Tom Hanks: Summary

Recent Role:: on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien

Gender:: Male

Birthday:: 7-9-1956

Birthplace:: Concord, California (USA)

Birth Name:: Thomas Jeffrey 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). 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...

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Wendie Jo Sperber dies
Star of Bosom Buddies and countless '80s comedies succumbs to breast cancer.
- 12/01/05 12:58 PM
- 5 comments \ add yours

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cactusjack39
member since: Nov 1, 2008
One of the best. ...Continue »
Tom Hanks is going to be one of the all time great actors in history. He has had so many hit movies and has a wide range of acting. There aren't too many people that can make you believe the character they're playing. Tom Hanks is very much a class actor. He's been tremendous in comedies, dramas, and all other genres that it makes you admire his talent for the big screen. I think he's been very deserving of the awards he's won and the ones he should have won. Overall, Tom Hanks is one of my favorite actors. He is a great actor. Thank you.
01/18/09 07:55pm | report abuse
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Whiterose44
member since: Jul 5, 2008
empty ...Continue »
I believe that Tom Hanks has one of the most recognizable faces in the acting Pool along with that voice of his that is firm and sweet.

When he did Sleepless in Seattle and Youve got mail with Meg Ryan I thought what a wonderful couple and pair :) Saving Private Ryan was so moving even though I could not stand all that blood. But my all time faves are Castaway and Big two movies you can really get into and enjoy in my opinion.

:)
08/23/08 05:18am | report abuse
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avi01
member since: Apr 22, 2007
Tom Hanks is an absolute legend. ...Continue »
Every time I`m about to see a movie featuring Tom Hanks, I know it will be awesome. He does this, adds so much to a movie. Tom Hanks is one of my all time favorite actors, his list on incredible roles is very long. The first time where he impressed me (actually probably the first time I saw him) was when he played in an inimitable way, Forest Gump. I normally don`t like these type of movies but Hanks adds so much to it, no wonder he got the best actor award for that role. Hanks also features in my all time favorite movie: Saving Private Ryan, an absolute classic where again Hanks delivers an amazing character. He was amazing in "catch me if you can" also. And oh...I forgot the Terminal. A film that could have been so boring but that turned out to be so pleasant, thanks to MR Hanks. The list goes on and on.
He don`t play his characters, he lives them.
Hats off to Tom Hanks, he is one of the all-time great.
02/28/08 10:18am | report abuse
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CTUBauer24
member since: Jan 5, 2007
empty ...Continue »
Tom Hanks is a great actor i don't think i ever senn a bad movie with him in actet dragnet all other movie are great and not dull nor boring
02/09/08 11:14pm | report abuse
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RHam_01
member since: Feb 18, 2007
One of the most talented actors in Hollywood. ...Continue »
Tom Hanks is one of the finest actors of his generation. When you look at some of his films like Philadelphia, Saving Private Ryan and Forrest Gump you know that he has already proved himself beyond a shadow of a doubt. When you walk into a Tom Hanks film you know that even if the film is terrible at the very least Tom Hanks will have tried his best to give a competent performance. He has done some bad films and some of the films his acting is not upto the par. But 95% of his films have very good performances from him. How many other actors can boast that?

He has this ability to get himself in the skin of the character.. and then what you see is not Tom Hanks.. but whatever character he is playing.

I hope we get to see many more wonderful films from this great actor.
04/02/07 10:37pm | report abuse