How Old is Tom Hank?

Tom Hanks, the beloved and versatile actor known for his roles in iconic films such as Forrest Gump, Cast Away, Saving Private Ryan, and Toy Story, has become one of the most recognized and respected names in Hollywood. His ability to bring depth to a wide range of characters—from charming everyman roles to deeply emotional performances—has earned him countless accolades and a dedicated fan base.

But, as with many celebrities, the question often arises: how old exactly is Tom Hanks, and how has his age impacted his career and personal life? In this detailed exploration, we will look at Tom Hanks’ age, trace the milestones of his life, and examine how his age has shaped his illustrious career.

How Old Is Tom Hanks?

Tom Hanks was born on July 9, 1956, in Concord, California, making him 68 years old as of January 2025.

Hanks’ age has never seemed to hinder his career in any way; in fact, it could be argued that his experience and maturity over the years have only enhanced his performances, allowing him to take on a range of complex and profound roles.

Early Life and Career Beginnings: Formative Years

Born as Thomas Jeffrey Hanks, Tom Hanks grew up in a working-class family with his two siblings. His parents, Amos Mefford Hanks, an itinerant cook, and Janet Frager, a hospital worker, divorced when Tom was young. He moved around frequently as a child, which led to a somewhat unsettled upbringing. Despite this, Tom developed an interest in acting during high school and later enrolled at Chabot College in Hayward, California, before transferring to California State University, Sacramento. He eventually left school to pursue acting full time.

Tom Hanks’ First Major Breakthrough: Age 23–30

Tom Hanks began his acting career in the late 1970s when he moved to New York. He initially appeared in various stage productions and television shows before landing his first major role in 1980 with the sitcom Bosom Buddies, where he played one of two men who disguise themselves as women to live in an all-female apartment building. Although the show was short-lived, it marked the beginning of his journey to stardom.

By the time he turned 30 in 1986, Hanks had transitioned from TV work to film, starring in a string of moderately successful films such as Splash (1984), Bachelor Party (1984), and The Money Pit (1986). But it was with his comedic performance in Big (1988) that Hanks began to emerge as a leading man in Hollywood.

Tom Hanks in His 30s: The Rise to Stardom (Age 30–40)

In his early 30s, Tom Hanks began to solidify his place in Hollywood. His career took a significant leap forward with the release of Big (1988), where he played a 12-year-old boy who magically becomes an adult overnight. Hanks’ portrayal of the character was not only endearing but showed his ability to bring humor and pathos to a role that was both light-hearted and emotionally complex. The film was a massive success, earning Hanks his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

The 1990s: A Golden Decade for Tom Hanks (Age 33–43)

By the time Tom reached his mid-30s, he was already an established A-lister in Hollywood. His roles in the early 1990s cemented him as one of the best actors of his generation.

• 1993 saw Hanks star in two films that would define his career: “Sleepless in Seattle” and “Philadelphia”. In Sleepless in Seattle, he played a widowed man finding love again, showcasing his charm and likability. However, it was his role in Philadelphia, where he portrayed a lawyer fighting AIDS-related discrimination, that would win him his first Academy Award for Best Actor.
• 1994 was another milestone for Hanks, when he starred in Forrest Gump, a role that would become iconic in film history. The movie went on to win six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and Hanks won his second consecutive Academy Award for Best Actor. His portrayal of Forrest Gump—who, despite his humble beginnings, witnesses and unwittingly influences pivotal moments in American history—was widely praised for its depth and sincerity.

40s and 50s: Mastery of His Craft (Age 43–53)

As Tom entered his 40s, he continued to show his versatility, taking on a mix of roles that ranged from dramatic to comedic.

• 1998 was a standout year for Hanks, as he starred in Saving Private Ryan, directed by Steven Spielberg. The film, a gripping World War II epic, earned Hanks another Academy Award nomination and is considered one of the greatest war films ever made.
• Cast Away (2000) was another career-defining role for Hanks. Playing Chuck Noland, a FedEx executive stranded on a desert island, Hanks carried the film almost single-handedly with his remarkable performance, earning him yet another Oscar nomination.

By this point, Tom was a well-established actor in his mid-40s, with his public persona built on sincerity, reliability, and an everyman charm. But Hanks wasn’t content to simply remain in the “safe” roles. As he entered his 50s, he took on more challenging and diverse characters, including performances in Charlie Wilson’s War (2007), Bridge of Spies (2015), and The Post (2017).

Late Career and Continued Success: Age 60–68

Entering his 60s, Tom Hanks continues to be one of Hollywood’s most in-demand actors. His roles in this phase of his career have been as varied as ever, from portraying Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger in Sully (2016), about the famous emergency landing of US Airways Flight 1549, to Mr. Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019), and most recently, voicing Woody in the Toy Story franchise.

• Sully (2016) saw Hanks portray the real-life hero of the emergency plane landing in the Hudson River, earning him critical acclaim and further demonstrating his ability to portray real-world figures with sincerity and gravity.
• A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019) earned Hanks another Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of the beloved TV personality Fred Rogers. In the role, Hanks brought a rare warmth and humility, reminding audiences of his enduring ability to connect emotionally.

As of 2025, at 68 years old, Tom Hanks remains a prominent and influential figure in Hollywood. He continues to take on roles in both film and television, with audiences still eagerly awaiting each new project.

How Has Tom Hanks’ Age Impacted His Career?

Tom Hanks’ age has played an important role in his career. As he has matured, his roles have become more complex and reflective of his life experience. While he started his career with comedic roles in his 20s and 30s, by his 40s and 50s, he began to take on more dramatic and historically significant roles. This transition has allowed Hanks to showcase his wide-ranging acting skills and cement his status as one of the most respected actors in Hollywood.

His ability to take on emotionally demanding roles, such as in Philadelphia, Saving Private Ryan, and Sully, demonstrates how his age has allowed him to develop a deeper understanding of the human experience, which he conveys through his performances.

Conclusion: Tom Hanks’ Legacy

Born on July 9, 1956, Tom Hanks is currently 68 years old. His career spans several decades, with roles in numerous films that have shaped modern cinema. From his early comedic successes in the 1980s and 1990s to his more dramatic roles in the 2000s and beyond, Hanks has proven to be one of the most versatile and beloved actors in Hollywood.

His age has not slowed him down—if anything, it has allowed him to expand his acting range, taking on more mature and nuanced roles that reflect his own personal growth. Tom Hanks’ legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations, not only as one of the greatest actors of his time but also as a symbol of the power of storytelling and the humanity that he brings to each of his characters.