Iconic Roles is a look at some of the best performances in film and television by actors and actresses.
Tom Hanks has worked in some of the biggest Hollywood productions, and the star has shown no sign of stopping any time soon. One of the most beloved stars, Hanks started his career with many unforgettable comedy roles before transitioning into dramas. Hanks will return in Baz Lurhmann’s Elviswhere the California State University alum portrays musical entrepreneur Colonel Tom Parker.
Let’s revisit five great performances by the two-time Oscar-winning actor over his nearly 40-year career.
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Big (1988)
The first time Hanks really caught everyone’s attention was thanks to his performance as Joshua Baskin, a young boy who made a wish to become a grown-up overnight. When the wish came true, Baskin started enjoying adulthood through the pure mind of a 12-year-old kid. Penny Marshall’s movie was a box-office success, earning over $150 million opposite an $18 million production budget. The story written by Gary Ross and Anne Spielberg received a nomination for Best Original Screenplay, and Hanks pocketed his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor in his breakout role. The cast also features Elizabeth Perkins, Robert Loggia, and John Heard.
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Philadelphia (1993)
The nineties were quite the decade for Hanks, who imposed himself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and skillful actors thanks to solid performances. In the courtroom drama directed by Jonathan Demme and written by Ron Nyswaner, Hanks portrayed a gay lawyer with AIDS in Philadelphia. To the tune of “Streets of Philadelphia” by Bruce Springsteen, Hanks brought much of his humanity to the protagonist unfairly fired due to his health condition. Hanks’ efforts were rewarded with his first Oscar for Best Actor. Although controversial, Philadelphia was one of the biggest box-office hits when it debuted.
Forrest Gump (1994)
After directing the iconic Back to the Future trilogy, Robert Zemeckis took on a comedy-drama story about the life of an intellectually disabled man (Hanks) who undergoes a series of incredible adventures. The adaptation of Winston Groom’s novel of the same name also starred Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Mykelti Williamson, and Sally Field. Hanks showcased all his majestic actorial skills in a performance that was rewarded with the Oscar for Best Actor. Thanks to the victory, Hanks became the first actor to score back-to-back wins for Best Actor at the Academy Awards since Spencer Tracy. Forrest Gump also took home the Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Editing, and Best Visual Effects.
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