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 acclaimed American actor and filmmaker, recognized globally as a prominent film star and American cultural icon. He's celebrated for both his comedic and dramatic performances, achieving significant box-office success. Hanks has received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, multiple Emmy Awards, and Golden Globe Awards. He has also been honored with prestigious lifetime achievement awards such as the AFI Life Achievement Award, the Kennedy Center Honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Cecil B. DeMille Award, solidifying his lasting impact on the film industry.

Sections (4)

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

1977: Birth of son Colin

In 1977, Tom Hanks's son, actor Colin Hanks, was born.

1978: Marriage to Samantha Lewes

In 1978, Tom Hanks married American actress Samantha Lewes.

1981: Met Rita Wilson on Bosom Buddies set

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

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1982: Birth of daughter Elizabeth

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

1984: Tom Hanks became a fan of Aston Villa

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

1985: Reunited with Rita Wilson on Volunteers set

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 and Rita Wilson married after Hanks converted to the Greek Orthodox faith.

1995: Birth of son Truman

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

2002: Death of Samantha Lewes

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

2004: Donation of an espresso machine to the White House press corps

In 2004, Tom Hanks donated an espresso machine to the White House press corps after learning they did not have a coffee pot.

August 2005: Elected vice president of the Academy

In August 2005, Tom Hanks was voted in as vice president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

April 11, 2007: Announced to Reprise Role in Angels & Demons

On April 11, 2007, it was announced that Tom Hanks would reprise his role as Robert Langdon in Angels & Demons, reportedly receiving the highest salary ever for an actor.

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August 2007: Legal action against Gold Circle Films

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

2008: Endorsed 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 California's Proposition 8.

January 2009: Apology for Remarks on Proposition 8 Supporters

In January 2009, Tom Hanks apologized for calling supporters of Proposition 8 "un-American."

2010: Donated espresso machines to the White House press corps

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

2011: Son Chet released a rap song

In 2011, Tom Hanks's older son, Chet, released a rap song.

2012: Narrated The Road We've Traveled

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

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October 2013: Revealed Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis

In October 2013, Tom Hanks revealed on Late Show with David Letterman that he has type 2 diabetes.

2013: Starring in Lucky Guy on Broadway

In 2013, while starring in Nora Ephron's Lucky Guy on Broadway, Tom Hanks had large crowds of fans waiting after each performance.

Lucky Guy

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2014: Publishes short story

In 2014, Tom Hanks' short story "Alan Bean Plus Four" was published in The New Yorker. The story revolves around four friends who make a voyage to the moon and is titled after the Apollo 12 astronaut Alan Bean.

May 8, 2016: Guest on BBC Radio 4's 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 by the Vienna Philharmonic, A World Lit Only by Fire by William Manchester, and a Hermes 3000 typewriter and paper as his favorite items.

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2016: Endorsed Hillary Clinton

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

April 2017: Boycott of the NFL

In April 2017, Tom Hanks stated that he would boycott the NFL for two years after the Raiders filed for relocation to Las Vegas.

2017: Donated espresso machines to the White House press corps

In 2017, Tom Hanks donated new espresso machines to the White House press corps, along with a note about truth and justice.

July 2018: Role in bringing attention to Mati wildfire

In July 2018, Tom Hanks and his family played a role in bringing global attention and appealing for aid after a devastating wildfire in Mati, Greece.

2018: Discussed cause of diabetes in interview

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

November 2019: Discovered Cousin Relationship with Fred Rogers

In November 2019, 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.

April 11, 2020: Hosts Saturday Night Live after COVID-19 diagnosis

On April 11, 2020, Tom Hanks hosted Saturday Night Live, making his first television appearance since his COVID-19 diagnosis. He delivered an opening monologue from his house.

July 2020: Photographed with Greek Prime Minister with Greek passports

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

2020: Endorsed Joe Biden in presidential election

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

March 2, 2022: Interviewed on 'Dead Eyes' podcast

On March 2, 2022, Tom Hanks was interviewed for the season three finale of Connor Ratliff's podcast Dead Eyes, 22 years after Ratliff was fired from Band of Brothers.

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