24 Fun Facts About Tom Hanks | America’s Beloved Everyman
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Tom Hanks collects vintage typewriters and owns over 250 of them.
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He voiced Woody in all four “Toy Story” films, a role he adores.
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Hanks wrote and directed the 1996 film “That Thing You Do!”
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He’s an avid supporter of veterans and hosts annual charity events.
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Hanks became a Greek citizen in 2020 through his wife’s heritage.
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He performed his own stunts in the film “Sully” (2016).
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Hanks loves coffee and often gifts espresso machines to friends.
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He narrated the 2011 documentary “The 3D Universe” about space.
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He owns a production company, Playtone, behind hits like “Mamma Mia!”
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He’s an avid reader, often recommending history books to fans.
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Hanks received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.
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He voiced a character in the video game “Toy Story 3.”
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Hanks is a skilled photographer, publishing a book of his photos.
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He supports environmental causes, promoting sustainable energy initiatives.
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He’s a fan of soccer, rooting for the Aston Villa team.
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Hanks guest-starred on “Saturday Night Live” multiple times, showcasing comedy.
Table of Contents
1. He is a member of the National Space Society.
Tom Hanks has a deep love for space exploration. His membership in the National Space Society shows his commitment to this passion.
He serves on the NSS Board of Governors, advocating for a spacefaring future. Hanks also produced “From the Earth to the Moon,” blending his career with his cosmic interests.
2. He earned $1 million for his role in “Big” (1988), a first for a child role.
In 1988, Tom Hanks starred in the hit film “Big.” His $1 million salary set a new benchmark for child roles.
This paycheck marked a turning point in his career, proving his star power. “Big” became a cultural touchstone, loved by audiences worldwide.
3. He is a licensed pilot and owns his private aircraft.
Tom Hanks is more than an actor; he’s a skilled pilot. He owns a private aircraft for personal and professional travel.
He earned his pilot’s license in 1995, finding joy in the skies. Flying offers him a break from the demands of fame.
4. Tom Hanks has an Asteroid named after him.
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Have you ever thought a star could have an asteroid named after him? Tom Hanks does! Thanks to his iconic role in “Apollo 13,” NASA honored him in 1996 by naming an asteroid “12818 Tomhanks.”
Discovered by University of Arizona astronomer Joseph L. Montani, this space rock had a cosmic meet-up with the “8353 Megryan” asteroid, named after his co-star Meg Ryan, in 2011. A true cosmic connection!
5. He won the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2020 for his lifetime achievements.
In 2020, Tom Hanks received the Cecil B. DeMille Award. This Golden Globe honor celebrated his remarkable career.
The award highlighted films like “Saving Private Ryan” and “Forrest Gump.” His emotional acceptance speech touched hearts everywhere.
6. He was the youngest to receive the AFI’s Life Achievement Award in 2002.
At age 46, Tom Hanks earned the AFI Life Achievement Award. He was the youngest person to receive this honor.
This award recognized his diverse roles and lasting impact on film. It cemented his status as a Hollywood icon early in his career.
7. He is the fourth-highest-grossing actor in North America.
Tom Hanks’ films are box office gold. He ranks as North America’s fourth-highest-grossing actor.
His movies, including “Toy Story,” have earned over $4.9 billion in the U.S. alone. This success reflects his universal appeal.
8. He won back-to-back Oscars for Best Actor in 1993-94.
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Tom Hanks achieved a rare cinematic feat in the ’90s. Honored with Best Actor Oscars consecutively for “Philadelphia” in 1993 and “Forrest Gump” in 1994, he joined the exclusive club of back-to-back winners.
The last time this happened was over 50 years prior, with Spencer Tracy winning in 1937 and 1938. Two remarkable actors, both leaving indelible marks in film history.
9. He was listed among the Top 10 College Dropouts by Time Magazine in 2010.
Tom Hanks didn’t need a degree to succeed. Time Magazine named him a top college dropout in 2010.
He left college to chase acting dreams, proving determination wins. His story motivates others to follow their passions.
10. His parents divorced in 1960, and he and two siblings went with their father.
Tom Hanks faced a tough childhood moment when his parents divorced. He and two siblings moved with their father in 1960.
Frequent moves shaped his early years, building resilience. These experiences fueled his drive to succeed in acting.
11. As a teen, he was evangelical despite his family’s Catholic and Mormon background.
As a teenager, Tom Hanks explored his own faith. He embraced evangelical beliefs, despite his family’s Catholic and Mormon roots.
This choice reflected his independent spirit. It also shaped his open-minded approach to life and storytelling.
12. He interned at the Great Lakes Theater Festival, leading to dropping out of college.
Tom Hanks’ acting career began with a theater internship. His time at the Great Lakes Theater Festival inspired him to leave college.
This hands-on experience ignited his love for performance. It was a bold step toward his Hollywood future.
13. He co-wrote and co-directed HBO’s $68 million Emmy-winning series “From the Earth to the Moon.”
Tom Hanks took on a massive project with HBO. He co-wrote and co-directed the Emmy-winning “From the Earth to the Moon.”
The $68 million series explored space history, earning critical acclaim. His passion for space made it a standout.
14. He tied the knot with Samantha Lewes in 1978, his first marriage.
Tom Hanks married Samantha Lewes in 1978. This was his first marriage, starting his family life young.
They had two children before divorcing. This early chapter shaped his values as a family man.
15. He is a distant relative of President Abraham Lincoln.
Tom Hanks has a surprising historical connection. He’s distantly related to President Abraham Lincoln through his mother’s side.
This link adds a unique layer to his story. It connects him to one of America’s greatest leaders.
16. The US Navy gave Tom Hanks the highest civilian honor.
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For his authentic portrayal in “Saving Private Ryan,” Tom Hanks, along with director Steven Spielberg, was honored by the US Navy with its highest civilian award in 1999. The film highlighted the sacrifices during the Battle of Normandy, raising awareness about World War II veterans.
Hanks, an advocate for a WWII memorial in Washington, admired the young soldiers’ bravery, reminding audiences of the real-life heroes behind the movie scenes.
17. He is married to actress Rita Wilson, his second wife.
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson are a Hollywood power couple. They’ve been married since 1988, his second marriage.
They collaborate on projects and share a strong bond. Fans admire their enduring love story.
18. He and Rita Wilson were among the first Hollywood stars to contract COVID-19 in 2020.
In 2020, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson faced a health crisis. They were among the first celebrities to catch COVID-19.
Their openness about recovery inspired fans worldwide. It showed their strength and relatability.
19. He has an asteroid named after him, 12818 Tomhanks.
Tom Hanks has a place in the stars. An asteroid named 12818 Tomhanks honors him.
Named in 1999, it reflects his love for space. This cosmic tribute fits his stellar career.
20. He donated a coffee machine to the White House press corps.
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In a thoughtful gesture, Tom Hanks gifted the White House press corps a high-end Pasquini Livia G4 espresso machine in 2017, worth $1,740, to fuel their search for truth.
This wasn’t a one-off act; Hanks first noticed their need for caffeine back in 2004 and has since made it a tradition to upgrade their machine. Along with this generous gift, Hanks sent an inspiring note, urging journalists to continue their “fight for Truth, Justice, and the American way.”
21. He made his Hollywood debut in 1980 in the horror film “He Knows You’re Alone.”
Tom Hanks’ first film was a horror flick. He debuted in 1980’s “He Knows You’re Alone.”
His small role was a humble start. It launched a career that would redefine Hollywood.
22. He revealed his Type 2 diabetes diagnosis in 2013.
Tom Hanks shared a health challenge in 2013. He announced his Type 2 diabetes diagnosis publicly.
By managing it openly, he’s inspired others. His honesty makes him even more relatable.
23. Fans celebrate International Tom Hanks Day every April.
Tom Hanks has a special fan holiday. International Tom Hanks Day happens every April.
Fans watch his movies and raise charity funds. It’s a fun way to honor his legacy.
24. He worked as a hotel bellman and peanut vendor before becoming famous.
Before fame, Tom Hanks worked odd jobs. He was a hotel bellman and peanut vendor.
These early gigs taught him perseverance. They fueled his journey to Hollywood stardom.
FAQs
Tom Hanks continues to thrive as a beloved actor and filmmaker. He starred in Asteroid City (2023) and remains active in Hollywood. In 2020, he and Rita Wilson contracted COVID-19 but fully recovered. Hanks also engages in philanthropy, supporting veterans and environmental causes.
Tom Hanks was born on July 9, 1956. In 1988, he turned 32 years old. That year, he starred in Big, earning his first Oscar nomination. His career was rapidly ascending during this period.
Tom Hanks’ net worth is estimated at $400 million as of 2024. His wealth comes from acting, producing, and directing blockbuster films. Earnings include $15 million for Toy Story 4. He’s one of Hollywood’s highest-paid stars.
Tom Hanks has four children: Colin Hanks, Elizabeth Hanks, Chet Hanks, and Truman Hanks. Colin and Elizabeth are from his first marriage to Samantha Lewes. Chet and Truman are with his wife, Rita Wilson. All pursue creative careers.
Yes, Tom Hanks is alive as of May 8, 2025. He remains active in film, recently appearing in Asteroid City. At 68, he continues producing and acting. No credible reports suggest otherwise.
Tom Hanks starred in Bosom Buddies (1980–1982), a sitcom that launched his career. He guest-starred on Happy Days and Family Ties in the 1980s. He appeared on Saturday Night Live multiple times, often in comedic sketches. Hanks also narrated The Pacific (2010) and produced Band of Brothers.
