Jim Hanks

James Mathew Hanks (born June 15, 1961) is an American actor, voice actor, director, producer, cinematographer and camera operator. He has played numerous minor roles in film and guest appearances on television, and often substitutes doing voice work for his older brother Tom Hanks. He has produced, directed, and filmed several short films. Jim Hanks' first lead role was as Jeeter Buford in the film Buford's Beach Bunnies. His brother Tom Hanks was considered a strong candidate for the role,[citation needed]but was unavailable. Wishing to earn the role based on his own abilities, Jim auditioned as "Jim Matthews" (just his first and a modification of his middle name). While producers noted his "resemblance to Tom Hanks," he won the role based on his own comedic and acting skills, and his relationship to Tom Hanks was not revealed until paperwork was completed.[2]
In 1995, A Current Affair revealed that Tom Hanks had created the mannerisms for the character of Forrest Gump in the film of the same name based on the simpleton mannerisms earlier created by Jim for the role of Jeeter,[3] including Forrest's "now-famous jerky run".[4] His physical resemblance to his brother allowed him to act as body double for him in scenes in Forrest Gump.[5] Owing to his vocal similarity, he often substitutes for his brother in the role of Sheriff Woody in various Toy Story video games and spin-offs.[6][7]
Hanks began providing the voice of Geoffrey the Giraffe in the Toys "R" Us commercials in 2001,[8] and is the voice of Rudy from the Red Robin Gourmet Burgerscommercials.
He guest-starred in an episode of Scrubs, appearing as a "Dr. Turner" partnered with a doctor called "Hooch" (in reference to his brother's film Turner & Hooch).[9]
In the 1998 film adaptation of O. Henry's "The Ransom of Red Chief", Hanks played the role of the mailman who was the town gossip.
Hanks has appeared on stage, including playing "Lennie Small" in Theatrical Arts International's production of John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men.
In November 2016, he guest-starred in a web series called "Gary CK Needs Work", a parody of the FX show Louie.
Category:Voice Actors