, Turk brought the tradition with him, where it gained popularity.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event will be held virtually on April 3, 2021.
#6 Hanks’ other family members have appeared in some of his movies.
It seems like you’re interested in learning more about Tom Hanks and his family’s involvement in movies! Elizabeth Hanks had a cameo as a girl on the school bus in “Forrest Gump,” conveying a message with a simple head shake.
In “That Thing You Do!,” Tom Hanks’ wife Rita Wilson played Marguerite, a waitress at The Blue Spot jazz club, while Elizabeth Hanks appeared as the “Bored Girl in Dress Shop.”
Tom Hanks’ son, Colin Hanks, also had a role in the film, escorting a character named Faye from her car to her seat. If you’d like more information about Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, feel free to ask!
#7 Tom Hanks supports meat-free Monday.
It sounds like Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson are advocating for the Meat Free Monday movement on its 10-year anniversary.
Launched in 2009, this initiative promotes reducing meat consumption by adopting a plant-based diet at least one day a week.
Hanks highlighted the environmental and animal welfare benefits of cutting back on meat.
They encourage both vegans/vegetarians and those who typically consume meat to participate by skipping meat on Mondays.
Their message underscores the simplicity and positive impact of this small dietary change on the planet and its inhabitants.
#8 Tom Hanks has an asteroid named after him.
NASA honored Tom Hanks by naming the asteroid 12818 Tomhanks after the acclaimed actor, known for his roles in films like “Sleepless in Seattle” and “You’ve Got Mail”.
Similarly, Hanks’ co-star in those films, Meg Ryan, had the asteroid 8353 Megryan named after her.
These two asteroids, discovered seven years apart in different hemispheres, coincidentally had their closest approach to Earth in September 2011, creating a cosmic connection between the namesakes in space.
#9 Tom Hanks earned a Presidential Medal of Freedom.
In 2016, President Barack Obama bestowed upon Tom Hanks the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing not only his outstanding contributions to film but also his advocacy for social and environmental justice, and his support for veterans and their families.
Hanks was honored alongside notable figures such as Ellen DeGeneres, Robert De Niro, Michael Jordan, Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen, and Cicely Tyson, who also received this prestigious award in the same year.
#10 Tom Hanks has been deemed America’s Favorite Actor.
In 2015, Tom Hanks reclaimed the top spot as America’s Favorite Movie Star according to The Harris Poll, marking his fifth time leading the ranking.
He surpassed Johnny Depp to clinch the No. 1 spot, having previously held the top position in 2002, 2004, 2005, and 2013 as well.
