Hanks Family Genealogy & History

Tom Hanks, born Thomas Jeffrey Hanks on July 9, 1956, is a renowned American actor and filmmaker celebrated for his versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles. Known as a cultural icon and one of the highest-grossing film stars globally, Hanks has received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards and seven Emmy Awards. He gained fame with roles in comedies like "Splash" and "Big," and achieved critical acclaim for performances in "Philadelphia" and "Forrest Gump." Hanks frequently collaborates with directors like Steven Spielberg and has voiced Sheriff Woody in the "Toy Story" franchise. He is also a notable television producer and Emmy-winning host of "Saturday Night Live."

Born in Concord, California, Hanks is the son of Janet Marylyn Frager and Amos "Bud" Hanks. His mother had Portuguese ancestry, originally bearing the surname "Fraga," while his father was of English descent. Hanks is a distant relative of President Abraham Lincoln and Fred Rogers. Following his parents' divorce in 1960, Hanks and two siblings lived with their father, while his youngest brother, Jim, stayed with their mother. Raised in a family with Catholic and Mormon roots, Hanks later converted to Greek Orthodox Christianity.

Colin Lewes Hanks, born on November 24, 1977, is a prominent American actor and filmmaker renowned for his role as Gus Grimly in the acclaimed FX series Fargo, earning him nominations for a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy. He gained early recognition in the WB series Roswell and starred in hit films like Orange County and the remake of King Kong. Hanks' diverse career includes roles in Dexter, Life in Pieces, and the Jumanji film series. He also directed the documentaries All Things Must Pass and Eagles of Death Metal: Nos Amis, showcasing his filmmaking talent.

Born in Sacramento, California, Colin Hanks is the son of esteemed actor Tom Hanks and actress-producer Samantha Lewes. He has a sister named Elizabeth and two half-brothers, Chester and Truman, from his father's marriage to actress Rita Wilson. Colin's family background is deeply rooted in the entertainment industry, which has influenced his successful career.

Jim Hanks, an American actor and filmmaker, is recognized for his work in both minor film roles and television guest appearances. Known for his vocal and physical resemblance to his older brother, Tom Hanks, Jim often serves as a voice double for Woody in Toy Story media. He made his film debut in "Buford's Beach Bunnies" (1993) and has since contributed to video games and commercials, including voicing Geoffrey the Giraffe for Toys "R" Us and Rudy for Red Robin. His stage presence includes playing Lennie Small in John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men," and he has appeared in the web series "Gary CK Needs Work."

Born in Shasta County, California, on June 15, 1961, Jim Hanks is the son of Janet Marylyn (née Frager) and itinerant cook Amos Mefford Hanks. After his parents' divorce, Jim moved to Red Bluff, California, with his mother, while his older siblings, including actor Tom Hanks and entomologist Larry Hanks, stayed with their father. Jim married actress Karen Praxel in 1986, and they have one son, Gage, residing in Venice, California.

Lawrence Michael Hanks, born in 1953, is a prominent American entomologist and professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Known for his expertise in pest control and tree health, Hanks has made significant contributions to entomology. His academic journey includes a B.S. from UC Davis, an M.S. from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, College Park. He has published influential research on woodland ecosystems and pest management, notably alongside Clifford Sadof. Hanks advanced from assistant professor to full professor between 1996 and 2008, marking a distinguished career in academia and research.

He is the eldest brother of renowned actors Tom Hanks and Jim Hanks, highlighting a family connection to Hollywood.