Tom Hanks' Son Colin Has Changed A Lot Over The Years: His Life In Photos

Actor Tom Hanks has four kids, with Colin Hanks being the eldest son from Tom's past marriage to Samantha Lewes. Unlike Tom and Rita Wilson's son Chet Hanks, Colin grew up in Sacramento, California, with his mother and spent most of his early life there rather than in Hollywood with his famous father. It wasn't until Colin was in his late teens that he began attending premieres and award shows with his father. Before he knew it, he was acting, directing, and making documentaries.

However, it wasn't a quick rise to fame; it took years for Colin to gain true recognition for his talent. Like many celebrity kids who are all grown up, Colin evolved from a young adult making the most of his industry connections to a multi-talented adult. While the world watched, he developed as an actor, worked behind the camera, found love, and became a father of two. These photos show just how much Colin has changed over the years.

As a teenager, Colin Hanks visited the White House alongside his father Tom Hanks. The elder Hanks played real-life astronaut Jim Lovell in the hit film "Apollo 13," in which he reenacted the events of the doomed Apollo 13 flight. In 1995, President Bill Clinton honored Jim Lovell with the Congressional Space Medal of Freedom. Joining Lovell were Tom and a very young, fresh-faced Colin with close-cropped hair. Although Colin stayed in the background, he still participated in a historical event, and it marked one of his earliest outings into the public eye.

For the premiere of "The Green Mile," Colin Hanks wore a classic black suit and tie with a slicked-up hairstyle that was popular among young men in the late 1990s. The film, based on a Stephen King novel, starred Tom Hanks as a correctional officer with a conscience. It makes sense that the young actor would want a classic look for such an event; it made a good impression without making waves. Around the same time, Colin landed his first big role, a recurring part on the science-fiction romance series, "Roswell."

As two young people in the entertainment industry, Colin Hanks and Busy Philipps' dates were more interesting than the average couple. During one outing, they went to a premiere event for "Mission: Impossible 2." Hanks went for college guy style with a white collared shirt, black jacket, and khaki pants. It was basic, but it got the job done. Hanks and Philipps may have broken up and married other people, but they remain close friends. Their kids attend the same school, so they see run into each other frequently.

Colin Hanks often wore more casual fashion during the premiere events he attended in the early 2000s. At an event for "Scream 3," he looked very much of the era in baggy pants and Converse sneakers. He added some flair with his black zip-up jacket. Hanks tended to keep his hair short and used a little gel for styling. Facial hair wasn't as trendy then, so he kept his face clean-shaven. Although it was a simple ensemble, Hanks always seemed put together when going out.

Colin Hanks changed his appearance at the 2001 premiere of HBO's "Band of Brothers." In the World War II mini-series, Hank played Lt. Henry Jones, who joined the veteran soldiers as a recent graduate from West Point. The character seemed painfully young in comparison to his comrades, so it was a great role for a young actor. In real life, Hanks started to grow his hair out and wear thick-rimmed black glasses. With just those subtle changes, Hanks looked more mature than the character he played.

The first film Colin Hanks and Jack Black starred in together was the MTV comedy "Orange County." They would go on to also work together in "King Kong" (2005) and "Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny." In "Orange County," the duo played brothers who are opposites of each other. However, in real life, it seems like Hanks and Black get along well. At the premiere event, Hanks looked sophisticated in a black monochromatic outfit while Black played up a fun angle with a Hawaiian shirt.

Colin Hanks' career seemed to be gathering momentum in 2002. In addition to his on-screen roles, he won a Movieline Young Hollywood award. Several popular actors like Sarah Michelle Gellar and Elijah Wood were also honored that night. Hanks received the one to watch award. For the occasion, Hanks wore wire-framed glasses and a black jacket. It was a bit more of a grown-up appearance while still looking cool. It may not be the most prestigious award, but it proved to be accurate for Hanks' future in Hollywood.

Colin Hanks started to let his personality out on the red carpet. At the MTV Movie Awards, Hanks wore a leather jacket and kept his glasses on when the press took photos. He gave a thumbs-down and made funny faces at the cameras instead of keeping a stoic or smiley visage. The shift showed how he was growing in his confidence and not afraid to be himself in front of the public. Hanks stood out and held his own amongst the slew of cool celebrities that night.

Since Colin Hanks started to make a name for himself in Hollywood, he had even more opportunities to join his dad. When Tom Hanks released his neo-noir drama "Road to Perdition," the younger Hanks joined him at one of the premiere events in Los Angeles. Tom wore a full suit, but Colin dressed a little more subtly in a black collared shirt. Since the younger Hanks wasn't the star of the night, it made sense to be a little more downplayed.

Colin Hanks was normally clean-shaven in his on-screen roles and at promotional events. However, for the Toronto Film Festival in 2003, Hanks' hair was longer, and he also sported facial hair. The photos taken at the film festival made Hanks look older and a little bit more artsy than how he usually appeared in front of the camera. Maybe he was between projects or trying out something different, but it changed his face from what fans were used to seeing.

With the Peter Jackson remake of "King Kong," Colin Hanks got his first experience starring in a big-budget action movie. In the film, Hanks played the assistant to Jack Black's obsessive director character. The movie had a large press tour, including an event at MTV where the cast promoted the film together. Hanks went for relaxed business casual to look professional with the big-name actors. A blue collared shirt and brown pinstripe blazer stood out among his co-stars, who opted for mainly black attire.

At the CineVegas Film Festival, Colin Hanks combined a few elements that made his ensemble a more mature choice than his previous outfits. Although Hanks donned a collared shirt, adding a beard, glasses, and a hat made it more fun. Hanks' style seemed to be more his own at this time. Rather than wearing what was expected, it is like he started choosing things he wanted to wear. Hats are an interesting fashion item, as the wearer doesn't want the hat to overshadow them, but Hanks makes it work.

In "The House Bunny," Colin Hanks played the love interest of Anna Faris' former Playboy Bunny character. He played a sweet, nerdy character that was right up his alley because that is just the vibe he gives off. At the premiere, Hanks wore a suit, glasses, and kept the beard. His also wore his hair slicked back for a debonair look. Hanks looked better at the premiere than he did as the romantic lead in the film and seemed more effortlessly stylish compared to his earlier premieres.

Colin Hanks attended Comic-Con in 2011 to discuss his role on Showtime's serial-killer drama, "Dexter." Hanks played Travis, a religious zealot who killed with an ancient gladiator sword to bring on the end times, which steered away from his usual roles. Hanks told New York Magazine, "I don't necessarily equate Travis with being evil. I see him as incredibly sad, really, more than anything else." Although he shaved the goatee, Hanks still looked mature with a collared button-up shirt. Though, he probably could have gotten away with wearing a superhero T-shirt.

At a Golden Globes after-party, Colin Hanks shook things up with a full tuxedo, because sometimes one has to pull out the formal wear to show how good one can look. By this time in his career, Hanks had starred in several episodes of "NCIS" as a Department of Defense investigator. Hanks also starred on the hit TV show "Fargo" as Gus Grimly, a police officer turned mailman. With his face popping up all over the small screen, Hanks made sure to dress up for the industry event.

From 2015 to 2019, Colin Hanks starred as Greg Short in the CBS family comedy, "Life in Pieces." Colin played a dad navigating family life with his wife and two daughters. In real life, Colin is married to Samantha Bryant and has two daughters, Olivia and Charlotte Hanks, so the man knows how to give dad vibes. At the Spirit Awards, Hanks donned sophisticated dad style with a tonal blazer look. When the outfit is that nice, you don't need a tie to step it up.

Colin Hanks played a surprise role in "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" as the grown-up version of a character who had been stuck in the game. He reprised the role in "Jumanji: The Next Level," where he had to help others escape Jumanji. At the premiere of the latter film, Hanks donned a blue plaid suit that was fun and professional, perfect for an comedy based on a video game. Hanks also shaved the sides of his hair, giving a new dimension to his appearance.

After wearing a lot of vintage suits, Colin Hanks opted for something different at the premiere of "Impeachment: American Crime Story." Hanks wore a dark suit with a black, unbuttoned shirt. "Impeachment" retold the story of the investigation and subsequent impeachment of President Bill Clinton. Hanks played Mike Emmick, the deputy for Kenneth Star's team who was responsible for interviewing Monica Lewinsky. Hanks also dressed for the decade in the movie "Elvis & Nixon," which was set in the 1970s. In real life, it was beyond time for Hanks to modernize his outfits.

At the premiere of the mini-series "The Offer," Colin Hanks went back to his signature style by wearing a vintage-inspired suit and cigarette hat. "The Offer" takes place in the early 1970s and recounts the real-life events that led up to the making of "The Godfather" films. Hanks played a fictional, composite character meant to represent the old studio system that filmmakers were rebelling against during that era. Although Hank's premiere outfit hailed from an earlier time than "The Offer," it still added to the mood of the event.

Sometimes, celebrities look drastically different after a role – just as Colin Hanks did after starring in a true crime drama. In "A Friend of the Family," Hanks starred as Bob Broberg, father of Jan Broberg, who was kidnapped by the same family friend twice in the 1970s. The project went outside of Hank's comfort zone both in story and physical changes. Hanks cut his hair to mimic Bob's receding hairline. Then, when filming finished, Hanks completely shaved off all of his hair for a drastic new appearance at the 2022 premiere. 

Colin Hanks looks like an average guy when he wears his NHL Los Angeles Kings jersey and hat, proudly representing one of his favorite sports teams while running around town. As a California native, Hanks has favorite teams from around the state, though his favorite basketball team is the Sacramento Kings. Although he may call LA home, he still favors the San Francisco Giants when it comes to baseball. In fact, Hanks's directorial debut was about the Giants' failed 1980s mascot. In his off time, Hanks dresses for comfort and team pride.

Colin Hanks really changed up his appearance with a full reddish-brown and grey beard, a stark contrast to his dark hair. The new look he adopted at the premiere for the documentary "John Candy: I Like Me" underscored his evolution from promising star to accomplished actor and filmmaker. "I have these memories of John being around and being the nicest, kindest guy," Hanks told Deadline. "I felt like it was my responsibility as a director to convey some of that for those that never got that opportunity to meet him.

Despite being the son of one of the most famous actors in the world, Colin Hanks proved he has talent in his own right, though his connection to the industry certainly helps. While he made attempts to separate himself from his father, there is one truth he cannot escape: Colin and Tom Hanks look like twins, especially as Colin catches up in age. They look so alike that at TV Academy's 2026 Televerse Festival, Colin's shaved and spectacle-free face made it difficult to not see a carbon copy of his father.