Tom Hanks at 20: A Look Back at the Iconic Actor's Life in 1983 A

In 1983, a young Tom Hanks was on the cusp of stardom, having just landed his breakout role in the hit film "Splash." At the age of 20, Hanks was poised for greatness, but few could have predicted the unparalleled success that would follow. In this article, we'll take a journey back to 1983 and explore the life of a then-relatively unknown Tom Hanks, from his humble beginnings to the early signs of stardom.

Tom Hanks was born on July 9, 1956, in Concord, California, to Janet and Amos Hanks. Growing up in a family of modest means, Hanks was the eldest of four siblings, and his parents worked hard to make ends meet. Despite the financial struggles, Hanks' parents encouraged his love of acting, and he began performing in school plays and community theater productions at a young age.

After high school, Hanks attended Chabot College in Hayward, California, but he eventually dropped out to pursue a career in acting. He moved to New York City in 1977, where he worked as a janitor to make ends meet while auditioning for roles. Hanks' early career was marked by a series of small parts on TV shows and films, including appearances on "Saturday Night Live" and the film "He Knows You're Alone."

In 1983, Hanks was starting to gain traction in the acting world. "Splash," directed by Ron Howard, was one of the first major films to feature Hanks in a leading role. The movie, about a young man who falls in love with a mermaid, was a box office hit, and Hanks' chemistry with co-star Daryl Hannah helped to establish him as a viable leading man.

"The moment I met Tom, I knew he was something special," Hannah recalled in a 2013 interview with The Guardian. "He had this vulnerability and sensitivity that drew me in, and I knew we were going to have a special relationship on camera."

During this time, Hanks was also making waves in the theater world. He appeared in several Off-Broadway productions, including a critically acclaimed performance in the play "Biloxi Blues." The role marked a turning point for Hanks, both personally and professionally.

"It was a real breakthrough for me as an actor," Hanks reflected in a 2011 interview with Entertainment Weekly. "I was able to explore my comedic side and really connect with the audience in a way that I hadn't been able to before."

Throughout 1983, Hanks continued to work steadily in film and television, appearing in a series of small but memorable roles. This included a stint on the popular TV show "Happy Days," where Hanks played the role of a young man named Chachi Arcola.

"I think Tom was a bit of a fish out of water on 'Happy Days," recalled actor Henry Winkler, who starred alongside Hanks on the show. "But he had a real hunger to learn and grow as an actor, and that's something that's always impressed me about him."

In addition to his on-screen work, Hanks was also making headlines for his personal life. In 1982, he married actress Samantha Lewes, with whom he had two children, Colin and Elizabeth.

As the year drew to a close, Hanks' stock was on the rise. He had landed his first major film role in "Splash," and his appearances in theater productions and on TV shows were generating buzz. With his talent, work ethic, and likable on-screen presence, it was clear that Tom Hanks was a force to be reckoned with.

But as he looked to the future, Hanks knew that there were still challenges ahead. In a 1983 interview with Playboy magazine, he discussed the difficulties of his early career, including the financial struggles and the constant rejection.

"It's a tough racket, but it's a game that I love playing," Hanks said. "I'm not gonna lie, there are times when I feel like just packing it in and moving to the country. But there's something about this business that keeps getting me out of bed in the morning."

The Early Signs of Stardom

As we look back on Tom Hanks' life in 1983, it's clear that he was on the cusp of stardom. But what were the early signs that this young actor was destined for greatness?

Breaking Out of Typecasting

One of the key factors that contributed to Hanks' success was his willingness to take risks and experiment with different roles. In contrast to the typical typecasting that often plagues aspiring actors, Hanks actively sought out opportunities to play a wide range of characters.

"I think Tom was always one of the more adventurous actors I've worked with," recalled director Ron Howard, who directed Hanks in "Splash." "He was always looking to push the boundaries of what he could do, and that's something that I think really helped him stand out."

A Love of Comedy

Comedy was another key area where Hanks showed early promise. From his early days performing in improv groups to his critically acclaimed performances in plays like "Biloxi Blues," Hanks demonstrated a natural ability to make audiences laugh.

"Humans are wired to be interested in comedy, and I think Tom has a real knack for it," said comedian and writer Ken Jeong, who has often praised Hanks' comedic abilities. "When he's on screen, you just can't help but laugh."

A Sense of Authenticity

Perhaps one of the most significant factors in Hanks' early success was his ability to convey a sense of authenticity on screen. Whether playing a lovable everyman or a more vulnerable character, Hanks had a way of connecting with audiences that was hard to deny.

"I've always thought that Tom's secret tosuccess was his willingness to be vulnerable and authentic in his performances," said actress Daryl Hannah, who worked with Hanks on "Splash." "He's always been able to tap into that deep place inside himself, and that's something that really resonates with audiences."

A Star is Born

As the decade drew to a close, Tom Hanks was poised to become one of the biggest stars of the 1980s. His breakthrough role in "Splash" had cemented his status as a leading man, and his appearances in film and television would continue to generate buzz.

But even as he basked in the glow of success, Hanks remained grounded and focused on his craft. In a 1983 interview with The Paris Review, he reflected on the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of fame and fortune.

"When you start thinking about all the things that you want to do and achieve, it's easy to get caught up in the business side of things," Hanks said. "But the real prize is the work itself, and that's what I try to stay focused on."

As we look back on the life of Tom Hanks in 1983, it's clear that this young actor was on the verge of something big. With his talent, work ethic, and likeable on-screen presence, he was poised to become one of the most beloved stars of his generation.

And as he looks to the future, it's clear that Hanks will continue to amaze and inspire us with his incredible talent and dedication to his craft.