Tom Hanks is a highly regarded actor, director, writer, and producer who has won numerous awards throughout his illustrious career. While he is best known for his work in films such as Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan, and Cast Away, Hanks also has a rich and varied personal life that is worth exploring. In this article, we will take a closer look at Tom Hanks’ family, hobbies, and interests.
Family Life
Tom Hanks was born on July 9, 1956, in Concord, California, to Amos Mefford Hanks, a chef, and Janet Marylyn Frager, a hospital worker. He has three siblings: Sandra Hanks, Larry Hanks, and Jim Hanks. Hanks has been married twice in his life. He married his first wife, Samantha Lewes, in 1978, and they had two children together, Colin Hanks and Elizabeth Hanks. The couple divorced in 1987, and Samantha Lewes passed away in 2002.
In 1988, Hanks married his second wife, Rita Wilson, an actress and producer. The couple met while working together on the set of the movie Volunteers. They have two children together, Chester Hanks and Truman Hanks. Hanks is known to be very close to his family and often speaks about how important they are to him in interviews. He has also been very open about his battle with Type 2 diabetes and how it has affected his family life.
Hobbies and Interests
Aside from his successful acting career, Tom Hanks has several hobbies and interests that he enjoys. One of his passions is collecting vintage typewriters. In fact, he is such an avid collector that he wrote a book about it titled “Uncommon Type: Some Stories,” which was published in 2017. Hanks has also been known to send typewritten notes to fans and celebrities alike.
Collecting typewriters, Hanks is also a huge fan of history. He has produced several documentaries on the subject, including “The War,” which aired on PBS in 2007. Hanks is particularly interested in World War II and has even written a book about it called “Uncommon Valor: A Story of Race, Patriotism, and Glory in the Final Battles of the Pacific.” Hanks is also an advocate for veterans and often speaks out in support of their causes.
Another one of Hanks’ hobbies is flying. He is a licensed pilot and has owned several planes over the years. Hanks has even used his planes to help with relief efforts during natural disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey in 2017. He is also an advocate for environmental causes and has spoken out about the importance of reducing carbon emissions from air travel.
Hanks is also an avid reader and has spoken about his love of books in interviews. In fact, he has even written a book of short stories himself. He is particularly interested in the works of American authors such as Ernest Hemingway, John Steinbeck, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Tom Hanks’ Philanthropic Work
Tom Hanks is known for his philanthropic work and has supported several causes throughout his career. He is a supporter of the Elton John AIDS Foundation and has participated in several charity events to raise money for the organization. Hanks is also an advocate for environmental causes and has spoken out about the importance of reducing plastic waste and using renewable energy sources.
Hanks is also a supporter of the military and has participated in several USO tours over the years. He is also a strong advocate for veterans and has worked to raise awareness of the challenges they face when returning from combat.
One of the most striking things about Tom Hanks is his down-to-earth demeanor and relatable personality. Despite his fame and success, Hanks has remained humble and grounded, often sharing candid and personal stories in interviews. This authenticity has endeared him to fans around the world, and he is widely regarded as one of the most likable and respected figures in Hollywood.
The Importance of Family in Tom Hanks’ Life
One of the most prominent aspects of Tom Hanks’ personal life is his close relationship with his family. Hanks has often spoken about the importance of his family in his life, and he has credited them with providing him with the support and stability he needed to pursue his career in Hollywood. Despite his busy schedule, Hanks has always made time for his family, and he frequently brings them with him to awards shows and red carpet events.
Hanks’ love for his family is also evident in his philanthropic work. He has been an active supporter of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, which was founded by his close friend, actress Whoopi Goldberg, in honor of her daughter who passed away from AIDS. Hanks has also been involved with the Starlight Children’s Foundation, which provides programs and activities for seriously ill children and their families.
Hanks’ love for his family extends beyond his immediate relatives, as well. He has been an advocate for the importance of community and has spoken about the need for people to come together to support one another. In 2011, Hanks produced a documentary called “The Road We’ve Traveled,” which focused on the achievements of President Barack Obama and the role of community in creating positive change.
Tom Hanks’ Diverse Range of Hobbies and Interests
His successful acting career, Tom Hanks has a diverse range of hobbies and interests that he is passionate about. One of his most well-known hobbies is collecting vintage typewriters, and he has a vast collection of machines from different eras and brands. Hanks has even written a book of short stories, titled “Uncommon Type,” which includes a typewriter in each of the tales.
Hanks is also a lover of history, particularly the era of World War II. He has produced and starred in several movies and documentaries about the war, including “Saving Private Ryan,” “Band of Brothers,” and “The Pacific.” In addition, Hanks has written a book called “Uncommon Valor,” which explores the role of African American soldiers in the final battles of the war in the Pacific.
Another one of Hanks’ passions is flying, and he is a licensed pilot. He owns several planes and has even used his aircraft to provide assistance during natural disasters. Hanks is also an advocate for the environment and has been involved in efforts to reduce carbon emissions from air travel.
Hanks is an avid reader, and he has often spoken about the importance of literature in his life. He has a particular affinity for the works of American authors such as Ernest Hemingway, John Steinbeck, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
