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Tom Hanks Then & Now: See Photos Of The Beloved Oscar Winner Through The Years

Tom Hanks is one of the most adored stars in Hollywood. Before he hosts the inauguration special, 'Celebrating America,' check out these photos of the Oscar winner through the years!

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Reading Time: 2 minute
January 20, 2021 8:00AM EST
Tom Hanks
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Actor Tom Hanks poses in Los Angeles, Ca., on May 16, 1988. (AP Photo/Lennox McLendon)
Tom Hanks holds his first Oscar backstage at the 66th Academy Awards ceremony held at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, March 21, 1994. Tom Hanks won the Best Actor Oscar for his role as Andrew Beckett in the movie Philadelphia. (AP Photo/NewsBase)
Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks poses for a portrait during an interview at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., Sept.18, 1996.(AP Photo/Frank Wiese)
Image Credit: AP Images

Tom Hanks has become one of the most beloved stars in Hollywood over the course of his decades-long career. Not only has the actor built an impressive filmography, one which has brought numerous honors and industry recognition, he’s also utilized his star power for vital causes. Today, January 20, Tom Hanks will host a special event, Celebrating America, to commemorate the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. Before the festivities get underway, learn more about Tom’s career.

Before he was the silver screen legend that he is today, Tom began his career on TV as Kip and Buffy Wilson on the show Bosom Buddies, which aired from 1980 to 1982. Tom’s star steadily began to rise in Hollywood in the mid-’80s, earning roles in films like Splash, The Money Pit, and Dragnet, among others. In 1988, Tom played Josh in the film Big, earning his very first Oscar nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading role.

Tom Hanks poses for a photo in Los Angeles on May 16, 1988 [AP Images].
After the swell of success that Tom experienced with Big, the actor continued to diversify his filmography, taking on romantic comedies like Sleepless in Seattle and intense dramas like Philadelphia, for which Tom won his first Oscar. Tom made history the following year for winning a consecutive Oscar for his work in Forrest Gump, in which he played the titular character. As the years went on, Tom continued to offer performances that were both larger than life and completely subdued.

He’s appeared in beloved animated films such as Toy Story and The Polar Express, dabbled in more romantic comedies like You’ve Got Mail and Larry Crowne, and even appeared in the Carly Rae Jepsen music video for her single “I Really Like You.” Tom has earned a whopping six Academy Award nominations — winning two — and even expanded his career into working behind the camera as a producer. At the 2020 Golden Globe Awards, he was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award for his contributions to cinema.

Tom Hanks on the red carpet at the 92nd Annual Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on February 9, 2020 [AP Images].
As for his personal life, Tom has quite the talented family, too. Tom was married to Samantha Lewes from 1978 to 1987, with whom he shares son Colin Hanks, also an actor, and daughter Elizabeth Hanks. He married actress  Rita Wilson in 1988 and welcomed two sons with the star. To see more images of Tom Hanks through the years, check out the photos in the gallery above.

Watch the Celebrating America special following the Inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris at noon ET on major networks.