Age of Tom Hanks: Why He’s Still the King of Hollywood in 2026

Age of Tom Hanks: Why He’s Still the King of Hollywood in 2026

You probably think you know everything there is to know about the guy who survived a deserted island with a volleyball and stormed the beaches of Normandy. We’ve grown up with him. He’s basically America’s dad. But lately, people have been hitting Google with one specific question: what is the actual age of Tom Hanks right now?

It’s a fair question. The man seems ageless in some ways, yet he’s been on our screens since the early '80s.

Honestly, it’s wild to think about. Tom Hanks was born on July 9, 1956, in Concord, California. If you do the math for early 2026, he is currently 69 years old. He’ll be hitting the big 7-0 this coming July. While most people his age are deep into retirement or at least slowing down to enjoy the grandkids, Hanks is arguably busier than ever. He’s not just "still working"; he’s leading major franchises and narrating the history of the world.

The Age of Tom Hanks and the 70-Year Milestone

Turning 70 in Hollywood used to mean you were relegated to "grandfather" cameos or lifetime achievement awards. Not for this guy.

The age of Tom Hanks isn’t slowing his output; it’s actually deepening it. He’s currently in the middle of some massive projects that would exhaust a 30-year-old. For starters, he’s back in the recording booth for Toy Story 5, which is slated for a 2026 release. Think about that: he’s been voicing Woody for over three decades.

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But it’s not all animated cowboys. He’s also diving back into historical drama with the sequel to Greyhound. Production for the Pacific Theater follow-up actually kicked off in January 2026. He’s not just starring in it; he wrote the script. That’s a lot of cognitive heavy lifting for someone nearing their eighth decade.

He also just launched a massive 20-episode documentary series on The History Channel called World War II with Tom Hanks. He’s hosting, narrating, and executive producing through his company, Playtone. It’s a legacy project, sure, but it’s also proof that his voice—that calm, trustworthy rasp—is still the most valuable asset in the business.

Managing Health at 69

You can’t talk about his age without mentioning how he stays on his feet. He’s been very open about living with Type 2 diabetes since 2013.

He’s mentioned in interviews that he watches what he eats "to the point of boredom." He’s also a stickler for getting an hour of activity every single day, whether it’s hitting the treadmill or hiking with his dogs. It’s that disciplined "Everyman" energy that keeps him going.

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Interestingly, he’s also one of the few big stars still being vocal about COVID safety on sets. Just a few months ago, he mentioned on The Late Show that he’s had it enough times and isn't looking for a repeat performance. When you’re nearly 70 and carrying a multi-million dollar production on your shoulders, you can’t afford to get sick.

Why We Are Still Obsessed With Him

There’s a reason the age of Tom Hanks is a trending topic. It’s because we’ve reached a point in culture where we don’t have many "unifiers" left.

He’s one of the last true movie stars who doesn't rely on capes or special effects to draw a crowd. Whether he’s playing a grumpy neighbor in A Man Called Otto or a de-aged version of himself in the 2024 film Here, people show up. Here was a bit of a technical gamble, using AI to make him look like he was back in his Splash days, but it proved that even when we want to see him young again, we’re mostly just there for the performance.

He’s also managed to avoid the "angry old man" trope that captures so many veteran actors. He’s active, he’s Greek (he and Rita Wilson got their honorary citizenship a few years back), and he’s still remarkably normal.

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What’s Next for the Legend?

If you’re looking to keep up with what he’s doing as he approaches 70, keep an eye on these specific things:

  • Toy Story 5: Woody is coming back. It’s a guaranteed box office hit and will likely be one of the biggest movies of 2026.
  • The Greyhound Sequel: Expect this to land on Apple TV+ either late this year or early next.
  • Literary Work: He’s been writing more lately—both scripts and fiction. Don't be surprised if another book announcement drops soon.

Basically, the age of Tom Hanks is just a number. He’s successfully transitioned from the goofy kid in Big to the most respected elder statesman in the industry without losing his "guy next door" charm.

If you want to stay updated on his latest filming schedules or health tips, your best bet is to follow the trade publications like Deadline or The Hollywood Reporter. They usually get the scoop on his Playtone productions months before they hit the mainstream news.


Actionable Insight: If you're a fan of his historical work, start the World War II with Tom Hanks series on The History Channel now—it’s a 20-episode deep dive that serves as the perfect companion to his work on Band of Brothers and The Pacific.