Fan mail address
Tom Hanks
The Playtone Company
P.O. Box 7340
Santa Monica, CA 90406-7340
USA
Address information
The Playtone Company
(Production Company)
P.O. Box 7340
Santa Monica, CA 90406-7340
USA
Phone: (310) 394-5700
Tom Hanks, born on July 9, 1956, in Concord, California, is one of the most beloved and successful actors in Hollywood history. Known for his versatility, everyman charm, and dedication to his craft, Hanks has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning over four decades. He is recognized for his work in both comedy and drama, often portraying characters that are relatable, empathetic, and enduring. Throughout his career, Hanks has become an icon of American cinema, winning multiple awards, including two Academy Awards for Best Actor, and achieving worldwide fame for his roles in films like Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan, and Cast Away.
Hanks was raised in a working-class family. His father, Amos Hanks, was an itinerant cook, and his mother, Janet, worked in a hospital. His parents’ divorce when he was young had a profound impact on him, but his early years were shaped by his interest in acting and the arts. Hanks attended Chabot College in Hayward, California, where he studied theater before transferring to California State University, Sacramento. After graduating in 1979, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting, initially performing in stage productions.
Hanks’ big break came in the early 1980s when he appeared in the TV series Bosom Buddies (1980-1982), a sitcom in which he played a young man who disguises himself as a woman to live in an apartment building reserved for women. The show was a modest success, but it showcased Hanks’ comedic timing and likable persona, setting the stage for his rise in Hollywood. His first major film role came in Splash (1984), a romantic comedy directed by Ron Howard. Hanks played a man who falls in love with a mermaid, portrayed by Daryl Hannah. The film was a hit, and it helped establish Hanks as a leading man in Hollywood.