From ‘Forrest Gump’ to ‘Elvis’! Tom Hanks Through the Years

From rom-coms to dramas, Tom Hanks has become one of the most popular film stars in the world.

The Terminal star was born in Concord, California, in July 1956 and developed his interest in acting by performing in high school plays. Hanks went on to study theater at California State University, Sacramento, however, he dropped out of college when he received an internship for the Great Lakes Theater Festival in Cleveland, Ohio.

After moving to New York and landing his first film role in 1980’s He Knows You’re Alone, Hanks landed one of the lead roles in the ABC show Bosom Buddies, which jump-started his career. Following his TV debut, Hanks appeared in several comedy films including 1988’s Big, establishing the actor as a major Hollywood star and earning him his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor.

In the 1990s, Hanks went on to win his first Academy Award for 1993’s Philadelphia and then earned his second Oscar for 1994’s Forrest Gump, becoming only the second actor to accomplish winning consecutive Best Actor Oscars.

Keep scrolling for a look back at Hanks’ life and career over the years: