Tom Hanks started out in comedy, and throughout his decades-long career, he branched out into all kinds of genres, winning two Academy Awards for best actor for dramatic performances. Hanks also became a producer and director, so he’s put on plenty of hats since becoming an actor in the late-1970s. Many fans might be surprised to know, though, that while Hanks’ education landed him at several schools, he dropped out before earning a bachelor’s degree.
Hanks studied theater in school, so it’s fair to say his education, while limited, was incredibly successful. An internship helped him learn everything he needed to know in the industry, so he left school to pursue acting full-time. Eventually, Hanks did receive a degree from Harvard, which conferred an honorary doctorate of arts upon the actor in 2023.
Hanks discussed his education when he spoke at the commencement address at Harvard University (via Washington Monthly): “On behalf of all of us who studied for two years at Chabot Community College in Hayward, California, two semesters at California State University, Sacramento, and for 45 years at the School of Hard Knocks, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in one damn thing after another, thank you.”
