Tom Hanks: Iconic Film Star in Pictures

The Illustrious Career of Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks is one of only two actors to win the Best Actor Oscar in consecutive years. He took home his first Oscar in 1994 for his role as AIDS-stricken lawyer Andrew Beckett in “Philadelphia.” The following year, he won for his performance in “Forrest Gump.” He has also received Golden Globe Awards for both films.

This past January, Hanks was honored at the Golden Globes with the prestigious Cecil B. deMille Award.

Currently residing in Australia, Hanks shared on Instagram that he and his wife, Rita Wilson, tested positive for coronavirus.

Notable Films

Hanks is renowned for several blockbuster films throughout his career, including:

  • “Big”
  • “Saving Private Ryan”
  • “Cast Away”
  • “Catch Me If You Can”
  • “Apollo 13”
  • “Captain Phillips”

Additionally, Hanks has lent his voice to the iconic character Sheriff Woody in the beloved “Toy Story” franchise.

According to Lorenzo Soria, president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, “For more than three decades, he’s captivated audiences with rich and playful characters that we’ve grown to love and admire. As compelling as he is on the silver screen, he’s equally so behind the camera as a writer, producer, and director.”

Hanks was born in Concord, California, in 1956. Family Photo
Hanks was born in Concord, California, in 1956.
One of Hanks' first major roles came in the television sitcom 'Bosom Buddies.' The show, which also starred Peter Scolari, ran for two seasons from 1980-1982.
One of Hanks’ first major roles came in the television sitcom ‘Bosom Buddies.’
Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, married in 1988. It was Hanks' second marriage.
Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, married in 1988.
Hanks starred in several movies in the mid-1980s, but his breakthrough role came in the 1988 comedy 'Big.' Hanks was nominated for an Academy Award.
Hanks starred in the 1988 comedy ‘Big,’ earning an Academy Award nomination.
Hanks performs his monologue while hosting an episode of 'Saturday Night Live' in 1990. He has hosted the show nine times during his career.
Hanks performs his monologue on ‘Saturday Night Live’ in 1990.
Hanks is joined by his wife, Rita, as he receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1992.
Hanks receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1992.
Hanks won an Academy Award for his role as an AIDS-stricken lawyer in 1993's 'Philadelphia.'
Hanks won an Academy Award for his role in ‘Philadelphia.’
Hanks holds his Oscar at the 1994 Academy Awards.
Hanks holds his Oscar at the 1994 Academy Awards.
Hanks stars as the lead character in the 1994 film 'Forrest Gump.' That role earned Hanks his second Oscar in as many years.
Hanks stars in ‘Forrest Gump,’ earning his second Oscar.
Hanks is honored by Harvard University students as the Hasty Pudding Man of the Year in 1995.
Hanks receives the Hasty Pudding Man of the Year award in 1995.
Hanks received an Oscar nomination for his role in the World War II epic 'Saving Private Ryan' in 1998.
Hanks received an Oscar nomination for ‘Saving Private Ryan.’
Hanks stars with Meg Ryan in the 1994 romantic comedy 'You've Got Mail.' The two starred in several movies together.
Hanks stars in ‘You’ve Got Mail’ alongside Meg Ryan.
Hanks and Tim Allen pose with their 'Toy Story' characters in 1999. The animated franchise has been wildly successful, with three sequels since the first film in 1995.
Hanks with Tim Allen in the successful ‘Toy Story’ franchise.
Hanks got more critical acclaim for his role in 2000's 'Cast Away.'
Hanks received critical acclaim for ‘Cast Away.’
Hanks, his wife and two of his children attend a Los Angeles Dodgers baseball game in 2004. Hanks also has a son and a daughter from his first marriage to Samantha Lewes.
Hanks enjoys family time at a Dodgers game in 2004.
Hanks reads a historical text at the 'We Are One' concert, which was one of President Barack Obama's inauguration celebrations in 2009.
Hanks at the ‘We Are One’ concert in 2009.
Hanks throws out the ceremonial first pitch before a pro baseball game in Tokyo in 2009.
Hanks throws the first pitch in Tokyo in 2009.
Hanks looks at his caricature after it was unveiled at Sardi's restaurant in New York in 2013.
Hanks admires his caricature at Sardi’s in 2013.
Hanks and his wife attend the European premiere of 'Captain Phillips' in 2013.
Hanks and Wilson at the European premiere of ‘Captain Phillips.’
Hanks was jogging through New York's Central Park in September 2016 when he saw a couple taking wedding photos. He stopped to wish them well.
Hanks stops to congratulate a couple in Central Park.
Hanks hams it up with late-night talk show host Stephen Colbert in October 2016.
Hanks shares a light moment with Stephen Colbert in 2016.
Hanks receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, in November 2016. 'From a Philadelphia courtroom, to Normandy's beachheads, to the dark side of the moon, he has introduced us to America's unassuming heroes,' President Obama said at the ceremony.
Hanks receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.
Hanks played pilot Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger in the 2016 film 'Sully.' Sullenberger was the pilot who successfully landed a passenger plane in the Hudson River in 2009.
Hanks portrays pilot ‘Sully’ in the film ‘Sully.’
Hanks plays journalist Bill Bradlee in 2017's 'The Post.'
Hanks stars as journalist Bill Bradlee in ‘The Post.’
Hanks attends the People's Choice Awards in 2017.
Hanks at the People’s Choice Awards in 2017.
Hanks poses with his 'Toy Story' character Woody at the premiere of 'Toy Story 4' in June 2019.
Hanks with his ‘Toy Story’ character Woody at the premiere of ‘Toy Story 4.’
Hanks' latest role was Fred Rogers in 'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.' He has received a Golden Globe nomination for best supporting actor.
Hanks as Fred Rogers in ‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.’
Hanks and Wilson attend the 92nd Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on Sunday, February 9, in Hollywood.
Hanks and Wilson at the 92nd Annual Academy Awards.
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