Tom Hanks

Real Name: Thomas J. Hanks

Born in California, Tom Hanks grew up in what he calls a 'fractured' family. His parents were pioneers in the development of marriage dissolution law in that state, and Tom moved around a lot, living with a succession of step-families. No problems, no abuse, no alcoholism, just a confused childhood. He had no acting experience in college, and in fact credits the fact that he couldn't get cast in a college play with actually starting his career - he went downtown, auditioned for a community theater play, was invited by the director of that play to go to Cleveland, and there his acting career started. He met his second wife, actress Rita Wilson on the set of the movie Volunteers (1985) - they have two children and Tom has another son and daughter by his first wife. In 1996 he made his first step behind the camera, directing as well as starring and writing the film That Thing You Do! (1996).

His Oscar acceptance speech for 1993's Philadelphia (1993) led to the plot of the movie In & Out (1997).

Hanks thanked a gay teacher in his speech.

Lost 30 lbs. for his role in Philadelphia (1993).

Gained, then lost 50+ lbs. for his role in Cast Away (2000).

Cast Away

1999 :

The Green Mile

Toy Story 2 (voice Woody)

1998 :

You've Got Mail

Saving Private Ryan

From the Earth to the Moon (TV)

1995 :

Toy Story (voice Woody)

Apollo 13

1994 :

Vault of Horror I (TV)

Forrest Gump

1993 :

Philadelphia

Sleepless in Seattle

1992 :

A League of Their Own

Radio Flyer

1990 :

The Bonfire of the Vanities

Joe Versus the Volcano

1989 :

Turner & Hooch

The burbs

1988 :

Punchline

Big

1987 :

Dragnet

1986 :

Every Time We Say Goodbye

Nothing in Common

The Money Pit

1985 :

Volunteers

The Man with One Red Shoe

1984 :

Bachelor Party

Splash

1982 :

Mazes and Monsters

1980 :

Bosom Buddies

He Knows You're Alone