10 fun and interesting Tom Hanks facts

1. Living Legend in the World of Acting

Tom Hanks is a living legend in the world of acting. Entertainment Weekly magazine has declared him to be the only actor worthy of the amount of money he earns for his films. His talent and skill have earned him a place in the hearts of millions of fans around the world, and his films have grossed billions of dollars at the box office. Tom Hanks is a true Hollywood icon, and his success is a testament to his hard work and dedication to his craft.

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2. Tom Hanks Gains Weight for 'A League of Their Own' Role

Tom Hanks was determined to gain weight for his role in the 1992 movie "A League of Their Own". To achieve this, he visited an ice-cream shop near his house almost every day, indulging in a variety of sweet treats to help him reach his goal. His dedication to the role was so strong that he was willing to put in the extra effort to make sure he was the perfect fit for the part.

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3. Tom Hanks' dedication to role in 'Philadelphia' leads to Oscar

Tom Hanks famously lost 30 pounds to play the role of a man dying of AIDS in the 1993 film Philadelphia. His dedication to the role was so intense that he dropped the weight in a matter of weeks, and his performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. Hanks' portrayal of the character was so powerful that it helped to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic and the discrimination faced by those living with the disease.

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4. 1996 Jerry Maguire rejection that changed his career

In 1996, Tom Hanks made a surprising decision to turn down the lead role in the iconic movie "Jerry Maguire". This role was then taken by Tom Cruise, who went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for his performance. Hanks has since gone on to star in a number of critically acclaimed films, including "Forrest Gump", "Saving Private Ryan", and "Cast Away".

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5. Tom Hanks Honors Gay Teacher at Oscars

Tom Hanks made history when he accepted his Oscar for “Philadelphia” in 1994. During his speech, he paid tribute to a school teacher who had inspired him, and in doing so, accidentally “outed” the teacher as being gay. This was a groundbreaking moment in Hollywood, as it was one of the first times a major celebrity had publicly acknowledged the LGBTQ+ community. The teacher, who was not publicly out at the time, later thanked Hanks for his courage and for helping to pave the way for greater acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.

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6. Tom Hanks, Cleveland Indians Fan

Tom Hanks is a huge fan of the Cleveland Indians, his favorite baseball team. He's been a fan since childhood, and has been known to attend games at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. He's even been spotted wearing an Indians jersey and cap at various events. Tom Hanks is a true fan of the team, and his enthusiasm for the Indians is contagious.

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7. Tom Hanks Almost Cast as Peter Pan in Steven Spielberg's 'Hook'

Tom Hanks was almost cast as Peter Pan in Steven Spielberg's 1991 classic, "Hook". The iconic director had initially considered the beloved actor for the role, but ultimately decided to go with a younger actor for the part. Hanks' career has since gone on to span decades, with him becoming one of the most recognizable and beloved actors of all time.

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8. From bellman to Hollywood superstar

Before achieving international fame, Tom Hanks worked as a bellman at a hotel, where he had the opportunity to serve some of the biggest stars of the time. On one occasion, he was tasked with carrying the luggage of both Cher and Sidney Poitier to their respective rooms. This experience was undoubtedly a memorable one for the young Hanks, and it certainly helped to shape his career in the years to come.

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9. Tom Hanks Reveals Favorite Movie is '2001. A Space Odyssey'

Tom Hanks is a huge fan of Stanley Kubrick, and his favorite film is a testament to that. The actor has revealed that his favorite movie is the 1968 classic, "2001: A Space Odyssey". Directed by Kubrick, the film is widely considered to be one of the greatest and most influential films ever made. Hanks has praised the film for its groundbreaking special effects, its thought-provoking themes, and its iconic soundtrack.

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10. Tom Hanks' 80 typewriters

Tom Hanks is an avid collector of typewriters, with an impressive collection of over 80 typewriters from all corners of the globe. His passion for typewriters has seen him acquire models from as far afield as Europe, Asia and the Americas, with some of the rarest and most sought-after models in his possession. His collection is a testament to his enthusiasm for the classic writing machines, and his dedication to preserving their legacy.