Tom Hanks has Portuguese and English ancestry.
Tom Hanks' Ancestral Roots
The acclaimed actor's ethnic background is a blend of European heritages, stemming from both his mother's and father's families.
Maternal Lineage: Portuguese Heritage
Tom Hanks' mother was from a Portuguese family. Their original surname, indicating their heritage, was "Fraga." This contributes a significant part of his European ancestry.
Paternal Lineage: English Heritage
On his father's side, Tom Hanks has English ancestry. This paternal line also connects him to notable historical and cultural figures. Through this lineage, he is a distant cousin of President Abraham Lincoln and the beloved children's host Fred Rogers, whom Hanks famously portrayed in the film A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.
Here's a summary of his primary ethnic backgrounds:
| Ancestry | Parent's Side | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Portuguese | Mother's | Original family surname was "Fraga." |
| English | Father's | Distantly related to Abraham Lincoln and Fred Rogers. |
