Tom Hanks A Hero of Our Time

Characteristics of a Hero Unique and inspiring individual Overcomes obstacles and serves as a role model for society Admired for talent, hard work, and positive attitude Combines personal integrity and intelligence with responsibility and leadership Donates time and energy to the education and improvement of society

Versatility Hanks effectively portrays a wide range of characters in movies spanning from children’s films to adult dramas

Academy Awards Best Actor Nominations: Big (1988) Philadelphia (1994) Forrest Gump (1995) Saving Private Ryan (1999) Castaway (2001) Best Actor Awards: Philadelphia (1994) Forrest Gump (1995)

Childhood Rose from a rough childhood to arrive at his position today Parents divorced; forced to move often with his father Attributes independence and sense of humor to his childhood Learned to adapt quickly to different settings and get along with a variety of people

Stardom and Family Hanks defies the arrogance and scandal associated with Hollywood Values the importance of family Sense of loyalty and responsibility distinguish him from many of his peers

Moral Center Hanks emphasizes the importance of family in the characters he plays These characters are blown off course by fate, Captain Miller Jim Lovell and their incentives for survival are their strong personal ties to family at home Chuck Noland Woody

Attitude and Work Ethic Admired by colleagues for his positive attitude… …and respected for his hard work.

Leadership Hanks is a leader and role model in Hollywood Inspires colleagues by his determination to empathize with the characters he portrays

Connection With Audience Hanks’ connection with the audience is a personal one He adds a human dimension to his heroes, emphasizing that they are REAL people doing extraordinary things Chuck Noland in Castaway

Recognizing Heroes and Educating the Public Hanks specifically chooses roles that bring out heroism in others Uses his popularity to make films that educate the public He has the confidence to take on risky projects, particularly involving the Space Program and World War II Jim Lovell in Apollo 13

Space Program Portrays astronaut Jim Lovell in Apollo 13 Producer and director of the television mini-series From the Earth to the Moon Received an Emmy, the American Television Critics Award, and the President’s Award from the Columbian International Film Festival for series

World War II Plays Captain Miller in Saving Private Ryan Co-produced and directed the television mini-series Band of Brothers Received the Distinguished Public Service Award (the Navy’s highest civilian honor) for his efforts in teaching about war

America: A Tribute to Heroes Hanks’ respect for heroes is a model for society Leading spokesperson for the telethon America: A Tribute to Heroes Purpose: To raise money for families directly effected by the tragedy on Sept. 11th

Lifetime Achievement Award Hanks’ Qualifications for the Award: Actor, director, writer, and producer Leader both inside and outside of Hollywood Inspires others with his integrity, work ethic, and positive attitude Makes films that educate society and recognize heroism in others