The man behind some of the world’s most loved film characters, Tom Hanks, is to be awarded the Cecil B DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award next year.
Throughout a career that has spanned more than three decades, Hanks has won numerous Oscars – 1994 and 1995 for Philadelphia and Forrest Gump respectively – Golden Globe gongs, and has turned his hand to directing, producing and writing.
“Anytime you go off to do something new, you’re involved in a reinvention, and any actor who says otherwise is just trying to lower expectations.”
Rich in character, playful in portrayal and charming in every way, Hanks’ ability to sustain believable and relatable characters has proven to be his finest quality. Stunningly executed and well received by millions across the globe, Tom Hanks has landed some of the most impressive roles in cinema history.
“In this business, careers are based upon longevity.”
From the loveable Forrest Gump and his adventures through the decades to the heroic Chuck Noland and his fight for survival on a deserted beach, Hanks is best known for his driven, diverse and uncompromising portrayals. A household name across the world, the award-winning actor is one of America’s most recognisable stars, with many regarding his work as cultural masterpieces of the contemporary cinematic landscape. Bringing not only fictional, but actual characters to life, the California-born actor has been trusted with the portrayal and deliverance of some of the world’s most intriguing people and their stories – including Walt Disney (Saving Mr Banks) and the audacious Captain Chesley Sullenberger (Sully).
“[on being a supporter of British soccer team Aston Villa]: I fell in love with Aston Villa because I thought the name sounded like a lovely island off Sardinia.”
Having turned his hand to producing, directing and filmmaking, Hanks’ seemingly endless talents are sure to propel his already well-established career even further in the coming years. His book, Uncommon Type (2014), was inspired by his collection of typewriters, bringing about the Hanx Writer iOS app, designed to emulate the experience of using a common typewriter.
With an asteroid named in his honour, ranked the fifth-highest box office star of all time, and a worldwide film revenue of nearly $10billion, the almighty force that is Tom Hanks has left a legendary mark on the international film circuit.
“A hero is somebody who voluntarily walks into the unknown.”
One of the greatest actors of his generation, Hanks is to accept his Lifetime Achievement award at the 77th Golden Globe ceremony in January 2020.
Congratulations, Mr Hanks!
If you’re interested in the work of Mr Hanks, check out some of the films he has starred in:
Big (1988), Forrest Gump (1994), Toy Story franchise (voice of Woody, 1995-2019) Apollo 13 (1995), Saving Private Ryan (1998), The Green Mile (1999), Castaway (2000), Catch Me If You Can (2002), Saving Mr Banks (2013), Sully (2016), The Post (2017), amongst many others!
Words by Paige Bradshaw