Career
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. 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).
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, including Forrest"s "now-famous jerky run".
Hanks began providing the voice of Geoffrey the Giraffe in the Toys "R" Us commercials in 2001, and is the voice of Rudy from the Red Robin Gourmet Burgers commercials. He guest-starred in an episode of Scrubs, appearing as a "Doctor Turner" partnered with a doctor called "Hooch" (in reference to his brother"s film Turner & Hooch).
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 Internationals production of John Steinbeck"s Of Mice and Men.