Profile of the Day: Tom Hanks

Do you have a favorite Tom Hanks movie? Today the beloved actor turns 65!

Image: Tom Hanks / Wikimedia Commons

Hanks was born Thomas Jeffrey Hanks on July 9, 1956 in Concord, California to Janet Frager, a hospital worker, and Amos Mefford, a cook.

In 1979, he moved to New York City to pursue an acting career. After appearing in low-budget movies and bit parts on television, Hanks landed the lead role in the television comedy Bosom Buddies. Although the show lasted for only two seasons, the exposure helped lead Hanks to be cast in the Ron Howard movie Splash. The surprise hit movie instantly made him one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood.

Since making his big screen debut, Hanks has starred in some of the most-beloved and successful films in Hollywood, including Sleepless in Seattle, Forrest Gump and Toy Story. In 2016, he received a Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama.

Explore Tom Hanks’s family tree on Geni and share how you’re connected to the star! 

View Tom Hanks’s Geni Profile