Tom Hanks is one of the world's greatest living actors, as well as a legend in the film business. He's someone audiences gravitate to, not just for being a great actor, but also for being a great person, earning him the moniker, "The Nicest Guy in Hollywood." He's played many roles in his 40-year career without a bad one in the bunch, and because of his relatable qualities, he's been able to successfully portray many real-life people too.
Currently, Hanks is completing the Baz Luhrmann directed Elvis Presley biopic, where he'll play Elvis's tough former manager, Colonel Tom Parker. This is another entry in the growing list of biographies Hanks has appeared in, in recent years. Let's look back at the real-life people the great Tom Hanks has brought to life.
Saving Mr. Banks - Walt Disney - 79%
Based on the life of P.L Travers, the author of the Mary Poppins books, Saving Mr. Banks tells the story of how Walt Disney convinced Travers (Emma Thompson) to give him the rights to make the movie version of the story. On paper, this doesn't seem like the most exciting plot, but writer/director John Lee Hancock crafts a touching portrayal of these two creatives and a story about the healing power of art.
Being that Walt Disney is one of the most famous people who ever lived, not to mention the namesake of one of the biggest companies in the world, it's not surprising that audience-favorite Tom Hanks was cast in the role. America loves Hanks, making him perfect for playing such a beloved figure, and he imbues his Disney portrayal with folksy charm. Hanks performs a monologue at the film's end that is beautifully written and delivered, indicating there was more to Disney than being just a theme park owner.
Philadelphia - Geoffrey Bowers - 80%
Tom Hanks won an Oscar for his role as Andrew Beckett in the classic AIDS drama, Philadelphia. It's a transformative performance since, up until then, Hanks was mostly known for comedies and lighter movies. This changed with Philadelphia when Hanks portrayed a man tragically dying of AIDS who sued the bosses at his law firm for discrimination.
When the movie was released, there was some controversy as the story was similar to the real-life legal case of Geoffrey Bowers, a man with AIDS who also sued his law firm's bosses. Initially, the producers claimed the film wasn't based on him, but after a lawsuit was brought on by the Bowers family, the producers admitted the film was "inspired in part by Geoffrey Bowers' story."
Charlie Wilson's War - Charlie Wilson - 82%
In what would be director Mike Nichols' final film, Tom Hanks plays Charlie Wilson, a congressman who convinces congress to supply military equipment to the Afghan army in order to fight the Russians during the Cold War.
The film was expertly written by Aaron Sorkin and co-starred Julia Roberts and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, who received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his role. Hanks plays Wilson as a charming and charismatic congressman who's moved by the plight of the outgunned army fighting American's then enemy.
Sully - Captain Chesley Sullenberger - 85%
Based on the true story often referred to as "The Miracle On The Hudson," Hanks plays "Sully" Sullenberger, the pilot of a plane that was forced to make an emergency landing on the Hudson River, which was accomplished safely by the fortitude of Captain Sullenberger.
Hanks gives a strong performance as a pilot confident in his abilities and his actions, but while the Clint Eastwood film successfully depicts Sully's heroism, which in real-life only lasted a few seconds, the rest of the movie feels padded out to fill a feature-length film.
The Post - Ben Bradlee - 88%
Tom Hanks reteamed with director Steven Spielberg for The Post where Hanks plays gruff editor-in-chief of The Washington Post, Ben Bradlee. In the film, Bradlee and the Post's owner Kay Graham (Meryl Streep) make the brave decision to publish classified documents exposing governments secrets regarding the Vietnam war.
Hanks retains his likability in his portrayal of the rougher voiced, stalwart newspaper editor, but the film works the most in his scenes with Streep, as the two play off each other beautifully, creating a believable relationship and team that carries the film.
Bridge Of Spies - James B. Donovan - 90%
In Bridge Of Spies, Hanks plays James B. Donovan, a real insurance lawyer who successfully negotiated the release of captured Air Force pilot, Francis Gary Powers, by exchanging him for convicted Soviet spy, Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance).
For years, critics and audiences have believed Hanks to be the modern-day Jimmy Stewart, an optimistic hero and the epitome and beacon of American ideals. Bridge Of Spies is perhaps one of Hanks' most Stewart-esque roles, with critics even equating the film as "Frank Capra meets John Le Carre."
Captain Phillips - Richard Phillips - 93%
Paul Greengrass directs Captain Phillips with his usual high-intensity and Tom Hanks gives another stunning performance as Richard Phillips, the captain of a merchant mariner that gets taken hostage by Somali pirates.
Despite being a true story where the audience already knows the ending, Greengrass is able to craft an edge-of-your-seat thriller. Perhaps the most memorable scene is the final scene following Phillips' rescue, where he's shocked, disoriented, and emotional over surviving such a traumatic event. Audiences feel like they've been through it too and are happy and relieved for Phillips, brought beautifully to life by Hanks. In 2020, Greengrass and Hanks reteamed for News Of The World, which garnered great reviews as well.
A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood - Fred Rogers - 95%
Like with Walt Disney, Tom Hanks seems to be the only person capable of playing a role like the loving and giving real-life figure of Fred Rogers. While the movie was marketed as a Fred Rogers biopic, he's really only a supporting character, as the movie mostly revolves around Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys), a journalist tasked with writing a profile of Rogers and how meeting him changes his perspective on life.
In the role, Hanks gives an affecting performance, tapping into Rogers' mannerisms. Out of all the real-life people that Hanks has played, this is one where he truly disappears into the role and really becomes Fred Rogers. For this terrific and moving portrayal, Hanks was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar.
Catch Me If You Can - Joseph Shea - 96%
In Steven Spielberg's Catch Me If You Can, Hanks plays Carl Hanratty, an FBI agent loosely based on Joseph Shea, the agent who chased after successful con-man, Frank Abagnale (Leonardo DiCaprio). Hanratty is mostly based on Shea, but his actions are actually an amalgam of three agents.
As Hanratty, Hanks taps into his vast acting skillset, performing strong dramatic scenes as well as comedic ones, playing him as an obsessive and meticulous workaholic with a touch of loneliness. Hanks and DiCaprio also make a great duo here in what is one of Spielberg's most watchable and underrated movies.
Apollo 13 - Jim Lovell - 96%
In Apollo 13, Hanks plays Jim Lovell, the commander of the doomed Apollo 13 lunar mission. After intending to land on the moon, an onboard explosion causes the crew and NASA to figure out a way to get the astronauts back to Earth safely.
Ron Howard's Apollo 13 is a nail-biting thriller about American ingenuity and the triumph of the human spirit, all carried by Hanks' great performance. Hanks portrays Lovell as an everyman whose dreams to walk on the moon are dashed when he's thrust into this extraordinary situation, triumphing in the end, not as the hero he wanted to be, but as the hero that was needed.