Hidden Facts about Tom Hanks, the Hollywood Actor Who Used to Work as a Hotel Porter

Kapanlagi.com - Veteran actor Tom Hanks once again appeared on television screens through his latest film titled A Man Called Otto. In this film, he portrays the character of Otto Anderson, an old man who is angry and depressed after losing his beloved wife.

Hanks once again mesmerizes the audience with his brilliant performance, taking them on a rollercoaster of laughter and tears. However, few know that in the past, Tom Hanks used to work as a porter.

1. Starting an Acting Career by Performing on School Theater Stage

(Source: Instagram @tomhanks)

Thomas Jeffrey Hanks, better known as Tom Hanks, started his acting career since his teenage years through school theater in high school in Oakland, California.

After that, he continued his theater education at Chabot College in Hayward, California, before eventually transferring to California State University, Sacramento.

To gain more experience, Hanks interned at the Great Lakes Theater Festival in Cleveland, Ohio.

During his three-year internship, he gained valuable experience in various aspects of theater production, such as lighting, set design, and stage management.

With that experience, Tom Hanks decided to leave college to pursue his career in acting.

2. Having Experience as a Waiter and Salesperson

(Source: Instagram @tomhanks)

Although now his life is successful as it is, Tom Hanks also had a difficult start to his career. While still in college, he worked as a porter at the Hilton Hotel.

There, he often met and served famous stars such as Cher, Sidney Poitier, and Slappy White. In addition, as a teenager, Tom Hanks also worked at a stand selling peanuts and soft drinks at Oakland A's games.

3. Changing Weight to Get a Role

(Source: Instagram @tomhanks)

This 66-year-old actor is famous for often gaining and losing weight to portray characters in the film A League of Their Own (1992).

His weight increased by 13 kilograms thanks to an ice cream shop in L.A. A year later, he tried to lose almost all of his weight to portray an AIDS lawyer in the film Philadelphia (1993).

However, this had a negative impact on his health as he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Since 2013, Hanks has stated that he will no longer lose or gain weight for film roles.

This is evident in the biopic film Elvis (2021), where he only wears costumes and prosthetics to portray Elvis' overweight manager.

4. Likes Collecting Typewriters

(Source: Instagram @tomhanks)

Every individual surely has their own hobbies and collections. Hanks has a fondness for collecting typewriters. Not just any typewriters, he even has more than 250 typewriters from various parts of the world.

This hobby of his made him the center of attention in the documentary film California Typewriter (2016). Tom Hanks also published a collection of short stories typed using typewriters, titled Uncommon Type (2017).

Apparently, Hanks started getting interested in 1978 when he brought his plastic typewriter to be repaired, but was rejected because it was considered a "worthless toy".

However, as time went by, he decided to introduce his interest in typewriters to the modern era. One of his efforts was to help develop and release a typewriter app for the iPad.

This app can even be used with a keyboard and has an authentic physical typewriter sound.

5. Voicing Cartoon Characters

(Source: Instagram @tomhanks)

Since 1995, Tom Hanks has been trusted to voice the famous cartoon character, Sheriff Woody, in the Toy Story films (1-4).

6. Blessed with Four Children

(Source: Instagram @tomhanks)

In 1978, Hanks married Samantha Lewes and they had a son and a daughter, but eventually divorced in 1987.

In 1988, he married artist Rita Wilson, and their marriage remains strong to this day. They have also been blessed with two children.

7. Considered an Ideal Father Figure on the Big Screen

(Source: Instagram @tomhanks)

At 67 years old, after fifty years in the industry, Tom Hanks can be considered a film star who serves as an ideal father figure on the big screen.

Known as a kind-hearted person in real life, as he ages, he becomes a father figure with a white beard who is part of the friendly boomer generation.

8. Sometimes His Roles Are Adapted from True Stories

(Source: Instagram @tomhanks)

His identity as a star is also filled with the charm of an open personality, with characteristics that include bravery and curiosity.

His innocent expression makes it easy for him to portray an ordinary individual in extraordinary situations.

Sometimes his roles are inspired by true stories. Hanks is known as a lover of history and biography, and he tends to choose stories that offer optimism and human goodness. In other words, he often plays characters who are fundamentally good.

9. Netizens Also Search For:

Who Won the Best Actor Oscar for the Films Philadelphia and Forrest Gump? Tom Hanks, producer and director, has received various awards and nominations, including two consecutive Oscars for his roles in the films Philadelphia (1993) and Forrest Gump (1994).

Where Was Tom Hanks Born?
Tom Hanks (born on July 9, 1956 in Concord, California, USA) is an American actor known for his cheerful personality, making him a very natural figure when playing various popular films.

Why Is Tom Hanks So Famous?
He is known for his roles in the films Splash (1984), Big (1988), Turner & Hooch (1989), Philadelphia (1993), Forrest Gump (1994), Apollo 13 (1995), Saving Private Ryan, You've Got Mail (both 1998 films), The Green Mile (1999), Cast Away (2000), The Da Vinci Code (2006), Captain Phillips, and Saving Mr. Banks.

(kpl/fta)