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 renowned for his versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles. Hanks is one of the highest-grossing American film actors of all time. He's earned numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards, seven Emmy Awards, and four Golden Globe Awards. He's also a recipient of prestigious honors such as 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

1952: Birth of Samantha Lewes

In 1952, Samantha Lewes was born.

1977: Birth of son, Colin Hanks

In 1977, Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes had their son, actor Colin Hanks.

1978: Married Samantha Lewes

In 1978, Tom Hanks married American actress Samantha Lewes.

1981: Met Rita Wilson on the set of Bosom Buddies

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 Hanks

In 1982, Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes had their daughter, Elizabeth Hanks.

1984: Began supporting Aston Villa

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

1985: Reunited with Rita Wilson on the set of Volunteers

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

1987: Divorced Samantha Lewes

In 1987, Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes divorced.

1988: Married 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 and Rita Wilson had their son Truman.

2002: Death of Samantha Lewes

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

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 didn't have a coffee pot.

2008: Endorsed Barack Obama for president

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

2008: Opposed Proposition 8

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

January 2009: Apologized for remarks about Proposition 8 supporters

In January 2009, Tom Hanks apologized for calling supporters of Proposition 8 "un-American" and criticizing LDS Church members.

2010: Donated new espresso machines to 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, Chet Hanks, Tom Hanks's son, released a rap song.

October 2013: Announced diagnosis of type 2 diabetes

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

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2016: Attended Children of Armenia Fund gala

In 2016, Tom Hanks attended the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) gala concert in New York alongside fellow actor Leonardo DiCaprio, aiming to raise money for impoverished children in Armenia.

2016: Endorsed Hillary Clinton for president

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

April 2017: Boycotted the 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.

2017: Donated new espresso machines with a note to White House press corps

In 2017, Tom Hanks donated new espresso machines to the White House Press Corps, accompanied by a note encouraging them to fight for truth and justice.

July 2018: Advocated for aid after Mati wildfire

In July 2018, Tom Hanks and his family appealed for aid after a devastating wildfire in Mati, Greece, which killed over 100 people, contributing to them being granted honorary Greek citizenship.

2018: Attributed diabetes to genetics and lifestyle choices

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

November 2019: Discovered he and Fred Rogers were sixth cousins

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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December 27, 2019: Granted honorary Greek citizenship

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: Hosted Saturday Night Live After COVID-19 Diagnosis

On April 11, 2020, Tom Hanks made his first television appearance since his COVID-19 diagnosis by hosting Saturday Night Live, delivering an opening monologue remotely.

July 2020: Photographed with Greek passport alongside Prime Minister

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