Tom Hanks Bristles at Comparisons to James Stewart

In the world of showbiz, it’s almost a given that actors get stacked up against each other, even when they’re carving out their own path. Sometimes, being likened to a legend is a compliment, but for Tom Hanks, it’s not always a welcome one. Hanks, who dominated the 1990s with back-to-back Oscar wins and a string of box office hits, has often found himself compared to James Stewart, a classic Hollywood icon. But for Hanks, this comparison doesn’t sit right.

Hanks’ run through the ‘90s was nothing short of massive. From the emotional punch of ‘Philadelphia’ to the quirky charm of ‘Forrest Gump’, he showed off his range and became a household name. He’d already made waves in the ‘80s with films like ‘Big’ and ‘Splash’, but the next decade really cemented his place as a go-to leading man. Whether lending his voice to Woody in ‘Toy Story’ or fronting the blockbuster ‘Saving Private Ryan’, Hanks was everywhere. He built a reputation as the reliable hero, the bloke you could count on for a good time at the flicks, never straying too far from the mainstream. He was careful with his choices, steering clear of risky indie projects that might have put a dent in his image, and that strategy paid off.

Why the Stewart Comparison Doesn’t Land

At the height of his fame, Hanks was regularly mentioned in the same breath as Stewart, who was known for his everyman appeal and likeable screen presence. But Hanks doesn’t see it as a compliment to himself. In fact, he reckons it’s a bit off to Stewart. Sure, Hanks might have done alright in a film like ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’, but he doubts he could have matched Stewart’s intensity in something like ‘Vertigo’. There was a certain artistry to Stewart’s work, especially in Hitchcock’s films, that Hanks feels is out of his league.

He’s pretty upfront about it, too.

“I get embarrassed every time that comes up. Jimmy was the best of all time. Comparing the two of us is like an insult to him, because, frankly, I’m lucky to be where I am. I’m just this really cheesy guy,”

Hanks told Deseret News. Instead, he’d rather be compared to someone like Van Johnson, though he jokes,

“Would that be considered an insult to Van? Should I be comparing myself to John Agar? Maybe that’s more appropriate. I just get uncomfortable when I’m asked to talk about myself. There are a lot more talented actors out there.”

Public Perception and the ‘Good Guy’ Image

Whether or not you reckon Hanks is on Stewart’s level, it’s easy to see why people draw parallels. Both actors have made a career out of playing likeable, trustworthy characters that punters flock to see. They’ve each had a go at playing the villain, but their reputations as all-round good blokes have stayed pretty much intact. No matter the role, they’re still seen as the safe bet for a night at the cinema.

Still, Hanks is adamant that Stewart’s legacy is untouchable. He sees himself as fortunate to have had the career he’s had, but he’s not keen on being put in the same category as someone he considers the best in the business. For Hanks, the comparison just doesn’t add up, and he’s happy to leave Stewart’s legend where it belongs—at the very top.