History of Tom Hanks in Timeline
Tom Hanks is a highly acclaimed American actor and filmmaker, celebrated for his versatile performances in both comedic and dramatic roles. His global recognition has solidified his status as a prominent figure in American culture. Hanks's films have achieved remarkable box office success, accumulating over \$4.9 billion in North America and surpassing \$9.96 billion worldwide. This financial triumph positions him as the fourth-highest-grossing actor in North America. Throughout his career, Hanks has been honored with numerous awards, including the prestigious AFI Life Achievement Award, Kennedy Center Honor, Presidential Medal of Freedom, French Legion of Honor, and the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award.
1937: Spencer Tracy's Consecutive Oscars
Spencer Tracy became the first actor to win consecutive Best Actor Oscars in 1937 and 1938, a feat later matched by Tom Hanks in 1993 and 1994. This historical context underscores the significance of Hanks' achievement.
1940: Release of "The Shop Around the Corner"
The romantic comedy "The Shop Around the Corner" was released in 1940, later remade in 1998 as "You've Got Mail" starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.
1952: Birth of Samantha Lewes
Samantha Lewes was born in 1952.
July 9, 1956: Birth of Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks was born on July 9, 1956, in Concord, California.
1960: Divorce of parents
Tom Hanks' parents divorced in 1960.
1977: Birth of Colin Hanks
Colin Hanks, son of Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes, was born in 1977.
1978: Marriage to Samantha Lewes
Tom Hanks married American actress Samantha Lewes in 1978.
1978: Cleveland Critics Circle Award for Best Actor
Tom Hanks received the Cleveland Critics Circle Award for Best Actor in 1978 for his performance as Proteus in "The Two Gentlemen of Verona."
1979: Move to New York City
Tom Hanks moved to New York City in 1979 to pursue his acting career.
1980: Premiere of "Bosom Buddies"
The TV comedy "Bosom Buddies" premiered in 1980.
1980: Film debut in "He Knows You're Alone"
Tom Hanks made his feature film debut in 1980 with the horror movie "He Knows You're Alone."
1981: Meeting Rita Wilson
Tom Hanks met actress Rita Wilson in 1981 on the set of the TV comedy "Bosom Buddies".
1982: Birth of Elizabeth Hanks
Elizabeth Hanks, daughter of Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes, was born in 1982.
1982: End of "Bosom Buddies"
The TV comedy "Bosom Buddies" ended in 1982.
1982: Guest appearance on "Happy Days"
Tom Hanks made a guest appearance on the popular television show "Happy Days" in 1982.
1983: Guest appearances on "Family Ties"
Tom Hanks had a recurring guest role as Ned Donnelly on the television show "Family Ties" in 1983-84.
1984: Tom Hanks Becomes Aston Villa Fan
Tom Hanks became an avid fan of the English Premier League club Aston Villa in 1984.
1984: Splash
Tom Hanks had his breakthrough role in 1984 with the release of the romantic comedy "Splash."
1985: Reunion with Rita Wilson on "Volunteers"
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson reunited in 1985 on the set of the film "Volunteers".
1986: Transition to Dramatic Roles
In 1986, Tom Hanks began to shift his focus from comedic roles to more dramatic ones. His role in "With Nothing in Common", where he played a young man estranged from his father, marked this transition. Hanks found this experience transformative, expressing his desire to work on films with deeper relational themes.
1986: Tom Hanks discusses his passion for theater in New York magazine
In 1986, Tom Hanks discussed his love for theater and his immersive experiences attending plays in an interview with New York magazine.
1986: The Money Pit
Tom Hanks starred in the comedy film "The Money Pit" in 1986.
1987: Signing with Disney
In 1987, Tom Hanks signed a talent agreement with Walt Disney Studios, embarking on a new phase in his career that involved both acting and producing.
1987: Divorce from Samantha Lewes
Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes divorced in 1987.
1988: Big
In 1988, Tom Hanks starred in the fantasy comedy film "Big."
1988: Breakthrough with "Big"
Tom Hanks achieved mainstream success and recognition in Hollywood with the release of "Big" in 1988. This fantasy comedy solidified his position as a box office draw and a respected actor. His performance earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
1988: Marriage to Rita Wilson
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson married in 1988. Hanks converted to the Greek Orthodox Church before their marriage, as Wilson is of Greek and Bulgarian descent and a member of that faith.
1989: Box Office Success and Underperformers
In 1989, Tom Hanks starred in "Turner & Hooch", his only financially successful film during a period that also saw the release of box office underperformers.
1990: Challenges at the Box Office
Tom Hanks faced a series of box office setbacks in 1990 with the releases of "Joe Versus the Volcano" and "The Bonfire of the Vanities", in which he portrayed a Wall Street financier caught in a hit-and-run incident. This period represented a challenging time in his career.
1992: Comeback with "A League of Their Own"
In 1992, Tom Hanks rebounded with his portrayal of a former baseball star turned manager in "A League of Their Own." This role marked a return to success after a period of box office underperformance. Hanks acknowledged his growth as an actor, recognizing improvements in his craft and a shift towards more authentic performances.
1992: A League of Their Own
Tom Hanks starred in the sports comedy "A League of Their Own" in 1992.
1993: Academy Award for "Philadelphia"
In 1993, Tom Hanks received his first Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in "Philadelphia". During his acceptance speech, he publicly acknowledged his former drama teacher and a high school classmate, both of whom were gay, marking a significant moment in LGBTQ+ visibility within Hollywood.
1993: Academy Award for Best Actor for "Philadelphia"
In 1993, Tom Hanks won his first Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in "Philadelphia".
1993: Critical Acclaim and Personal Growth
Tom Hanks experienced a transformative year in 1993 with the release of "Sleepless in Seattle" and "Philadelphia." The former, a romantic comedy, cemented his status as a leading man in the genre. The latter, a drama about a lawyer with AIDS fighting discrimination, showcased Hanks' commitment to his craft as he underwent physical transformation and delivered a critically acclaimed performance, earning him his first Academy Award for Best Actor. Hanks also began to publicly acknowledge his personal connections to the LGBTQ+ community.
1993: Philadelphia
Tom Hanks won his first Academy Award for Best Actor in 1993 for his performance in the drama "Philadelphia."
1994: Forrest Gump
Tom Hanks won his second consecutive Academy Award for Best Actor in 1994 for his role in the film "Forrest Gump."
1994: Academy Award for Best Actor for "Forrest Gump"
Tom Hanks won his second consecutive Academy Award for Best Actor in 1994 for his role in "Forrest Gump".
1994: Global Success with "Forrest Gump"
The year 1994 witnessed the global triumph of "Forrest Gump", which grossed over \$600 million worldwide. Tom Hanks' performance as the titular character, a man navigating historical events with childlike innocence, resonated deeply with audiences, solidifying the film's status as a modern classic. Hanks' portrayal earned him his second consecutive Best Actor Academy Award, a feat only achieved by Spencer Tracy before him.
1995: Reuniting with Ron Howard and Voice Acting Debut
In 1995, Tom Hanks reunited with director Ron Howard for the critically acclaimed film "Apollo 13", a dramatic retelling of the real-life lunar mission. Hanks' portrayal of astronaut Jim Lovell, along with the performances of the ensemble cast, garnered widespread praise. The same year, Hanks lent his voice to the beloved animated character Sheriff Woody in Disney/Pixar's groundbreaking film "Toy Story."
1995: Birth of Truman Hanks
Truman Hanks, the younger son of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, was born in 1995.
1996: Directorial Debut and Playtone
Tom Hanks made his directorial debut with "That Thing You Do!" in 1996, a film set in the 1960s about a pop group. Hanks also starred as a music producer in the film. This project led him to co-found Playtone, a record and film production company, with producer Gary Goetzman. The company's name was inspired by the record company featured in the film.
1996: That Thing You Do!
Tom Hanks made his directorial debut with the comedy film "That Thing You Do!" in 1996, in which he also starred.
1998: Primetime Emmy Award for "From the Earth to the Moon"
Tom Hanks won a Primetime Emmy Award in 1998 for his work as a producer on the miniseries "From the Earth to the Moon".
1998: Saving Private Ryan
Tom Hanks starred in the World War II drama film "Saving Private Ryan," directed by Steven Spielberg, in 1998.
1998: Critical Acclaim and Reunion with Meg Ryan
Tom Hanks collaborated with Steven Spielberg on "Saving Private Ryan" in 1998, a film set during World War II that earned widespread acclaim and is considered one of the greatest war films ever made. Spielberg won his second Academy Award for directing, and Hanks received another Best Actor nomination. Later that year, Hanks reunited with Meg Ryan, his "Sleepless in Seattle" co-star, for "You've Got Mail", a remake of the 1940 film "The Shop Around the Corner."
1998: Playtone and HBO deal
In 1998, Tom Hanks launched his production company Playtone and secured an exclusive television development deal with HBO.
1999: Diverse Roles and "Toy Story 2"
In 1999, Tom Hanks took on diverse roles, starring in "The Green Mile", an adaptation of Stephen King's novel, and reprising his voice role as Woody in "Toy Story 2", the sequel to the animated hit.
2000: Acclaim for "Cast Away"
In 2000, Tom Hanks garnered critical acclaim for his performance in Robert Zemeckis's "Cast Away." He won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor and received an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of a FedEx analyst stranded on a deserted island. Critics lauded Hanks' ability to convey nuanced emotions and engage audiences even in isolation.
2000: Inclusion on Forbes' List of Most Powerful Celebrities
Tom Hanks was included in Forbes' list of the top ten most powerful celebrities in the world in 2000.
2001: Diverse Projects and Anti-hero Role
In 2001, Tom Hanks engaged in a variety of projects. He co-directed and produced the HBO miniseries "Band of Brothers", appeared in a 9/11 tribute special, and starred in "Road to Perdition", taking on an anti-hero role as a hitman. He also collaborated with Steven Spielberg on "Catch Me If You Can", playing a detective pursuing Leonardo DiCaprio's character. Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson also produced the hit movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding".
2001: Band of Brothers
Tom Hanks served as executive producer and co-director for the World War II miniseries "Band of Brothers" in 2001.
June 12, 2002: AFI Life Achievement Award
Tom Hanks received the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award on June 12, 2002, at the age of 45, becoming the youngest recipient of this prestigious honor.
2002: Primetime Emmy Award for "Band of Brothers"
Tom Hanks won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2002 for his work as a producer on the miniseries "Band of Brothers".
2002: Catch Me If You Can
Tom Hanks starred alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in "Catch Me If You Can," directed by Steven Spielberg, released in 2002.
2002: Death of Samantha Lewes
Samantha Lewes passed away in 2002 at the age of 49 due to bone cancer.
2002: Second Inclusion on Forbes' List of Most Powerful Celebrities
Hanks was again included on Forbes' list of the top ten most powerful celebrities in the world in 2002.
2002: AFI Life Achievement Award
In 2002, Tom Hanks received the prestigious AFI Life Achievement Award, recognizing his significant contributions to the film industry.
2003: Third Inclusion on Forbes' List of Most Powerful Celebrities & Ranking in Channel 4's Movie Stars Countdown
In 2003, Hanks was included on Forbes' list of the top ten most powerful celebrities for the third time and was voted Number 3 in Channel 4's countdown of the 100 Greatest Movie Stars of All Time. He was also number 22 on VH1's list of the "200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons of All Time."
2004: The Terminal
In 2004, Tom Hanks starred in "The Terminal," directed by Steven Spielberg.
2004: Hanks in "The Ladykillers", "The Terminal", and "The Polar Express"
In 2004, Tom Hanks starred in three films: "The Ladykillers" by the Coen brothers, "The Terminal" directed by Steven Spielberg, and "The Polar Express", a family film by Robert Zemeckis where Hanks played multiple motion capture roles.
2004: Espresso Machine Donation to White House Press Corps
Tom Hanks donated an espresso machine to the White House press corps in 2004 after discovering they lacked one.
August 2005: Hanks Elected Vice President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
In August 2005, Tom Hanks was elected as vice president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
May 19, 2006: Release of "The Da Vinci Code"
On May 19, 2006, "The Da Vinci Code", the highly anticipated film based on Dan Brown's bestselling novel and starring Tom Hanks, was released in the U.S. The film grossed over US\$750 million worldwide.
June 2006: Induction into the US Army Rangers Hall of Fame
In June 2006, Tom Hanks was inducted as an honorary member of the US Army Rangers Hall of Fame for his portrayal of a captain in "Saving Private Ryan" and his contributions to WWII commemoration efforts.
2006: Douglas S. Morrow Public Outreach Award
The Space Foundation awarded Hanks the Douglas S. Morrow Public Outreach Award in 2006 for his contributions to public awareness of space programs.
2006: Hanks' Cameo in "The Simpsons Movie" and Production of "Starter for Ten"
In 2006, Tom Hanks made a cameo appearance as himself in "The Simpsons Movie", appearing in a humorous advertisement about the U.S. government losing credibility. He also produced the British comedy film "Starter for Ten", centered around working-class students participating in "University Challenge".
April 11, 2007: Announcement of "Angels & Demons" Film Adaptation
The film adaptation of "Angels & Demons", based on Dan Brown's novel, was announced on April 11, 2007. Tom Hanks was set to reprise his role as Robert Langdon, reportedly receiving the highest salary ever for an actor.
August 2007: Legal Dispute over "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"
In August 2007, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Gary Goetzman, and Nia Vardalos took legal action against Gold Circle Films regarding profit-sharing from the successful film "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", which they produced.
December 21, 2007: Release of "Charlie Wilson's War"
On December 21, 2007, "Charlie Wilson's War", directed by Mike Nichols and written by Aaron Sorkin, was released. Tom Hanks starred as Democratic Texas Congressman Charles Wilson and received a Golden Globe nomination for his performance.
2007: Hanks' Voice Work in Ken Burns's Documentary "The War"
Tom Hanks contributed voice work to Ken Burns's 2007 documentary "The War", reading excerpts from World War II-era columns by Al McIntosh.
March 10, 2008: Induction of The Dave Clark Five into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Tom Hanks inducted The Dave Clark Five into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on March 10, 2008.
2008: Primetime Emmy Award for "John Adams"
Tom Hanks won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2008 for his work as a producer on the miniseries "John Adams".
2008: Hanks in "The Great Buck Howard" and Executive Production of "Mamma Mia" and "John Adams"
In 2008, Tom Hanks starred in "The Great Buck Howard", a comedy-drama where he played the on-screen father of his real-life son, Colin Hanks. He also executive produced the musical comedy "Mamma Mia" and the miniseries "John Adams" in the same year.
2008: Opposition to Proposition 8
Tom Hanks actively opposed Proposition 8 in 2008, a California amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman, by raising funds and campaigning against it.
2008: Political Support for Barack Obama
In 2008, Tom Hanks publicly endorsed Barack Obama for president by uploading a video to his MySpace account.
January 2009: Controversy Surrounding Proposition 8 Comments
In January 2009, Hanks sparked controversy by calling supporters of Proposition 8 "un-American" and criticizing the LDS Church for its stance on marriage. He later apologized for his remarks.
May 15, 2009: Release of "Angels & Demons" and Production of "Where The Wild Things Are"
"Angels & Demons", the film adaptation of Dan Brown's novel starring Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon, was released on May 15, 2009. Hanks also produced Spike Jonze's film "Where The Wild Things Are", based on Maurice Sendak's children's book, in the same year.
2010: Second Espresso Machine Donation
Hanks donated another espresso machine to the White House press corps in 2010.
2010: Hanks in "Toy Story 3" and Executive Production of "The Pacific"
In 2010, Tom Hanks reprised his voice role as Woody in "Toy Story 3", which became the first animated film to gross over US\$1 billion worldwide. He also served as executive producer of the miniseries "The Pacific".
2010: The Pacific
Tom Hanks was an executive producer on the HBO miniseries "The Pacific" in 2010.
2010: Primetime Emmy Award for "The Pacific"
Tom Hanks won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2010 for his work as a producer on the miniseries "The Pacific".
2011: Publication of "In the Garden of Beasts"
"In the Garden of Beasts", the non-fiction book upon which the film adaptation starring Tom Hanks is based, was published in 2011. The film is being directed by Joe Wright and focuses on American diplomat William Dodd.
2011: Chet Hanks Releases Rap Song
Chet Hanks, the older son of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, released a rap song in 2011. He also had recurring roles in the TV shows "Empire" and "Shameless".
2011: Hanks Directs and Stars in "Larry Crowne", Stars in "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close"
In 2011, Tom Hanks directed and starred opposite Julia Roberts in the romantic comedy "Larry Crowne", which received poor reviews. He also starred in the drama film "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" in the same year.
2011: Larry Crowne
Tom Hanks directed, co-wrote, and starred in the romantic comedy "Larry Crowne" in 2011.
2011: Narration of "Killing Lincoln"
Tom Hanks narrated the 2011 television program "Killing Lincoln", which explores the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, to whom Hanks is distantly related.
2012: Hanks Voices Cleveland Carr in "Electric City", Stars in "Cloud Atlas", and Executive Produces "Game Change"
Tom Hanks voiced the character Cleveland Carr for his web series "Electric City" in 2012. He also starred in the Wachowskis' film adaptation of the novel "Cloud Atlas" and was executive producer of the miniseries "Game Change".
2012: Primetime Emmy Award for "Game Change"
Tom Hanks won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2012 for his work as a producer on the television film "Game Change".
2012: Publication of the Novel "A Hologram for the King"
The novel "A Hologram for the King" was published in 2012. This novel would later be adapted into a film in 2016, with Tom Hanks in the starring role.
2012: Narration of Obama Documentary
Tom Hanks provided narration for "The Road We've Traveled," a documentary created by Obama for America, in 2012.
January 2013: HBO Develops World War II Miniseries
HBO confirmed in January 2013 that it was developing a third World War II miniseries based on the book "Masters of the Air" by Donald L. Miller, with Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg involved in the project. This miniseries would follow "Band of Brothers" and "The Pacific".
October 2013: Tom Hanks Announces Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis
Tom Hanks revealed that he had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in October 2013.
2013: Broadway Performance in "Lucky Guy"
In 2013, Tom Hanks starred in Nora Ephron's "Lucky Guy" on Broadway, drawing large crowds of fans after each performance.
2013: Hanks Stars in "Captain Phillips" and "Saving Mr. Banks", Makes Broadway Debut in "Lucky Guy"
In 2013, Tom Hanks starred in two critically acclaimed films: "Captain Phillips" and "Saving Mr. Banks". He received nominations for the BAFTA Award and Golden Globe Award for his performance in "Captain Phillips". Hanks played Walt Disney in "Saving Mr. Banks", marking the first time Disney was portrayed in a mainstream film. In the same year, Hanks made his Broadway debut in Nora Ephron's "Lucky Guy", earning a Tony Award nomination.
2013: Tony Award Nomination for "Lucky Guy"
In 2013, Tom Hanks was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his performance in Nora Ephron's "Lucky Guy".
2013: Broadway debut in Lucky Guy
Tom Hanks made his Broadway debut in the play "Lucky Guy" in 2013 and received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Play.
August 2014: Release of Hanx Writer App
Tom Hanks released the "Hanx Writer" app for iOS in August 2014, simulating the experience of using a typewriter. The app quickly topped the App Store charts.
2014: Kennedy Center Honor
Tom Hanks was honored with the Kennedy Center Honor in 2014 for his lifetime achievements in the performing arts.
2014: Hanks Publishes Short Story "Alan Bean Plus Four" in The New Yorker
Tom Hanks' short story "Alan Bean Plus Four" was published in the October 27 issue of The New Yorker in 2014. The story, about four friends traveling to the moon, is named after Apollo 12 astronaut Alan Bean. Hanks expressed his lifelong fascination with space in an interview with The New Yorker, recalling his childhood hobby of building rocket models and watching live broadcasts of space missions.
March 2015: Hanks Appears in Carly Rae Jepsen's Music Video "I Really Like You"
Tom Hanks appeared in Carly Rae Jepsen's music video for "I Really Like You" in March 2015, lip-syncing the lyrics while going about his daily routine.
October 2015: Release of "Bridge of Spies"
"Bridge of Spies", a Steven Spielberg-directed historical drama starring Tom Hanks as lawyer James B. Donovan, was released in October 2015 to positive reception. The film depicts Donovan's negotiation for the release of pilot Francis Gary Powers by the Soviet Union in exchange for KGB spy Rudolf Abel.
2015: Bridge of Spies
Tom Hanks reunited with Steven Spielberg for the historical drama "Bridge of Spies" in 2015.
2015: Primetime Emmy Award for "Olive Kitteridge"
Tom Hanks won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2015 for his work as a producer on the miniseries "Olive Kitteridge".
April 2016: Hanks Stars in "A Hologram for the King"
Tom Hanks starred as Alan Clay in the comedy-drama "A Hologram for the King" in April 2016. This film, directed by Tom Tykwer, is an adaptation of the 2012 novel of the same name and marks the second collaboration between Hanks and Tykwer after "Cloud Atlas".
May 8, 2016: Appearance on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs
Tom Hanks was the guest on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs on May 8, 2016, sharing his favorite song, book, and luxury item.
September 2016: Release of "Sully" and "Inferno"
Tom Hanks starred as airline captain Chesley Sullenberger in Clint Eastwood's "Sully", released in September 2016. In the same year, he reprised his role as Robert Langdon in "Inferno", the third film in the Robert Langdon film series.
2016: Endorsement of Hillary Clinton
Tom Hanks endorsed Hillary Clinton for president in the 2016 election.
2016: Presidential Medal of Freedom and French Legion of Honor
Tom Hanks was awarded two prestigious honors in 2016, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, and the French Legion of Honor, France's highest order of merit.
March 2017: Production Update on "The Mighty Eighth"
In March 2017, NME reported that the production of the World War II miniseries was progressing under the working title "The Mighty Eighth".
April 2017: Tom Hanks Boycotts NFL
Despite being a fan of the Oakland Athletics and the Raiders when they were based in Oakland, Tom Hanks stated in April 2017 that he would boycott the NFL for two years after the Raiders filed for relocation to Las Vegas.
October 28, 2017: "The David S. Pumpkins Halloween Special" Airs on NBC
Tom Hanks voiced David S. Pumpkins in "The David S. Pumpkins Halloween Special", which aired on October 28, 2017, on NBC. Hanks had previously portrayed this character in episodes of "Saturday Night Live".
2017: Third Espresso Machine Donation with Note
In 2017, Hanks donated a third espresso machine to the White House press corps with a note encouraging their pursuit of truth and justice.
2017: Publication of "Uncommon Type"
Tom Hanks published "Uncommon Type," a collection of short stories inspired by his typewriter collection, in 2017.
2017: The Post
Tom Hanks starred in "The Post," directed by Steven Spielberg, in 2017.
July 2018: Mati Wildfire
A devastating wildfire swept through the seaside village of Mati, near Athens, Greece, in July 2018, resulting in the deaths of over 100 people.
June 21, 2019: Release of "Toy Story 4"
Tom Hanks reprised his voice role as Sheriff Woody in Pixar's "Toy Story 4", which was released on June 21, 2019.
October 11, 2019: Announcement of "Masters of the Air" for Apple TV+
It was announced on October 11, 2019 that the World War II miniseries based on Donald L. Miller's book "Masters of the Air", produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, would be titled "Masters of the Air" and stream on Apple TV+ due to budget limitations at HBO. The series was projected to cost \$200 million with a runtime of at least eight hours.
November 2019: Discovery of Family Connection to Fred Rogers
In November 2019, before the release of "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood", Tom Hanks discovered through Ancestry.com that he and Fred Rogers were sixth cousins. They were both descendants of Johannes Meffert (1732–1795), who emigrated from Schöneck, Hesse, Germany to the United States in the 18th century.
November 22, 2019: Release of "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood"
"A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood", directed by Marielle Heller and starring Tom Hanks as Fred Rogers, was released on November 22, 2019, by Sony Pictures. Hanks received his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his performance.
December 27, 2019: Honorary Greek Citizenship for Tom Hanks and Family
On December 27, 2019, the President of Greece, Prokopis Pavlopoulos, granted honorary Greek citizenship to Tom Hanks and his family in recognition of their "exceptional services to Greece". This honor was bestowed upon them for their efforts in raising global awareness and seeking aid following the devastating wildfire near Mati, Greece in July 2018, which claimed the lives of over 100 people.
April 11, 2020: Hanks Hosts "Saturday Night Live" Remotely After COVID-19 Diagnosis
On April 11, 2020, Tom Hanks hosted "Saturday Night Live" from his home, marking his first television appearance since his COVID-19 diagnosis. This episode, made up entirely of prerecorded content, was the first to air after the show's hiatus due to the pandemic and the second not filmed at Studio 8H. Hanks delivered the opening monologue but didn't participate in sketches.
June 2020: Original Release Date for "Greyhound"
"Greyhound", a war film starring and written by Tom Hanks, was initially scheduled to be theatrically released by Sony Pictures in June 2020.
July 2020: Release of "Greyhound" on Apple TV+
Tom Hanks starred in and wrote the screenplay for the war film "Greyhound", which was released on Apple TV+ in July 2020. Originally planned for a theatrical release in June 2020 by Sony Pictures, the distribution rights were acquired by Apple TV+ due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 26, 2020: Receipt of Greek Passports
On July 26, 2020, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson received their Greek passports from the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and his wife.
December 2020: Confirmation of Tom Hanks in "Pinocchio"
Tom Hanks's involvement in the live-action adaptation of "Pinocchio", directed by Robert Zemeckis, was officially announced in December 2020.
December 23, 2020: Release of "News of the World"
On December 23, 2020, "News of the World", a western drama film starring Tom Hanks and directed by Paul Greengrass, was released. Hanks received critical acclaim for his performance, with The Hollywood Reporter praising the "soulfulness and sorrow" he brought to the role.
2020: Endorsement of Joe Biden
Tom Hanks endorsed Joe Biden for president in the 2020 election.
2020: Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award
In 2020, Tom Hanks received the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globe Awards, a prestigious lifetime achievement award in the film industry.
July 2021: Announcement of "Asteroid City"
In July 2021, Wes Anderson's film "Asteroid City" was announced, marking Hanks' first collaboration with the director. The cast included Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Adrien Brody, Jeffrey Wright, and Bryan Cranston.
2021: Release of "Finch" on Apple TV+
In 2021, Tom Hanks starred in the science fiction drama "Finch", directed by Miguel Sapochnik. The film was released by Apple TV+.
February 2022: Casting of Tom Hanks in "Here"
In February 2022, it was announced that Tom Hanks would star in "Here", a feature film adaptation of Richard McGuire's graphic novel, directed by Robert Zemeckis.
March 2, 2022: Tom Hanks' Interview on "Dead Eyes" Podcast
On March 2, 2022, Connor Ratliff revealed on "Late Night With Seth Meyers" that Tom Hanks would be a guest on the season three finale of his podcast "Dead Eyes". The interview was notable because it addressed Ratliff's firing from "Band of Brothers" 22 years prior, allegedly due to Hanks' perception of Ratliff having "dead eyes". The conversation received widespread praise for its humor, empathy, and closure.
March 24, 2022: Officiating a Wedding
On March 24, 2022, CBS News reported that Tom Hanks had recently officiated a wedding in Pittsburgh.
June 2022: Release of "Elvis"
"Elvis", directed by Baz Luhrmann, was released in June 2022. The film starred Tom Hanks as Tom Parker, the manager of Elvis Presley. Filming started in early 2020 in Queensland, Australia.
September 8, 2022: Release of "Pinocchio" on Disney+
Tom Hanks played Geppetto in the live-action adaptation of "Pinocchio", directed by his frequent collaborator Robert Zemeckis. The film was released on Disney+ on September 8, 2022.
December 2022: Release of "A Man Called Otto"
Tom Hanks starred in "A Man Called Otto", an English-language remake of the Swedish film "A Man Called Ove". The film was released by Sony Pictures in December 2022.
2022: Truman Hanks in "A Man Called Otto"
Truman Hanks portrayed the younger version of his father's character in the 2022 film "A Man Called Otto".
May 2023: Publication of "The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece"
Hanks published his debut novel, "The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece," in May 2023.
June 2023: Premiere and Release of "Asteroid City"
"Asteroid City" premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival to mixed reviews and was released in June 2023.
2023: The High Cost of "From the Earth to the Moon"
In 2023, the HBO docudrama "From the Earth to the Moon", which Tom Hanks executive produced, co-wrote, and co-directed, stands as one of the most expensive television ventures with a budget of \$68 million in 1998, equivalent to \$127 million in 2023.
January 26, 2024: Premiere of "Masters of the Air"
The miniseries "Masters of the Air" premiered on January 26, 2024.
2024: Masters of the Air
"Masters of the Air," with Tom Hanks as an executive producer, is set to release in 2024.