Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Screen & Stage • Actor

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks is an American actor, filmmaker, and producer born on July 9, 1956, in Concord, California.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Tom Hanks is an American actor and filmmaker born in Concord, California in 1956. He is widely recognized for leading roles in both comedies and dramas.

Key details

Tom Hanks was born Thomas Jeffrey Hanks on July 9, 1956. He is an American actor, filmmaker, and producer. He has been married to Rita Wilson since 1988 and has two children. He has type 2 diabetes.

Why it matters

Tom Hanks is one of the most recognizable film stars in the world, with a career spanning decades. His films include iconic titles such as Forrest Gump, Philadelphia, and Saving Private Ryan. He is frequently praised for his versatility and has earned lasting cultural impact in North America, including Canada.

Personal facts

Hanks married Samantha Lewes in 1978 and later divorced in 1987. He married actress Rita Wilson in 1988. He has publicly confirmed having type 2 diabetes. His full name is Thomas Jeffrey Hanks.

In short

  • Tom Hanks is an American actor known for comedic and dramatic roles.
  • He has starred in films like Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan, and Apollo 13.
  • He has been married to Rita Wilson since 1988.
  • He has type 2 diabetes.
Canadian angle

Tom Hanks has a large following in Canada through the broad international release of his films and frequent presence in North American popular culture.

Quick questions

How old is Tom Hanks?
Tom Hanks was born on July 9, 1956, which makes him 69 years old.
What movies has Tom Hanks been in?
He has appeared in many films, including Forrest Gump, Philadelphia, Cast Away, Saving Private Ryan, Apollo 13, The Green Mile, Big, and Toy Story.
Does Tom Hanks have diabetes?
Yes. He has publicly confirmed that he has type 2 diabetes.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Hanks
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, marriages, and general biography.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tom-Hanks
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, full name, marriage information, and biographical overview.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000158/
    Supports: Birth date, birth name, place of birth, and filmography examples.
  4. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts — https://www.kennedy-center.org/artists/h/ha-hn/tom-hanks/
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, and professional biography.
  5. People — https://www.people.com/tom-hanks-celebrates-69th-birthday-with-ocean-dive-special-message-to-fans-11768991
    Supports: Recent reporting on his age and marriage to Rita Wilson.
  6. Wikipedia (Spanish) — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Hanks
    Supports: Publicly reported confirmation that he has type 2 diabetes.