Tom Hanks Turns 70: Hollywood's Beloved Icon Reflects on Career and Health

Tom Hanks turned 70 on July 9, 2026, celebrated across the globe as one of Hollywood's most beloved and versatile actors. Multiple outlets highlight his unique achievement of winning two consecutive Oscars for Best Actor, for Philadelphia (1993) and Forrest Gump (1994) Source: Infobae. His career spans comedies like Big, dramas like Saving Private Ryan, and the voice of Woody in the Toy Story franchise, which saw a recent revival with Toy Story 5 Source: Excelsior.

Health and Personal Life

A lesser-known aspect is Hanks's openness about his health. In a recent interview, he attributed his type 2 diabetes to "all the junk I ate" in his youth, emphasizing the importance of long-term health Source: El Español. This contrasts with his public image as the "friendly face" of Hollywood, a persona reinforced by his philanthropic work, including leading the Hidden Heroes campaign for caregivers of wounded veterans Source: El Nacional.

Legacy and Recognition

Hanks's career is often summarized by his ability to portray the "ordinary man" in extraordinary circumstances Source: Diario Libre. He has received five Golden Globes, seven Emmys, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016 Source: Infobae. Critically, while Forrest Gump remains a fan favorite, Rotten Tomatoes ranks Toy Story 2 (100%) as his best-rated film Source: Excelsior.