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 for his versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles. As one of the most popular film stars worldwide, he's considered an American cultural icon and ranks as the fourth-highest-grossing American film actor. Throughout his career, Hanks has received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, seven Emmy Awards, and four Golden Globe Awards. He has also been honored with prestigious awards such as the AFI Life Achievement Award, the Kennedy Center Honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award.

Sections (4)

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

1952: Birth of Samantha Lewes

In 1952, Samantha Lewes, later to become Tom Hanks's wife, was born.

1977: Birth of Colin Hanks

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

1978: Marriage to Samantha Lewes

In 1978, Tom Hanks married American actress Samantha Lewes.

1981: Meeting Rita Wilson

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

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1982: Birth of Elizabeth Hanks

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

1984: 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 Set

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

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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.

1995: Birth of Truman Hanks

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

2002: Death of Samantha Lewes

In 2002, Samantha Lewes, Tom Hanks's ex-wife, passed away at the age of 49 due to bone cancer.

2004: Donation of Espresso Machine to 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.

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

On March 10, 2008, Tom Hanks inducted The Dave Clark Five into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

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 for Proposition 8 Remarks

In January 2009, Tom Hanks called supporters of Proposition 8 "un-American" and later apologized for the remark, stating that nothing is more American than voting one's conscience.

2010: Donation of Espresso Machine to White House Press Corps

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

2011: Son Chet Releases Rap Song

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

October 2013: Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes

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 drew crowds of 300 fans after each performance, the highest number for any Broadway show.

Lucky Guy

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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. He chose 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.

A World Lit Only by Fire: The Medieval Mind and the Renaissance: Portrait of an Age

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2016: Endorsement of Hillary Clinton

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

April 2017: Boycott of the NFL

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

2017: Donation of Espresso Machine to White House Press Corps

In 2017, Tom Hanks donated a new espresso machine to the White House press corps, accompanied by a note encouraging them to "Keep up the good fight for Truth, Justice, and the American Way."

July 2018: Wildfire in Mati

In July 2018, a devastating wildfire ripped through the seaside village of Mati, near Athens, prompting Tom Hanks and his family to appeal for aid, contributing to their honorary citizenship.

2018: Attribution of Diabetes Condition

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

November 2019: Discovery of Relation to 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.

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