1. Tom Hanks
A Hero of Our Time

2. 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

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

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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