$400 Million
What is Tom Hanks’ Net Worth and Salary?
Tom Hanks is an American actor, director, writer and producer who has a net worth of $400 million. Tom Hanks is by far one of the most famous, highest-regarded, and best-paid actors in Hollywood. In total, Hanks’ domestic lifetime box office gross is more than $4.9 billion. As of this writing, his world total box office gross is approximately $9.96 billion. He is also the number-one, most consistent box office money making star in the world.
Tom Hanks was born and raised near San Francisco. He studied drama in community college and at California State University at Sacramento until he was encouraged to join the Great Lakes Theater Festival, an internship that stretched into a three-year commitment. In 1980, he moved to New York City and landed the co-starring role in the cross-dressing sitcom Bosom Buddies, which lasted two seasons. He quickly followed up with a series of minor film roles.
Biography
Thomas Jeffrey Hanks, born on July 9, 1956, is an American actor and filmmaker whose name is synonymous with both comedic and dramatic excellence in Hollywood. As one of the most popular and recognizable film stars worldwide, Tom Hanks has left an indelible mark on the film industry and is celebrated as an American cultural icon. This article delves into the life and career of Tom Hanks, chronicling his remarkable achievements in the world of cinema.
Early Life and Family
Tom Hanks was born in Concord, California, to Janet Marylyn and Amos “Bud” Hanks. His mother had Portuguese roots, with the original family surname being “Fraga.” His father had English ancestry. Despite their diverse backgrounds, Tom Hanks’ parents divorced when he was just a child. The family dynamics resulted in Tom and his siblings experiencing frequent moves during his formative years, with him residing in ten different houses by the age of ten.
A Complex Religious Background
While Tom Hanks’ family had a history of Catholic and Mormon religious affiliations, he went through a phase as a “Bible-toting evangelical” during his teenage years. Despite being shy and unpopular in school, he had a penchant for humor and would inject funny captions during filmstrips. His love for acting emerged during his high school years at Skyline High School in Oakland, California, where he participated in school plays, including South Pacific.
A Passion for Theater
Hanks pursued his passion for theater at Chabot College in Hayward, California, before transferring to California State University, Sacramento. During an interview, he revealed that he would have chosen a Heisman Trophy over an Oscar, envisioning himself as a halfback for the California Golden Bears. His love for the theater led him to spend countless hours attending plays and immersing himself in the world of drama. His theatrical journey took a significant turn when he became an intern at the Great Lakes Theater Festival in Cleveland, Ohio, under the guidance of Vincent Dowling. Hanks embraced various aspects of theater production during his internship, from lighting to set design and stage management, which eventually led him to drop out of college.
Early Acting Career
Tom Hanks’ journey to becoming a Hollywood legend was marked by his dedication to honing his craft. His early acting career included a 1978 performance as Proteus in Shakespeare’s “The Two Gentlemen of Verona,” for which he received the Cleveland Critics Circle Award for Best Actor.
Breakthrough Comedy Roles
Hanks made his breakthrough with a series of comedy films that garnered positive attention. Movies like “Splash” (1984), “The Money Pit” (1986), “Big” (1988), and “A League of Their Own” (1992) showcased his comedic prowess and endeared him to audiences.
Acclaimed Dramatic Roles
While celebrated for his comedic talents, Tom Hanks proved his versatility with acclaimed dramatic roles. He won two consecutive Academy Awards for Best Actor for his powerful performances in “Philadelphia” (1993), where he portrayed a gay lawyer battling AIDS, and “Forrest Gump” (1994), where he played the title character.
Collaborations with Renowned Directors
Throughout his career, Hanks collaborated with esteemed directors such as Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard, Nora Ephron, and Robert Zemeckis, delivering memorable performances in films like “Saving Private Ryan,” “Apollo 13,” “Cast Away,” and “The Green Mile.”
Expanding His Influence
Tom Hanks expanded his influence in the entertainment industry by taking on roles as a director, producer, and screenwriter. His involvement in projects like “Band of Brothers” (2001) and “The Pacific” (2010) showcased his multifaceted talents.
Continued Success
Over the years, Hanks continued to shine in both dramatic and comedic roles in films like “Captain Phillips,” “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” and “News of the World.” He also lent his voice to the beloved character Sheriff Woody in the “Toy Story” film series.
Honors and Awards
Tom Hanks’ contributions to the world of entertainment have earned him numerous honors, including the AFI Life Achievement Award, the Kennedy Center Honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award. His Tony Award nomination for his Broadway debut in “Lucky Guy” further solidified his status as an entertainment icon.
Family Life
Tom Hanks’ journey through life has been deeply influenced by his personal relationships. In 1978, he married American actress Samantha Lewes, with whom he had two children: a son named Colin, born in 1977, and a daughter named Elizabeth, born in 1982. Unfortunately, their marriage came to an end in 1987, and Samantha Lewes passed away in 2002 at the age of 49 due to bone cancer.
In 1981, Tom Hanks crossed paths with actress Rita Wilson while working on the TV comedy “Bosom Buddies” (1980–1982). Their connection deepened when they reunited in 1985 on the set of “Volunteers.” Rita Wilson, of Greek and Bulgarian descent, introduced Hanks to the Greek Orthodox Church, and he converted to her faith. The couple tied the knot in 1988 and have two sons together. Their older son, Chet, ventured into the music industry, releasing a rap song in 2011 and taking on recurring roles in TV shows like “Empire” and “Shameless.” The younger son, Truman, was born in 1995 and even portrayed a younger version of his father’s character in the film “A Man Called Otto” in 2022.
Home and Faith
Tom Hanks and his family primarily reside in Los Angeles, California, but they also enjoy spending time in Ketchum, Idaho. Hanks is known for his active involvement in the church, where he ponders life’s mysteries and meditates on profound questions, such as the nature of humanity and the reasons behind both good and bad events. His spiritual journey has led him to contemplate the grand unifying theory that connects all of humanity.
Health Challenges
In October 2013, Tom Hanks publicly revealed that he had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, shedding light on his health journey and raising awareness about the condition.
Sports and Hobbies
Hanks has diverse interests beyond acting. He has been a dedicated fan of the Oakland Athletics and the Raiders during their time in Oakland. However, he announced a two-year boycott of the NFL after the Raiders filed for relocation to Las Vegas in April 2017. Additionally, since 1984, Hanks has displayed a passionate enthusiasm for the English Premier League club Aston Villa.
Discovering Family Ties
In November 2019, shortly before the release of “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” a film in which Hanks portrays Fred Rogers, he made a fascinating genealogical discovery through Ancestry.com. He learned that he and Fred Rogers were sixth cousins, both descending from Johannes Meffert, who emigrated from Schöneck, Hesse, Germany, to the United States in the 18th century, eventually settling in Kentucky and changing his last name to Mefford.
Honorary Greek Citizenship
Tom Hanks’ humanitarian efforts and global outreach earned him and his family a special honor. On December 27, 2019, the President of Greece, Prokopis Pavlopoulos, granted them honorary Greek citizenship. This gesture was a recognition of their “exceptional services to Greece” and their efforts to bring attention to and seek aid for the victims of a devastating wildfire that struck the village of Mati, near Athens, in July 2018, claiming more than 100 lives. Greece’s Interior Minister Takis Theodorikakos commended Hanks for his genuine concern for the people affected by the fire and his efforts to highlight the issue on the global stage.
Greek Citizenship
On July 26, 2020, the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, presented Greek passports to both Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, officially welcoming them as Greek citizens. This act solidified their deep connection to Greece and highlighted their meaningful contributions to the country in times of need. Tom Hanks’ connection to Greece through his wife’s heritage and his commitment to helping others transcends the silver screen, making him a respected figure not only in Hollywood but also in the global community.
Tom Hanks’ life journey is a testament to his versatility and the depth of his character, both as an actor and as a compassionate human being.
