Tom Hanks everyone's favorite movie dad right? But there is way more to Tom Hanks than just being "America's Dad". Turns out he is a real dad of four a voice behind our beloved Woody from Toy Story and a total space fanatic. Let's dive into the many sides of Tom Hanks and find out what makes him so darn likeable.
Meet the Hanks Crew: Get to Know Tom Hanks' Four Kids and His Take on Fatherhood
Tom Hanks has four kids . Two older ones Colin and Elizabeth from his first marriage and two younger ones Chet and Truman with his current wife Rita Wilson. Being "America's Dad" is a big title but Tom is pretty down-to-earth about the whole parenting thing . He even jokes that he has made tons of mistakes just like any parent.
Tom admits he probably repeated some of his own parents' mistakes. But he also says it is all about open communication with your kids especially as they get older. He believes in owning up to your knothead moments and having honest talks with them. Sounds like solid dad advice to me.
His kids are all grown up now and doing their own things. You might recognize his oldest son Colin Hanks he is an actor too. He has been in shows like Roswell Fargo and Dexter. Tom's daughter Elizabeth is a writer going by E.A. Hanks and has written for major publications. Chet Hanks is into music TV and movie s and Truman Hanks the youngest is also in the movie biz working behind the camera and even played a younger version of Tom in "A Man Called Otto". It is a talented family for sure.
"You've Got a Friend in Me": Tim Allen and Tom Hanks' Enduring Toy Story Bromance and a Funny Car Joke
Speaking of iconic roles who can forget Tom Hanks as Woody in Toy Story? That cowboy doll is a classic. And his buddy Buzz Lightyear is voiced by Tim Allen. Turns out Tom and Tim have a fun real-life friendship too. Tim Allen recently shared a funny inside joke between them related to Toy Story.
It involves a Volkswagen car called I.D. Buzz which is an electric bus. Tim posted pictures of himself and Tom each pointing at the car which has "Buzz" on it. It seems like Tom sent Tim the photo joking about the "Buzz" car and Tim sent one back playing along. It is a bit of a head-scratcher of a joke only they truly get but it shows they still have that Toy Story connection even after all these years. And guess what? Toy Story 5 is officially happening! Both Tom and Tim are confirmed to be back as Woody and Buzz which is awesome news for fans.
To Infinity and Beyond! Tom Hanks' Real-Life Passion for Space and Immersive Moon Adventure
Beyond acting Tom Hanks has a major passion for space exploration. He is not just pretending to go to space in movies he is genuinely fascinated by it. He even co-wrote and narrates a new immersive experience called "The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks" at Space Center Houston.
This experience is like a virtual ride to the moon using massive screens and cool tech. Tom tells the story of the Apollo missions using photos and films actually shot by the Apollo astronauts. He even interviewed astronauts from the Artemis program which is planning new moon missions. For Tom this project is personal. He remembers being a kid watching the Apollo missions on TV and being amazed by it all. He wants to share that sense of wonder with others and feels this immersive show is the closest you can get to walking on the moon without actually being there. It is pretty neat that Tom Hanks "America's Dad" and Woody is also a space geek at heart.
Tom Hanks: Key Facts and Highlights
- America's Dad: Widely known and loved as "America's Dad" for his approachable and relatable persona.
- Father of Four: Has four children: Colin Elizabeth Chet and Truman.
- Toy Story Legend: Voices Woody in the iconic Toy Story franchise. Toy Story 5 is confirmed with Hanks returning.
- Space Enthusiast: Deep passion for space exploration evident in projects like "Apollo 13" and "The Moonwalkers" immersive experience.
- Oscar Winner: Two-time Academy Award winner for Philadelphia and Forrest Gump.
- Down-to-Earth Dad: Open about parenting challenges and values honest communication with his kids.
- Long-time Collaboration with Tim Allen: Shares a decades-long friendship and working relationship with Tim Allen through Toy Story.
- New Immersive Experience "The Moonwalkers": Created a virtual moon journey at Space Center Houston using Apollo mission footage.
More Than Just an Actor: Tom Hanks' Enduring Appeal
So yeah Tom Hanks is way more than just a movie star. He is a dad a voice of a beloved toy a space enthusiast and just seems like an all-around good guy. From his honest take on parenting to his fun Toy Story bromance and his passion for space Tom Hanks continues to charm and inspire us. It's no wonder he has earned the title of "America's Dad" and why he remains one of Hollywood's most enduring and beloved figures.