Tom Hanks Then & Now: Celebrate His 68th Birthday With Photos From His Young Years to Now

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July 9, 2024 11:09AM EDT
Tom Hanks
Lev Radin/Pacific Press/Shutterstock

Celebrate Tom Hanks’ birthday by looking back on his career!

Tom Hanks, born July 9, 1956, is an American actor and producer known around the world for his decades-long career and memorable screen roles. Tom’s star in Hollywood skyrocketed into the stratosphere following the huge success of the 1988 film ‘Big,’ for which Tom earned his first Oscar nomination.

Since that time, the actor has earned rave reviews for his work and five more Oscar nominations, winning two statuettes for the films ‘Philadelphia’ and ‘Forrest Gump.’ He’s appeared in romantic comedies, dramas, biopics and more and has built such an incredibly diverse filmography thanks to his extraordinary talent and likability. Most recently, Tom appeared in 2024’s ‘Freaky Tales’ and 2023’s’ ‘Asteroid City.’

Tom celebrated his 68th birthday on Tuesday, July 9. To see more images of the actor through the years, check out the rest of the photos in this gallery!

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Tom Hanks Through The Years

Tom Hanks Through The Years
ASSOCIATED PRESS

Tom Hanks, born July 9, 1956, is an American actor and producer known around the world for his decades-long career and memorable screen roles. Tom’s star in Hollywood skyrocketed into the stratosphere following the huge success of the 1988 film ‘Big,’ for which Tom earned his first Oscar nomination. 

Since that time, the actor has earned rave reviews for his work and five more Oscar nominations, winning two statuettes for the films ‘Philadelphia’ and ‘Forrest Gump.’ He’s appeared in romantic comedies, dramas, biopics and more and has built such an incredibly diverse filmography thanks to his extraordinary talent and likability. 

Here, Tom Hanks poses in Los Angele on May 16, 1988. At the time, the actor was poised to earn rave reviews for her performance as Josh in the movie ‘Big.’ To see more images of Tom Hanks through the years, check out the rest of the photos in this gallery!

January 19, 2021, 11:24AM
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Tom Hanks Holds His Oscar

Tom Hanks Holds His Oscar
ASSOCIATED PRESS

Tom Hanks holds his first Oscar backstage at the 66th Academy Awards ceremony held at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles on March 21, 1994. Tom Hanks won the Best Actor Oscar for his role as Andrew Beckett in the movie ‘Philadelphia.’

January 19, 2021, 11:24AM
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Tom Hanks Poses During A Portrait Session

Tom Hanks Poses During A Portrait Session
ASSOCIATED PRESS

Tom Hanks poses for a portrait during an interview at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills on September 18, 1996. The actor had won two Oscars in the years prior.

January 19, 2021, 11:24AM
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Tom Hanks At The ‘Apollo 13 IMAX Experience’

Tom Hanks At The ‘Apollo 13 IMAX Experience’
Star Max via AP Images

Tom Hanks at the “Apollo 13 IMAX Experience” on September 12, 2002. He smiled for photographs.

January 19, 2021, 11:24AM
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Tom Hanks At An Event For ‘Catch Me If You Can’

Tom Hanks At An Event For ‘Catch Me If You Can’
SCHROEWIG/Eva Oertwig/picture-al

Tom Hanks at the press conference on the occasion of his new film “Catch Me If You Can” in Berlin. He smiled for photos as they were taken.

January 19, 2021, 11:24AM
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Tom Hanks Promoting His Film ‘Terminal’

Tom Hanks Promoting His Film ‘Terminal’
Tim Brakemeier/picture-alliance/

Tom Hanks smiles during a photo call for his new film ‘Terminal’ in Berlin on September 6, 2004. The actor goofed around as photos were taken.

January 19, 2021, 11:24AM
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Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson At ‘The Da Vinci Code’ Screening

Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson At ‘The Da Vinci Code’ Screening
AP

Tom Hanks, left, arrives with his wife, Rita Wilson, for the screening of “The Da Vinci Code,” at the 59th International film festival in Cannes on May 17, 2006. The pair smiled for photographers. 

January 19, 2021, 11:24AM
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Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson

Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson
AP

Tom Hanks, left, who stars in “Charlie Wilson’s War,” and his wife, actress Rita Wilson, pose together at the world premiere of the film in Los Angeles on December 10, 2007. The pair looked great!

January 19, 2021, 11:24AM
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Tom Hanks Throws A Pitch

Tom Hanks Throws A Pitch
AP

Tom Hanks, wearing a baseball cap of the Yomiuri Giants, throws the first pitch before the start of Japan’s professional baseball game between the Giants and the Chunichi Dragons at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo on May 8, 2009. Keen baseball fan Hanks was in Tokyo to promote his film “Angels & Demons.”

January 19, 2021, 11:24AM
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Tom Hanks At The Premiere Of ‘Angels & Demons’

Tom Hanks At The Premiere Of ‘Angels & Demons’
ASSOCIATED PRESS

Tom Hanks arrives for the world premiere of “Angels & Demons” in Rome, on May 4, 2009. The actor smiled for photographers on the red carpet.

January 19, 2021, 11:24AM
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Tom Hanks With WWII Veterans

Tom Hanks With WWII Veterans
AP

Actor and producer Tom Hanks greets a World War II veteran after a tribute to honor WW II vets that served in the Pacific Theater on March 11, 2010. The event was held at the World War II Memorial on the Mall and coincided with the HBO miniseries entitled “The Pacific.” 

January 19, 2021, 11:24AM
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Tom Hanks Poses For A Portrait

Tom Hanks Poses For A Portrait
AP

In this June 18, 2011 photo, actor Tom Hanks poses for a portrait in Beverly Hills. In 2011, the actor starred in the film ‘Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close.’

January 19, 2021, 11:24AM
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Tom Hanks Rehearsing For The 84th Academy Awards

Tom Hanks Rehearsing For The 84th Academy Awards
AP

Actor Tom Hanks rehearses for the 84th Academy Awards on February 25, 2012 in Los Angeles. He was ready to take direction.

January 19, 2021, 11:24AM
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Tom Hanks At The Kennedy Center Honors

Tom Hanks At The Kennedy Center Honors
Greg Allen/Invision/AP

Kennedy Center Honoree Tom Hanks attends the 37th Annual Kennedy Center Honors at The Kennedy Center Hall of States on December 7, 2014, in Washington D.C. He received the honor for his contributions to cinema. 

January 19, 2021, 11:24AM
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Tom Hanks At The New York Film Festival In 2015

Tom Hanks At The New York Film Festival In 2015
Andy Kropa/Invision/AP

Tom Hanks attends the New York Film Festival “Bridge of Spies” premiere at Alice Tully Hall on October 4, 2015, in New York. He looked so dapper!

January 19, 2021, 11:24AM
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Tom Hanks At The 20th Hollywood Film Awards

Tom Hanks At The 20th Hollywood Film Awards
Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

Tom Hanks accepts the Hollywood actor award at the 20th annual Hollywood Film Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on November 6, 2016, in Beverly Hills. He really brought the charm to the event.

January 19, 2021, 11:24AM
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Tom Hanks At The 2017 People’s Choice Awards

Tom Hanks At The 2017 People’s Choice Awards
Vince Bucci/Invision/AP

Tom Hanks accepts the award for favorite dramatic movie actor at the People’s Choice Awards at the Microsoft Theater on January 18, 2017, in Los Angeles. He was so proud and gave a lovely acceptance speech.

January 19, 2021, 11:24AM
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Tom Hanks At The 2018 Governors Awards

Tom Hanks At The 2018 Governors Awards
Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP

Tom Hanks addresses the audience at the 2018 Governors Awards at The Ray Dolby Ballroom on Sunday, November 18, 2018, in Los Angeles. He gave a speech at the event. 

January 19, 2021, 11:24AM
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Tom Hanks Poses For A Photo

Tom Hanks Poses For A Photo
Matt Licari/Invision/AP

This November 17, 2019 photo shows Tom Hanks posing for a portrait in New York to promote his film “A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood.” The actor played Fred Rogers in the critically acclaimed film. 

January 19, 2021, 11:24AM
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Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson At The National Board of Review Annual Awards Gala

Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson At The National Board of Review Annual Awards Gala
MediaPunch/MediaPunch/IPx

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson at The National Board of Review Annual Awards Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on January 9, 2018 in New York City. The couple posed for photos upon their arrival.

January 19, 2021, 11:24AM
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Tom Hanks At The 92nd Academy Awards

Tom Hanks At The 92nd Academy Awards
Sipa USA via AP

Tom Hanks walks on the red carpet at the 92nd Annual Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on February 9, 2020. He was nominated this year for his portrayla of Fred Rogers in the film ‘A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood.’

January 19, 2021, 11:24AM
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Tom Hanks At Cannes Film Festival 2022

Tom Hanks At Cannes Film Festival 2022
David Fisher/Shutterstock

Tom Hanks is handsome at a photocall for the film ‘Elvis’ during the 75th Cannes Film Festival in France on My 26, 2022. The star, who played Elvis’ manager Colonel Tom Parker in the film,
wore a slate grey suit and black sneakers.

July 8, 2022, 2:22PM
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Tom Hanks At A London Screening Of ‘Elvis’

Tom Hanks At A London Screening Of ‘Elvis’
Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock

Tom Hanks attends the London premiere of ‘Elvis’ on May 31, 2022. He wore little round glasses and a grey-black suit combo.

July 8, 2022, 2:22PM
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Tom Hanks At The Sydney Premiere Of ‘Elvis’

Tom Hanks At The Sydney Premiere Of ‘Elvis’
Richard Milnes/Shutterstock

Tom Hanks looks sharp in black suede during the Sydney, Australia premiere of ‘Elvis’ on Jun. 5, 2022. He wore dark glasses and a silver-grey tie for the occasion.

July 8, 2022, 2:22PM