Thomas Jeffrey Hanks, famously known as Tom Hanks celebrates his birthday today. The shy guy who played the character of Forrest Gump and a quite lover in 'Philadelphia' is one of the best American actor, producer, writer and director.

Born in Concord, California, Hanks attended Skyline High School in Oakland, California. Later he studied theatre at Chabot College in Hayward, California and then transferred to the California State University, Sacramento.

Tom started his career in a low-budget film 'He Knows You're Alone'. He went on to doing many other films with 'Forrest Gump' and 'Philadelphia' being his best as the roles won him two consecutive Academy Awards for Best Actor. He was also known for his Oscar Nominations for the movies 'Big', 'Saving Private Ryan' and 'Cast Away'.

'That Thing You Do', was the first movie he directed, also playing the role of a music director. A good movie that did well in the box office.

The other great movies that he has worked in are 'Catch Me If You Can', Dan Brown's adaptions 'The Da Vinci Code' and 'Angels & Demons' that was a great hit worldwide.

Tom has a son Colin Hanks, who is also an actor and a daughter Elizabeth Ann. Hanks became a grandfather in the year 2011, with his son Colin and wife Samantha giving birth to a baby girl.

The actor was a geek in school, but through all the experience, today is one of the well known stars.

Fridaymoviez wishes Tom Hanks a very Happy Birthday.