History of Tom Hanks in Timeline
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.
1937: Spencer Tracy's First Academy Award
In 1937, Spencer Tracy won his first Academy Award for Captains Courageous.
1940: The Shop Around the Corner Release
In 1940, Ernst Lubitsch's "The Shop Around the Corner" was released; the movie was later remade as "You've Got Mail" starring Tom Hanks.
July 9, 1956: Tom Hanks' Birth
On July 9, 1956, Thomas Jeffrey Hanks was born in Concord, California.
1977: Birth of Colin Hanks
In 1977, Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes had one son, actor Colin Hanks.
1978: Marriage to Samantha Lewes
In 1978, Tom Hanks married American actress Samantha Lewes.
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".
1979: Move to New York City
In 1979, Tom Hanks moved to New York City to pursue his acting career.
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: Birth of Elizabeth Hanks
In 1982, Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes had one daughter, Elizabeth.
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.
1984: Became 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
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: Acting Classes
In 1986, Tom Hanks discussed his experience in acting classes and his passion for theater with New York magazine.
1986: Nothing in Common Release
In 1986, Tom Hanks starred in "Nothing in Common", beginning his transition from comedic roles to dramatic roles.
1987: Divorce from Samantha Lewes
In 1987, Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes divorced.
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: Marriage to Rita Wilson
In 1988, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson married.
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".
1995: Birth of Truman Hanks
In 1995, Truman Hanks, Tom Hanks's younger son, was born.
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: 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: Sportscaster Interview
During a 2001 interview with sportscaster Bob Costas, Tom Hanks expressed his desire to win a Heisman Trophy.
2001: Band of Brothers Release
In 2001, Tom Hanks collaborated with Steven Spielberg on the World War II-themed miniseries "Band of Brothers".
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.
2002: Catch Me If You Can Release
In 2002, Tom Hanks collaborated with Steven Spielberg on the film "Catch Me If You Can".
2002: AFI Life Achievement Award
In 2002, Tom Hanks received the AFI Life Achievement Award, recognizing his significant contributions to the film industry.
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.
2006: Douglas S. Morrow Public Outreach Award
In 2006, the Space Foundation awarded Tom Hanks the Douglas S. Morrow Public Outreach Award for his contributions to public awareness of space programs.
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".
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: Apology for "Un-American" Remark
In January 2009, Tom Hanks apologized for calling supporters of Proposition 8 "un-American," saying that nothing is more American than voting one's conscience.
2010: Top 10 College Dropouts
In 2010, Time magazine named Tom Hanks one of the "Top 10 College Dropouts".
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: Chet Hanks Released Rap Song
In 2011, Chet Hanks, Tom Hanks's older son, released a rap song.
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.
October 2013: Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes
In October 2013, Tom Hanks disclosed on Late Show with David Letterman that he has type 2 diabetes.
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.
2014: Kennedy Center Honor
In 2014, Tom Hanks was awarded the Kennedy Center Honor, celebrating his lifetime achievements in the performing arts.
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.
2016: Sully Release
In 2016, Tom Hanks starred in the biographical drama "Sully".
April 2017: Boycott of NFL Announced
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 Machine with Note
In 2017, Tom Hanks donated an espresso machine to the White House Press Corps with a note about truth and justice.
2017: Publication of Uncommon Type
In 2017, Tom Hanks published Uncommon Type, a collection of short stories inspired by his typewriter collection.
2017: The Post Release
In 2017, Tom Hanks starred in "The Post", his fifth collaboration with Steven Spielberg on a film.
July 2018: Devastating Wildfire in Mati
In July 2018, a devastating wildfire ripped through the seaside village of Mati, near Athens, Greece, which killed more than 100 people.
2018: Attributed Condition to Genetics and Lifestyle
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, Tom Hanks learned through Ancestry.com that he and Fred Rogers were sixth cousins.
December 27, 2019: Honorary Greek Citizenship
On December 27, 2019, Tom Hanks and his family were granted honorary Greek citizenship by the President of Greece for their "exceptional services to Greece".
2019: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood Release
In 2019, Tom Hanks starred in the biographical drama "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood".
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: Endorsed Joe Biden
In 2020, Tom Hanks endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden in the presidential election.
2020: News of the World Release
In 2020, Tom Hanks starred in "News of the World".
2020: Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award
In 2020, Tom Hanks was honored with the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award for his outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.
March 24, 2022: Officiated a Wedding
On March 24, 2022, it was reported that Tom Hanks, an ordained minister, officiated a wedding in Pittsburgh.
2022: Elvis Release
In 2022, Tom Hanks appeared in the biographical drama "Elvis".
2022: Truman Hanks Portrayed Younger Version of His Father
In 2022, Truman Hanks portrayed the younger version of his father's character in A Man Called Otto.
May 2023: Publication of The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece
In May 2023, Tom Hanks's debut novel, The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece, was published.
2023: Founded Hanx for the Troops
In 2023, Tom Hanks founded Hanx for the Troops, a coffee company that supports veterans and military families.
2023: Equivalent Cost of From the Earth to the Moon in 2023
In 2023, the equivalent cost of From the Earth to the Moon was $127 million.
2024: Masters of the Air Release
In 2024, Tom Hanks collaborated with Steven Spielberg on the World War II-themed miniseries "Masters of the Air".
