Thomas Jeffrey Tom Hanks (born July 9, 1956) is an American actor, producer, writer, and director. Hanks is known for his roles in Apollo 13, Big, That Thing . Thomas Jeffrey Tom Hanks (born July 9, 1956) is an American actor, producer, writer, and director. Hanks is known for his roles in Apollo 13, Big, That Thing . See all the quotes here: Now that graduation season is in full swing, we rounded up our all-time favorite advice from some of the best . Commencement Address at Vassar College delivered 22 May 2017, Poughkeepsie, NY Part 2: