Two Oscars, seven Emmys, and a comet: Tom Hanks celebrates 70 years with Hollywood success

Hollywood icon Tom Hanks is celebrating his 70th birthday, marking a career filled with accolades and beloved performances. Born Thomas Jeffrey Hanks on July 9, 1956, in Concord, California, his early life was marked by his parents' divorce when he was four and numerous moves, experiences he has credited with shaping his adaptable emotional capacity for acting.

Hanks's journey into acting began at a young age, studying theater at Chabot College and later at California State University, Sacramento. After gaining experience in supporting roles, director Ron Howard cast him in "Splash," his first major success. His breakthrough role came with "Big," earning him his first Oscar nomination.

The actor achieved a historic feat by winning back-to-back Best Actor Oscars for his powerful performances in "Philadelphia" (1994) and "Forrest Gump" (1995), a distinction previously held only by Spencer Tracy. His portrayal of Forrest Gump, a man with intellectual disabilities navigating 20th-century American history, became one of his most iconic roles, embedding lines like "Life is like a box of chocolates" into popular culture.

Beyond his two Oscars, Hanks's impressive collection of awards includes seven Emmys, a BAFTA, and four Golden Globes. His life and career have also been honored with a "Tom Hanks Day" and even a comet, 12818 Tomhanks, named in his honor. He often speaks of his deep devotion to his second wife, Rita Wilson, with whom he found a sense of belonging, stating, "I don't think I will ever feel alone again."

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I don't think I will ever feel alone again.