Why Tom Hanks Finds His Biggest Hollywood Comparison Insulting
Tom Hanks, one of Hollywood's most beloved figures, has been likened to many screen legends throughout his career. But there's one comparison he finds not just inaccurate, but downright disrespectful. Discover why the two-time Oscar winner pushes back against being called the modern-day version of a classic icon.
In the world of movies, drawing parallels between actors is standard practice, even for stars who carve out a completely original path. It's not always a slight; after all, who wouldn't want their name mentioned alongside an industry giant? For Tom Hanks, however, one particular comparison feels less like a compliment and more like a misjudgment.
Hanks became a dominant force in the 1990s, securing back-to-back Academy Awards for the powerful drama Philadelphia and the beloved Forrest Gump. These roles showcased his incredible versatility. His star had already been rising for a decade with hits like Big and Splash, but the '90s cemented his status as a box-office king. From voicing Woody the cowboy in Toy Story to headlining the patriotic epic Saving Private Ryan, the actor was simply everywhere.
He built a career playing the hero, becoming a cherished face in accessible mainstream films. Hanks made smart, strategic choices, avoiding edgy independent projects or roles that could tarnish his reputation as America's favorite leading man, a strategy that has guaranteed his long-term success.
An Unwanted Honor
At the peak of his fame, Hanks was frequently likened to James Stewart, the legendary actor from Hollywood's golden age celebrated for the everyman quality that made him a massive star. Yet, Hanks bristles at the parallel, not out of personal offense, but out of respect for the icon. He views the comparison as a disservice to Stewart's legacy—and it's hard to argue with his reasoning.
While one could imagine Hanks delivering a decent performance in a film like It’s A Wonderful Life, it's tougher to picture him capturing the same dark complexity he brought to Vertigo.
A Matter of Artistry
Alfred Hitchcock was far from an obscure director, but his films possessed a unique artistic quality that distinguished them from other studio pictures of the era. And frankly, it's difficult to see Hanks pulling off a movie like Rope with the same convincing skill that Stewart demonstrated.
“I get embarrassed every time that comes up. Jimmy was the best of all time. Comparing the two of us is like an insult to him, because, frankly, I’m lucky to be where I am. I’m just this really cheesy guy,” Hanks explained to Deseret News.
A More Fitting Likeness
Instead of Stewart, he points to Van Johnson as a more suitable point of reference, though he quickly added, “Would that be considered an insult to Van? Should I be comparing myself to John Agar? Maybe that’s more appropriate. I just get uncomfortable when I’m asked to talk about myself. There are a lot more talented actors out there.”
Whether you agree that Hanks measures up to Stewart is a matter of personal opinion, but it's easy to understand why the connection is often made. Both actors cultivated a trustworthy, good-guy image that made them perfect for roles the public loves. They have both played against type as villains, too, but their core reputation remains largely untouched by those performances. They will forever be seen as likable, dependable Hollywood stars.
But Hanks has a point. When you break it down on a technical level, Stewart simply had a different kind of range, marking him as a uniquely versatile talent.