17 Memorable of America’s Favorite Everyman: Tom Hanks

Hollywood actor Tom Hanks moved to New York City in 1979 and made his film debut in the low-budget slasher film He Knows You’re Alone (1980). From 1980 to 1982, he starred in the ABC sitcom Bosom Buddies, which gained critical acclaim despite low ratings. Join us in this slideshow as we explore Hanks’ early years and rise to prominence.

In 1984, Hanks achieved breakthrough success with the romantic comedy Splash, which grossed over $69 million and established him as a leading man.

In 1986, he starred in Nothing in Common, marking a transition from purely comedic roles to more dramatic performances. Hanks received his first Academy Award nomination in 1988 for Best Actor for his role in Big, a major box office success.

Hanks starred in A League of Their Own in 1992. In 1993, he won his first Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Philadelphia, where he portrayed a gay lawyer with AIDS.

In 1994, he won his second consecutive Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Forrest Gump, which grossed over $600 million worldwide.

In 1995, Hanks voiced Sheriff Woody in Pixar’s Toy Story, which became a cultural phenomenon and led to multiple sequels.

In 1998, he co-produced and starred in Saving Private Ryan, which received critical acclaim and earned Spielberg an Academy Award for Best Director.

In 2001, he co-produced and starred in the Emmy Award-winning miniseries Band of Brothers, which received widespread acclaim.

In 2002, Hanks became the youngest recipient of the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award.

In 2002, he starred in Catch Me If You Can, a successful film directed by Steven Spielberg.

In 2004, he voiced multiple characters in the animated film The Polar Express.

In 2006, Hanks starred in The Da Vinci Code, which grossed over $750 million worldwide.

In 2007, Hanks starred in Charlie Wilson’s War, receiving critical acclaim for his performance.

In 2009, he starred in Angels & Demons, reprising his role as Robert Langdon, and reportedly received a record salary for the film.

In 2013, he starred in Captain Phillips, earning critical acclaim and another Academy Award nomination.

In 2016, Hanks starred in Sully, based on the true story of Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, which received positive reviews.

In 2019, he starred in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, portraying Fred Rogers, earning praise for his performance.