The top 10 lesser-known facts about Tom Hanks: uncovering the hidden aspects of his life and career.

Tom Hanks is an acclaimed actor, director, and producer who has been a household name for several decades. He has won numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, and has been nominated for several others. Despite his fame, there are still some lesser-known facts about him that many people may not be aware of. In this article, we will be uncovering the hidden aspects of Tom Hanks’ life and career by exploring the top 10 lesser-known facts about him.

Tom Hanks’ real name is not Tom

Many people know Tom Hanks by his stage name, but his real name is actually Thomas Jeffrey Hanks. He was born in Concord, California, on July 9, 1956, and was named after his father. Tom has stated that he chose to go by his middle name because he didn’t like the way his first name sounded.

He was a college dropout

Tom Hanks attended California State University, Sacramento, where he studied theater. However, he dropped out of college in his junior year to pursue acting full-time. Despite not having a college degree, Tom has had a successful career in the entertainment industry, which just goes to show that a degree isn’t always necessary for success.

Tom Hanks is related to Abraham Lincoln

Believe it or not, Tom Hanks is actually related to one of America’s most beloved presidents, Abraham Lincoln. According to Ancestry.com, Tom is a third cousin four times removed from Lincoln. The two are related through Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks.

He was almost cast in a famous ’90s TV show

In the early ’90s, Tom Hanks was approached to star in the hit TV show “Seinfeld.” The show’s creators, Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, reportedly offered Tom the role of George Costanza. However, Tom turned down the role, which ultimately went to Jason Alexander.

Tom Hanks is a big collector of typewriters

Tom Hanks is known for his love of typewriters, and he has an extensive collection of them. In fact, he loves them so much that he even released a book about them called “Uncommon Type: Some Stories.”

He has a reputation for being a nice guy

Tom Hanks is widely regarded as one of the nicest guys in Hollywood. He’s known for being friendly and down-to-earth, and he’s often spotted taking selfies with fans. In fact, there’s even a Twitter account dedicated to sharing stories about how nice Tom Hanks is.

Tom Hanks was the first actor to star in three consecutive $100 million-grossing movies

In the mid-’90s, Tom Hanks became the first actor in history to star in three consecutive movies that grossed over $100 million at the box office. The movies were “Sleepless in Seattle,” “Philadelphia,” and “Forrest Gump.” Tom’s impressive box office success solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

He has been married twice

Tom Hanks has been married twice. His first marriage was to actress Samantha Lewes, with whom he had two children. The couple divorced in 1987. Tom then married his current wife, actress and producer Rita Wilson, in 1988. The couple has two children together.

Tom Hanks is an accomplished writer

In addition to his successful acting career, Tom Hanks is also an accomplished writer. He has written several articles for The New York Times, and he has also written a collection of short stories called “Uncommon Type: Some Stories.” In 2021, he published his first book of non-fiction, “Uncommon Type: The Book of Typewriters,” which explores his passion for typewriters.

Tom Hanks has battled health issues

Despite his reputation as a healthy and active person, Tom Hanks has had some health issues in his life. In 2013, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. He has since made changes to his diet and exercise routine to manage the condition. Additionally, in early 2020, he and his wife Rita Wilson both tested positive for COVID-19 while they were in Australia filming a movie.

While Tom Hanks is undoubtedly a beloved figure in popular culture, it’s important to note that he is also a humanitarian and philanthropist. He has used his fame and success to advocate for various causes and organizations, including AIDS research and support, children’s healthcare, and veterans’ rights.

In 2016, Tom was honored by the National Archives Foundation for his work in promoting American history and culture through his films. He has also been recognized for his contributions to the arts by the Kennedy Center Honors, the American Film Institute, and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

Despite all of his achievements, Tom Hanks remains humble and grounded. In interviews, he often speaks about his love of family, his passion for storytelling, and his appreciation for the opportunities that life has given him. He is a true inspiration to many, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors, writers, and artists.