Early Life and Education of Tom Hanks: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Tom Hanks. A timeline of key moments.

Tom Hanks is a highly celebrated American actor and filmmaker, recognized globally for his versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles, cementing his status as an American cultural icon. He is among the highest-grossing American film actors, boasting a collection of prestigious accolades, including two Academy Awards, multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Awards, and nominations for BAFTA and Tony Awards. Hanks' contributions to the film industry 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

1977: Birth of Son, Colin Hanks

In 1977, Tom Hanks' first son, Colin Hanks, was born.

1978: Marriage to Samantha Lewes

In 1978, Tom Hanks married American actress Samantha Lewes.

1981: Meeting Rita Wilson on Bosom Buddies

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

1982: Birth of Daughter, Elizabeth Hanks

In 1982, Tom Hanks' daughter, Elizabeth Hanks, was born.

1984: Becoming a Fan of Aston Villa

Since 1984, Tom Hanks has been a fan of the English Premier League club Aston Villa.

1985: Reunion with Rita Wilson on Volunteers

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

1987: Divorce from Samantha Lewes

In 1987, Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes divorced.

1988: Marriage to Rita Wilson

In 1988, Tom Hanks married Rita Wilson after converting to her Greek Orthodox faith.

1995: Birth of Son, Truman Hanks

In 1995, Tom Hanks' younger son, Truman, was born.

2000: Included in Forbes' list of Top Ten Most Powerful Celebrities

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

2002: Death of Samantha Lewes

In 2002, Samantha Lewes, Tom Hanks' ex-wife, died at the age of 49 from bone cancer.

2002: Included in Forbes' list of Top Ten Most Powerful Celebrities

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

2003: Ranked Among Greatest Movie Stars and Powerful Celebrities

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

2004: First Espresso Machine Donation to White House Press Corps

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

August 2007: Legal Action Over My Big Fat Greek Wedding Profits

In August 2007, Tom Hanks, along with co-producers Rita Wilson and Gary Goetzman, and writer and star Nia Vardalos, initiated legal action against Gold Circle Films for their share of profits from the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

2008: Endorsement of Barack Obama

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

2008: Opposition to Proposition 8

In 2008, Tom Hanks was outspoken about his opposition to Proposition 8, an amendment to the California constitution that defined marriage as a union only between a man and a woman.

January 2009: Criticism and Apology Regarding Proposition 8 Supporters

In January 2009, Tom Hanks initially called supporters of Proposition 8 "un-American" and criticized LDS Church members, then apologized a week later, stating that nothing is more American than voting one's conscience.

2010: Second Espresso Machine Donation to White House Press Corps

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

2011: Son Chet Hanks Releases Rap Song

In 2011, Tom Hanks' older son, Chet, released a rap song and had recurring roles in Empire and Shameless.

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2012: Narration of The Road We've Traveled

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

October 2013: Hanks Reveals Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis

In October 2013, Tom Hanks revealed on Late Show with David Letterman that he has type 2 diabetes, possibly linked to weight fluctuations for film roles.

2013: Starring in Lucky Guy on Broadway

In 2013, Tom Hanks starred in Nora Ephron's Lucky Guy on Broadway and attracted large crowds of fans after each performance.

Lucky Guy

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2014: Publication of Alan Bean Plus Four

In 2014, Tom Hanks' short story "Alan Bean Plus Four" was published in The New Yorker, revolving around four friends' voyage to the moon. It was named after Apollo 12 astronaut Alan Bean.

May 8, 2016: Guest on Desert Island Discs

On May 8, 2016, Tom Hanks was the guest on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, choosing Richard Strauss' Also sprach Zarathustra, A World Lit Only by Fire by William Manchester, and a Hermes 3000 typewriter as his favorite disc, book, and luxury item, respectively.

2016: Endorsement of Hillary Clinton

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

April 2017: Boycotting NFL After Raiders Relocation

In April 2017, Tom Hanks stated he would boycott the NFL for two years after the Raiders filed for relocation to Las Vegas, despite being a fan of the Oakland Athletics and the Raiders.

2017: Third Espresso Machine Donation to White House Press Corps

In 2017, Tom Hanks donated new espresso machines to the White House press corps for a third time, accompanied by a note encouraging the fight for truth and justice.

July 2018: Wildfire in Mati, Greece

In July 2018, a devastating wildfire ripped through the seaside village of Mati, near Athens, Greece, killing more than 100 people. Tom Hanks and his family's efforts to bring attention and aid to the victims contributed to their honorary citizenship.

2018: Attributing Diabetes to Genetics and Lifestyle

In a 2018 interview, Tom Hanks further attributed his type 2 diabetes condition to a combination of genetics and lifestyle choices.

November 2019: Discovery of Cousinship with Fred Rogers

In November 2019, shortly before the release of A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Tom Hanks learned through Ancestry.com that he and Fred Rogers were sixth cousins.

December 27, 2019: Honorary Naturalization Order by Greece

On December 27, 2019, the President of Greece signed an honorary naturalization order for Tom Hanks and his family, making them Greek citizens due to their "exceptional services to Greece".

April 11, 2020: SNL Hosting Debut After COVID-19 Diagnosis

On April 11, 2020, Tom Hanks hosted Saturday Night Live, his first television appearance since his COVID-19 diagnosis. The episode was unique, featuring remotely filmed sketches due to the pandemic.

July 2020: Photographed with Greek Passports

In July 2020, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson were photographed with their Greek passports alongside the Prime Minister of Greece and his wife.

2020: Endorsement of Joe Biden

In 2020, Tom Hanks endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden in the presidential election.

March 2, 2022: Dead Eyes Podcast Interview

On March 2, 2022, Tom Hanks was interviewed on Connor Ratliff's podcast Dead Eyes, 22 years after Ratliff was fired from Band of Brothers, allegedly because Hanks thought he had "dead eyes".