Tom Hanks is one of the most beloved and respected actors in Hollywood. He has captivated audiences for decades with his memorable performances in films like Forrest Gump, Cast Away, and Saving Private Ryan. Hanks is known for playing a wide range of characters and being able to tap into the humanity of each one.
While he is an open book when it comes to his illustrious acting career, Hanks has been more private regarding his personal life. One aspect that has drawn curiosity is his religious affiliation. So what religion does the two-time Academy Award winner identify with?
What Is Tom Hanks’ Religious Background?
Tom Hanks was born in Concord, California in 1956. His father Amos was of English descent and his mother Janet was of Portuguese ancestry.
Hanks has described his upbringing as “a grab bag” of various faith traditions. His parents split when he was 5 years old and he was raised largely by his father, who practiced a bit of everything from Mormonism to Catholicism.
“We never stayed anywhere long enough for an affiliation to stick,” Hanks told Interview magazine in 2019.
During his childhood, Hanks attended various churches including a Catholic church, Mormon services, and the First Congregational Church in California. Though he was exposed to many faiths growing up, no single domination stuck for the long term.
What Is Tom Hanks’ Religion Now?
In interviews over the years, Hanks has identified his current religious views as agnostic with a healthy interest in faith matters.
“I must say that when I go to church—and I do go to church—I ponder the mystery,” he told the New York Times in 2016. “I meditate on the ‘why?’ of ‘Why people are as they are’ and ‘Why bad things happen to good people,’ and ‘Why good things happen to bad people’…but, I feel comforted and nourished by the mix-and-match texture of the philosophies offered up.”
So while Hanks does not outright identify with a specific organized religion, he seems open to and inspired by teachings across spiritual traditions. The actor even told ABC’s Diane Sawyer that he incorporates aspects of Buddhism into his worldview.
“I’m not a Buddhist, I’m not a Christian, I’m not a Muslim. Yet aspects of those religions provide me with the richness of the possibilities for where you can go in your own head and in your own heart to examine the big questions of life,” Hanks said in a 2020 Today interview.
How Has Religion Influenced Tom Hanks’ Life?
Though not strictly labeled, faith has played an important role for the actor. Hanks credits his broad religious upbringing with instilling a sense of morals in him from a young age.
In an interview with CNS News, he shared:
“I was raised distinctly in the religious environment of different churches and cathedrals and things like that. And the first time I remember my imagination kind being stimulated was looking at those beautiful paintings in the cathedrals and as soon as you step inside a Catholic cathedral, everything becomes cool and damp and it smells like old stone. I got a lot of that imagery from going to those cathedrals as a kid. They were just so big and they were so empty. I was filled with wonder about them and even the nuns, I was very fond of the nuns.”
Hanks has also commented that his broad exposure to different perspectives keeps him from taking an absolutist view. His diverse religious background instilled a commitment to tolerance that is reflected in his films and public persona today.
How Has Tom Hanks’ Religion Affected His Career?
In addition to shaping his worldview, Hanks feels that his religious exploration informs the diverse characters he has played.
He told the New York Times that learning about faiths outside of his own “has given me a huge dose of humility for every time I think I understand slightly what it might be like for somebody who lives within a context beyond my own limited one.”
Hanks is well known for convincingly portraying everything from a 14th century knight in A Knight’s Tale to an airline captain who lands a doomed plane safely in Sully. Many of his most beloved roles directly engage with questions of purpose, faith, and redemption.
For example, in Forrest Gump, Hanks played a man viewed as unintelligent who experiences incredible fame and influence in mid-20th century America. Throughout Forrest’s adventures, he clings to the Christian faith exemplified by his mother and influences others through virtuous living despite his disabilities.
Hanks won consecutive Best Actor Academy Awards for Forrest Gump in 1994 and Philadelphia in 1993. He played a lawyer with AIDS fighting for justice in Philadelphia. Both films showcase moral struggles around societal discrimination.
So while not overt, Hanks picks projects that often deal with ethical questions and spiritual undertones. He credits his fluid religious upbringing with shaping his character-driven approach to acting and filmmaking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tom Hanks grew up surrounded by various religious traditions including Mormonism, Catholicism, and Protestant denominations. Though he does not currently identify with a particular organized religion, Hanks describes himself as agnostic with an interest in spiritual discussions across faiths like Christianity and Buddhism.
While not directly labeling himself as a member of a certain religion, Hanks feels that his broad exposure to faith as a child instilled an appreciation for morality and tolerance that shapes his work and outlook today. His versatile acting range stems in part from an ability to empathize with characters from all walks of life.
So while the exact label remains elusive, faith clearly plays an important role in shaping Hanks’ characters and career. His unique background grants him the insight to portray an incredible range of personalities on screen. Tom Hanks’ openness to exploring life’s big questions is part of what makes him such a compelling and empathetic actor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tom Hanks’ Religion
What church does Tom Hanks go to?
Tom Hanks does not regularly attend a specific church. He has said that he visits various churches and cathedrals and appreciates the solemn wonder they provide. Hanks enjoys pondering big spiritual questions but does not identify with a particular denomination or congregation.
What religious beliefs did his parents have?
Hanks’ father Amos came from a Mormon background but also practiced other faiths. His mother Janet was Catholic. Their interfaith marriage meant Hanks was exposed to both traditions.
Is Tom Hanks an atheist?
No, Tom Hanks is not an atheist. He has described his views as agnostic, meaning that while he does not adhere to a specific religious label, he is open to the concept of spiritual meaning in the universe.
What church was Tom Hanks raised in?
Due to his parents’ divorce when he was five, Tom Hanks did not have a single church home as a child. He sporadically attended Catholic mass, Mormon services, and some Protestant churches growing up in California.
What did Tom Hanks say about religion?
Hanks has said “I was raised distinctly in the religious environment of different churches and cathedrals and things like that.” He values his broad exposure to faith and feels it instilled a moral foundation that continues to influence his acting career and outlook on life.
Does Tom Hanks believe in God?
Hanks has not explicitly stated whether or not he believes in God. However, he has identified as agnostic, meaning he feels that nothing can be known for certain about the existence or nature of God but does not outright reject the possibility.
What does Tom Hanks think about Christianity?
While not a self-identified Christian, Hanks has spoken positively about his exposure to various Christian denominations in his youth. He values the communal moral lessons and architectural awe that churches provided him as a child.
Did Tom Hanks convert to Greek Orthodox?
Despite some speculation, there is no evidence that Tom Hanks ever officially converted from agnosticism to Greek Orthodox Christianity or any other formal religion. He seems to have an appreciation for various faiths.
Is Tom Hanks religious or spiritual?
Tom Hanks describes himself as spiritual rather than overtly religious. He cultivates his spiritual side through quiet contemplation in churches and cathedrals across faiths. Hanks has an introspective nature but avoids strict religious labels.