Tom Hanks is one of the most prolific actors in Hollywood. I've been his huge fan since I've ever watched his movies especially the famous ones, Forrest Gump, Cast Away, The Da Vinci Code, and Saving Private Ryan.
Here's an overview of how he's got his name and fame:
Tom Hanks was born on July 9, 1956. His real name is Thomas Jeffrey Hanks. He is an American actor, comedian, and filmmaker at the same time. He's known for his comedic and dramatic roles. He is regarded as an American cultural icon because he's one of the most popular and recognizable film stars worldwide.
In total, Hanks has films that grossed more than $4.9 billion in North America. Statistically, $9.96 billion worldwide. Imagine gaining a profit close to $10 billion! I would definitely invest that in BCH. Having said that, he is the fourth-highest-grossing actor. Among them includes Samuel L. Jackson, Harrison Ford, Robert Downey Jr., then him.
Tom Hanks started his comedic roles in Splash (1984) and Big (1988). That's when he made his breakthrough. From then on, he received his first two consecutive Academy Awards for Best Actor. In 1993, when he starred as a gay lawyer suffering from AIDS in (Philadephia) and in 1994, where he starred as a young man with a below-average IQ in the movie (Forrest Gump).
Hanks made his name even more phenomenal as he collaborated with the classic, outstanding, marvelous, film director Steven Spielberg. I must say, it is one of the most iconic collaborations ever.
They worked together on five films:
1. Saving Private Ryan (1998) where Matt Damon is also in the cast
The film is set during the invasion of Normandy in World War II. Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks) is assigned to search for Private James Ryan (Matt Damon) whose three brothers were unfortunate to survive the war. Vin Diesel was also in this film.
2. Catch Me If You Can (2002) with Leonardo DiCaprio on another majestic performance
An American biographical crime film when a notorious and fugitive con artist Frank Abagnale (Leonardo DiCaprio) has tricked and duped many people worth hundreds of millions of dollars were taken through his witty masterful art of deception. As his crimes were getting bolder and recognized by the public, he is soon pursued by Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks) an FBI agent.
3. The Terminal (2004) with Stanely Tucci
an American comedy-drama film when Viktor Navorski gets stranded in an airport when war and chaos are currently happening in his country leaving him to be not a citizen of a single country. He is then forced by the officials to stay in the airport as soon as the war ends and his identity is confirmed.
4. Bridge of Spies (2015) with Mark Rylance
An alleged KGB spy (Rudolf Abe played by Mark Rylance) was accused in the US courts. James B. Donovan defends him to be innocent. In a trial, Abel was eventually called open to negotiate and exchange with a US pilot, Francis Powers, who was there caught in the USSR.
5. The Post (2017) with another well-known actress, Meryl Streep
Publisher Katharine (Meryl Streep) and her editor-in-chief Ben (Tom Hanks) put their lives and careers at risk when they are on the verge of uncovering a scandalously long time secret about the Vietnam War.
They also produced a mini-series which received a high rating in IMDb, produced in 2001 (Band of Brothers).
: Notable Films (Romantic Comedy & Drama)
1. Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks) is still in grief and can't find his way to move on with the death of his wife Maggie. His eight-year-old son Jonah, forces his dad to call a national radio talk show to find someone who will make him feel better and be his companion.
2. You've Got Mail (1998)
An owner of a prestigious bookstore meets an owner of a quaint little bookshop online whom they find themselves falling in love with each other without realizing that they are actually business rivals. This film is also where Hanks reunited with Meg Ryan.
3. Apollo 13 (1995)
A 1995 American space docudrama film wherein astronauts Lovell, Haise, and Swigert of the Apollo 13 moon mission fails as they find themselves get stranded in space when their spacecraft gets damaged. NASA must find a solution to rescue their astronauts as soon as possible. They call the mission "The successful failure".
4. The Green Mile (1999) *My all-time favorite!*
A 1999 American fantasy drama film wherein the head guard of a prison named Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks) meets an inmate named John Coffey (Michael Clark Duncan) a black man who wrongly accused of murdering two girls. The film revolves as Paul discovers that John has a special gift.
5. Cast Away (2000) *the first movie I have watched of him, top favorite too!*
an American survival drama film when Chuck Nolan (Tom Hanks) finds himself stranded on an isolated island after a deadly plane crash. Chuck needs to find a way to survive in his new home or find his way back to go home.
: Biographical Dramas
1. Captain Phillips (2013)
An American biographical drama-thriller film by Paul Greengrass wherein Somali pirates attack a container ship, Maersk Alabama while it is on its course to Kenya. The captain of the ship, Richard Phillips, uses his wise decisions to negotiate and talk with them to save his crew members.
2. Sully: Miracle on the Hudson (2016)
A 2016 American biographical drama film by Clint Eastwood, another prolific director wherein a commercial pilot, Captain Chesley makes an emergency landing on the Hudson River when his plane is hit by birds. However, he was investigated for his actions before and towards the incident that would prove to be fatal to his career.
Hanks also voiced over a character in the Toy Story film series (1995-2019) as Sheriff Woody.
I won't give a rating of these films because it would be an obviously biased rating. I love Tom Hanks so much and I dream of meeting him someday. Hopefully 🙏🙏
: Awards and Honors
Academy Awards for Best Actor and Supporting Actor
Best Actor - 1995 · Forrest Gump (Winner)
Best Actor - 1994 · Philadelphia (Winner)
Best Supporting Actor - 2020 · A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (Nominee)
Best Actor - 2001 · Cast Away (Nominee)
Best Actor - 1999 · Saving Private Ryan (Nominee)
Best Actor - 1989 · Big (Nominee)
Honors
2002: AFI Life Achievement Award
2006: Douglas S. Morrow Public Outreach Award
2014: Kennedy Center Honors Medallion
2016: Presidential Medal of Freedom
2016: French Legion of Honor, for his presentation of World War II and support of World War II veterans, along with Tom Brokaw, retired NBC anchor, and Gordon H. Mueller, president, and co-founder of the National WWII Museum, New Orleans.
2019: Honorary citizen of Greece.
2020: Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award
These are just some of the Awards and Honors that Tom Hanks has received. He has received many awards and honors but there are too many to mention. The list goes on and on.
Have you watched all of these films? What's your favorite? 😍
Check out my latest piano cover of The Journey by Lea Salonga
Thank you! ❤
Not a fan of Hollywood movies. Wala ako Alam kahit Isa dyan haha