Colin Hanks Bio
Colin Lewes Hanks (born November 24, 1977) is an American actor and filmmaker. He is best known for his role as Gus Grimly on the FX crime series Fargo (2014–2015), which earned him nominations for a Golden Globe Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Critics’ Choice Television Award. Hanks gained mainstream attention after a main role on the WB science fiction series Roswell (1999–2001) and his lead role in the film Orange County (2002), which was followed by a starring role in the blockbuster King Kong (2005).
Early Life and Background
Colin Hanks was born in Sacramento, California, to actor Tom Hanks and producer Samantha Lewes. He has a sister, Elizabeth, and through his father’s marriage to actress Rita Wilson, he has two younger half-brothers, Chester and Truman. Hanks attended Sacramento Country Day School before transferring to Chapman University and later to Loyola Marymount University, although he left without earning a degree.
Path to Hollywood
Hanks began his acting career in 1996 and gained early recognition with his role as Alex Whitmann in the science-fiction series Roswell. During this time, he also appeared in teen comedies such as Whatever It Takes and Get Over It. Hanks made a brief appearance in the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers, which showcased his talent and opened doors to further opportunities in the industry.
Colin Hanks Career
Early Career (1996–2005)
Hanks’ first notable work came in 1999 with Roswell, where he played a lead role for two seasons. His film debut was in 2002 with Orange County, where he portrayed Shaun Brumder, a high school student trying to get into Stanford University. This role helped establish him as a promising young actor. In 2005, he starred in the remake of King Kong, further solidifying his presence in Hollywood.
Breakthrough (2014–2019)
Hanks’ breakthrough role came in 2014 when he starred as Officer Gus Grimly in the critically acclaimed series Fargo. His performance earned him nominations for prestigious awards, including the Critics’ Choice Television Award and the Primetime Emmy Award. Following this success, he reprised his role as Alex Vreeke in the Jumanji film series, appearing in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) and its sequel, Jumanji: The Next Level (2019).
Notable Works and Milestones
Colin Hanks has established himself as a versatile actor with significant roles in both television and film. His work in Fargo and the Jumanji series are among his most recognized contributions to the entertainment industry.
Colin Hanks Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Colin Hanks has received several nominations for his performances, particularly for his role in Fargo, which showcased his talent and garnered critical acclaim.
Colin Hanks Awards Won
Colin Hanks has not yet won any major awards but has been recognized for his performances with nominations that highlight his contributions to film and television.
Colin Hanks Family
Colin Hanks is married to Samantha Bryant, whom he wed on May 8, 2010. The couple has two daughters, born in 2011 and 2013.
Personal Life
Hanks dated actress Busy Philipps during his college years. He is a fan of various sports teams, including the San Francisco Giants and Liverpool FC. Hanks directed a short film about the San Francisco Giants’ Crazy Crab mascot, showcasing his passion for sports and storytelling.
