9 Milestones in the Evolution of Tom Hanks

Philadelphia (1993)

Later that same year, Hanks took his career into a bold new direction by starring in Jonathan Demme's Philadelphia, one of the first mainstream movies to explore HIV/AIDS and homosexuality. Hanks earned his first Oscar for playing an HIV positive, homosexual lawyer who sues his firm after being unfairly dismissed. Although some of the more intimate scenes between Hanks and his onscreen lover (Antonio Banderas) were cut from the final edit, the heartbreaking drama marked a shift in Hollywood films being able to realistically portray same sex relationships. The next year, Hanks would go on to win another Academy Award for his role as the simple-minded Alabama boy Forrest Gump.

Toy Story (1995)

Most actors don't get the chance to introduce themselves to a generation, let alone two -- which is what Hanks did when he took his first animated role as Woody, the affable cowboy hero in Pixar's first film. Toy Story grossed over $350 million worldwide and went on to spawn two theatrical release sequels and an ice show.

That Thing You Do! (1996)

After directing a few television episodes (of Tales from the Crypt and Fallen Angels), Hanks made the jump to feature directing in That Thing You Do!, which he also wrote and starred in. As the second manager of the film's one-hit wonder rock band (comprised of Tom Everett Scott, Johnathon Schaech, Steve Zahn and Ethan Embry), Hanks and his directorial debut were embraced by critics in spite of a mediocre box office performance.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Although Hanks had worked with Steven Spielberg on Joe Versus the Volcano, Saving Private Ryan was the first Hanks film that Spielberg directed. Regarded as one of the finest war films of all time, Hanks starred as Captain John H. Miller, commanding officer of a 2nd Ranger Battalion during the invasion of Normandy. Hanks would team up with the legendary director again for Catch Me If You Can, The Terminal and the Emmy-winning HBO miniseries Band of Brothers, which would continue the pair's exploration of World War II.

Charlie Wilson's War (2007)

After establishing a successful producing career with box office hits like My Big Fat Greek Wedding, The Polar Express (which he also voiced) and Evan Almighty, Hanks earned a dual credit (producer/actor) on the Mike Nichols' biographical comedy/drama. As the larger-than-life titular Texan congressman, Hanks starred opposite Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams. This weekend, Hanks and Roberts continue their onscreen partnership in Larry Crowne, which is only the second feature to be directed by the actor. Regardless of how the rom-com performs, Hanks will probably still remain the most lucrative box office star of all time and the most-liked actor of our generation.

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