Career Timeline of Tom Hanks: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Tom Hanks made an impact.

Tom Hanks is a highly acclaimed American actor and filmmaker recognized globally. He is celebrated for his versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles, making him an American cultural icon. Hanks is the fourth-highest-grossing American film actor. He's received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, seven Emmy Awards, and four Golden Globe Awards. His contributions have been further honored with the AFI Life Achievement Award, the Kennedy Center Honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Cecil B. DeMille Award.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1978: Cleveland Critics Circle Award

In 1978, Tom Hanks won the Cleveland Critics Circle Award for Best Actor for his performance in Shakespeare's "The Two Gentlemen of Verona".

1980: Bosom Buddies Debut

In 1980, Tom Hanks had his breakthrough television role as a co-lead in the ABC sitcom "Bosom Buddies".

1981: Met Rita Wilson

In 1981, Tom Hanks met actress Rita Wilson on the set of TV comedy Bosom Buddies.

1982: Bosom Buddies Continued

In 1982, Tom Hanks continued his role in the ABC sitcom "Bosom Buddies".

1982: Mazes and Monsters and The Mandrake

In 1982, Tom Hanks landed a starring role in the television movie "Mazes and Monsters" and played the lead in "The Mandrake".

1982: Happy Days Appearance

In 1982, Tom Hanks made a guest appearance on "Happy Days", where he met Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel.

1983: Family Ties Appearance

From 1983 to 1984, Tom Hanks made three guest appearances on "Family Ties".

1984: Leading role in Splash

In 1984, Tom Hanks rose to fame with a leading role in the comedy "Splash".

1984: Splash and Bachelor Party Releases

In 1984, Tom Hanks starred in "Splash" and "Bachelor Party", both successful films.

1985: Reunited with Rita Wilson

In 1985, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson were reunited on the set of Volunteers.

1986: Leading role in The Money Pit

In 1986, Tom Hanks continued his rise to fame with a leading role in the comedy "The Money Pit".

1986: Nothing in Common Release

In 1986, Tom Hanks starred in "Nothing in Common", beginning his transition from comedic roles to dramatic roles.

1987: Agreement with Walt Disney Studios

In 1987, Tom Hanks signed an agreement with The Walt Disney Studios where he had starred to a talent pool in an acting/producing pact.

1988: Big Release and Academy Award Nomination

In 1988, Tom Hanks starred in "Big", earning him his first nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor.

1988: Leading role in Big

In 1988, Tom Hanks starred in the comedy "Big", further solidifying his fame.

1989: Releases of The 'Burbs and Turner & Hooch

In 1989, Tom Hanks starred in "The 'Burbs" and "Turner & Hooch", the latter being his only financially successful film of the period.

1990: Releases of Joe Versus the Volcano and The Bonfire of the Vanities

In 1990, Tom Hanks starred in "Joe Versus the Volcano" and "The Bonfire of the Vanities".

1992: Leading role in A League of Their Own

In 1992, Tom Hanks starred in "A League of Their Own", continuing his success in leading roles.

1992: A League of Their Own Release

In 1992, Tom Hanks starred in "A League of Their Own", marking a comeback in his career.

1993: Starring in Sleepless in Seattle and Philadelphia; Academy Award for Philadelphia

In 1993, Tom Hanks starred in "Sleepless in Seattle" and "Philadelphia", winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in "Philadelphia".

1993: Sleepless in Seattle Release

In 1993, Tom Hanks starred in the romantic comedy "Sleepless in Seattle".

1993: Academy Award for Philadelphia

In 1993, Tom Hanks won his first Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of a gay lawyer with AIDS in "Philadelphia".

1993: Modern Era of Moviemaking

In 1993, Tom Hanks' "modern era of moviemaking" began with "Sleepless in Seattle" and "Philadelphia".

1994: Forrest Gump Release and Second Academy Award

In 1994, Tom Hanks starred in "Forrest Gump" and won his second consecutive Best Actor Academy Award for his role.

1994: Academy Award for Forrest Gump

In 1994, Tom Hanks won his second consecutive Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in "Forrest Gump".

1995: Apollo 13 and Toy Story Releases

In 1995, Tom Hanks starred in "Apollo 13" and voiced Sheriff Woody in "Toy Story".

1996: That Thing You Do! Release and Directorial Debut

In 1996, Tom Hanks directed and acted in the comedy "That Thing You Do!", marking his directorial debut.

1998: From the Earth to the Moon Release

In 1998, Tom Hanks executive produced, co-wrote, and co-directed the HBO docudrama "From the Earth to the Moon".

1998: Saving Private Ryan and You've Got Mail Releases

In 1998, Tom Hanks starred in "Saving Private Ryan" and "You've Got Mail".

1998: Saving Private Ryan Release

In 1998, Tom Hanks starred in "Saving Private Ryan", marking his first collaboration with Steven Spielberg on a film.

1998: You've Got Mail Release

In 1998, Tom Hanks starred in the romantic comedy "You've Got Mail".

1999: The Green Mile and Toy Story 2 Releases

In 1999, Tom Hanks starred in "The Green Mile" and reprised his role as Woody in "Toy Story 2".

1999: The Green Mile Release

In 1999, Tom Hanks starred in the drama "The Green Mile".

2000: Cast Away Release

In 2000, Tom Hanks starred in the drama "Cast Away".

2000: Included in Forbes' List

In 2000, Tom Hanks was included on Forbes' list of the top ten most powerful celebrities in the world.

2001: Band of Brothers Release

In 2001, Tom Hanks collaborated with Steven Spielberg on the World War II-themed miniseries "Band of Brothers".

2002: Catch Me If You Can Release

In 2002, Tom Hanks collaborated with Steven Spielberg on the film "Catch Me If You Can".

2002: Road to Perdition Release

In 2002, Tom Hanks starred in the drama "Road to Perdition".

2002: Included in Forbes' List

In 2002, Tom Hanks was included on Forbes' list of the top ten most powerful celebrities in the world.

2003: Ranked Among Top Celebrities

In 2003, Tom Hanks was voted Number 3 in Channel 4's countdown of the 100 Greatest Movie Stars of All Time. He was also included on Forbes' list of the top ten most powerful celebrities in the world.

2004: Donated Espresso Machine to White House Press Corps

In 2004, Tom Hanks donated an espresso machine to the White House press corps after learning they lacked one.

2004: The Terminal Release

In 2004, Tom Hanks starred in "The Terminal", another collaboration with Steven Spielberg.

June 2006: Inducted into US Army Rangers Hall of Fame

In June 2006, Tom Hanks was inducted as an honorary member of the United States Army Rangers Hall of Fame for his portrayal of a captain in Saving Private Ryan.

2007: Charlie Wilson's War Release

In 2007, Tom Hanks starred in the biographical drama "Charlie Wilson's War".

March 10, 2008: Inducted The Dave Clark Five into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

On March 10, 2008, Tom Hanks was on hand at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to induct The Dave Clark Five.

2008: Endorsed Barack Obama

During the 2008 United States presidential election, Tom Hanks uploaded a video to his MySpace account endorsing Barack Obama.

2008: John Adams Release

In 2008, Playtone, Tom Hanks' production company, produced the limited series "John Adams".

2010: The Pacific Release

In 2010, Tom Hanks collaborated with Steven Spielberg on the World War II-themed miniseries "The Pacific".

2010: Donated New Espresso Machines

In 2010, Tom Hanks donated new espresso machines to the White House press corps.

2011: Larry Crowne Release

In 2011, Tom Hanks directed and acted in the comedy "Larry Crowne".

2011: Narrated Killing Lincoln

In 2011, Tom Hanks narrated the television program Killing Lincoln.

2012: Game Change Release

In 2012, Playtone, Tom Hanks' production company, produced the television movie "Game Change".

2012: Narrated The Road We've Traveled

In 2012, Tom Hanks narrated The Road We've Traveled, a documentary created by Obama for America.

2013: Broadway Debut in Lucky Guy

In 2013, Tom Hanks made his Broadway debut in Nora Ephron's "Lucky Guy", receiving a Tony Award nomination.

2013: Captain Phillips and Saving Mr. Banks Releases

In 2013, Tom Hanks starred in the biographical dramas "Captain Phillips" and "Saving Mr. Banks".

August 2014: Release of Hanx Writer App

In August 2014, Tom Hanks released Hanx Writer, an iOS app meant to emulate the experience of using a typewriter.

2015: Olive Kitteridge Release

In 2015, Playtone, Tom Hanks' production company, produced the limited series "Olive Kitteridge".

2015: Bridge of Spies Release

In 2015, Tom Hanks starred in "Bridge of Spies", marking his fourth film collaboration with Steven Spielberg.

2016: Endorsed Hillary Clinton

In 2016, Tom Hanks endorsed former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the presidential election.

2016: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2016, Tom Hanks received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, recognizing his contributions to American culture.