James Mathew Hanks (born June 15, 1961) is an American actor and filmmaker. He has played numerous minor roles in film and guest appearances on television. Bearing both a face and a voice that resemble those of his older brotherTom Hanks, he often serves as a voice double forWoody inToy Story media when the latter is unavailable. He has produced, directed, and filmed several short films. Hanks made his film debut inBuford's Beach Bunnies (1993).
James Mathew Hanks was born inShasta County, California on June 15, 1961.[1] He is the son of Janet Marylyn (née Frager)[2] and itinerant cook Amos Mefford Hanks.[3][4] Hanks is also the youngest brother of fellow actorTom Hanks and entomologistLarry Hanks, but they were not raised together.[5][6][7] After their parents divorced, Jim went toRed Bluff, California with his mother while older siblings Tom, Larry, and Sandra remained with their father. After college, he lived inSacramento working as a waiter.[8] The agent who employed his actress wife Karen Praxel as a receptionist encouraged him to get into acting.[8] After he took acting lessons, he moved to Los Angeles in 1992 and began his career with roles inB-movies and commercial voice-overs.
He got his first lead role as Jeeter Buford inBuford's Beach Bunnies (1993). Wishing to earn the role based on his own abilities, he auditioned as "Jim Matthews" (just his first and a modification of his middle name). While producers noted his "resemblance toTom Hanks", he won the role based on his own comedic and acting skills and his relationship to his brother was not revealed until paperwork was completed.[9]
In 1995,A Current Affair revealed that Tom had created the mannerisms for the character ofForrest Gump based on the simpleton mannerisms earlier created by Jim for the role of Jeeter,[10] including Forrest's "now-famous jerky run".[11] His physical resemblance to his brother allowed him to act asbody double for him in scenes inForrest Gump.[12] Due to his vocal similarity, and with his brother Tom's personal recommendation,[13] he often substitutes for Tom in the role ofSheriff Woody in variousToy Story video games and spin-offs.[14][15]
Hanks began to provide the voice of Geoffrey the Giraffe in theToys "R" Us commercials in 2001[16] and is the voice of Rudy from theRed Robin Gourmet Burgers commercials.
He guest-starred in an episode ofScrubs, appearing as a "Dr. Turner" partnered with recurring characterDr. Hooch, in reference to his brother's filmTurner & Hooch.[17]
In the 1998 film adaptation ofO. Henry's "The Ransom of Red Chief", Hanks played the role of the mailman who was the town gossip.
He has appeared on stage, including playing "Lennie Small" in Theatrical Arts International's production ofJohn Steinbeck'sOf Mice and Men.
In November 2016, Hanks guest-starred in a web series calledGary CK Needs Work, a parody of the FX showLouie.