There are few actors as prolific as Tom Hanks. With a career spanning over four decades, his movie credits read longer than most phone books and include such iconic roles as Forrest Gump, Captain John Miller and Woody from the Toy Story franchise.
A method actor with a relentless work ethic, he has won numerous awards for his performances, including two Academy Awards for Best Actor. Yet behind all the fame and success remains a humble and down-to-earth person.
Based on an analysis of his interviews and observed behavior, we believe Hanks is an Enneagram Type 6. His Myers and Briggs personality type is harder to pinpoint. Many believe him to be an ENTP or ESFJ, but we think the evidence points to him being an introvert and likely an ISFJ.
Hanks' Enneagram: Type 6, The Skeptic
Enneagram Sixes are classic "worriers" who do everything in their power to not feel afraid. In some instances, this manifests as hard work, responsibility, and a need to be in control. Other times, it can manifest in counterphobic behavior where they courageously – and perhaps recklessly – confront their fears to prove they are not scared.
Both behaviors show up in Tom Hanks' interviews. He is quoted on the Internet Movie Database as saying, “My work is more fun than fun but, best of all, it's still very scary. You are always walking some kind of high wire… If I didn't have the chance to do what I do, it's that I would miss more than anything. That terror is what makes me feel alive. It's a wonderful feeling, unlike anything else in the world.”
Outwardly: Spotting the Six
- Likable and caring, Hanks is Mr. Everyman. He can play a character the audience can all relate to, while still maintaining depth and complexity.
- Hardworking and responsible, Hanks dedicated years of his life to portraying Fred Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, a film that earned his sixth Oscar nomination.
- Loyal and committed, he has been married to his second wife, actress and producer Rita Wilson, for over three decades. Hanks has also worked with many of the same actors and directors multiple times over the course of his career, keeping a tight-knit group of people around himself in true Six style.
- Humble and measured, Hanks told Oprah, “There isn't any great mystery about me. What I do is glamorous and has an awful lot of white-hot attention placed on it. But the actual work requires the same discipline and passion as any job you love doing, be it as a very good pipe fitter or a highly creative artist.”
- Witty and self-deprecating, Hanks often plays the comedian making him a popular talk show guest. From the time he impersonated everyone on the Graham Norton Show to the time he rapped with fans (a story that took on a life of its own), Hanks is a fun interview.
Inwardly: Understanding the Six
- Biggest fear: Sixes like Hanks fear being unprepared and unable to cope with the unexpected. The actor has been accused of taking method acting to extremes, such as when he lost weight, didn't bathe, nor cut his hair for his role in Castaway. Some may call it a commitment to the cause, but it also could be seen as a way of controlling the situation and maintaining his sense of security.
- Biggest driver: Sixes are motivated by their need for safety and security. Hanks is reported as saying “Some people go to bed at night thinking, ‘That was a good day.’ I am one of those who worries and asks, 'How did I screw up today?'” They seek reassurance from others and are incredibly loyal to the people and groups they trust.
- Biggest desire: For Type Sixes, a secure life is a happy life. “Again and again, we're searching for that person who's a magic key for us, makes us feel connected, secure, part of something bigger than ourselves. Without it, the world ain't any fun,” Hanks said.
Hanks' Myers-Briggs Personality TYpe: ISFJ
I: Introverted
Hanks has the humility and introspection of an introvert. He has spoken openly about his preference for solitude and enjoys spending time with his family away from the public eye. “Loneliness is to be avoided, solitude is to be sought,” he told the Desert Island Discs show on BBC Radio 4.
S: Sensing
Hanks is known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to bring complex characters to life. He has spoken about the importance of research in his roles, even going so far as to attend real-life boot camp for his role in Saving Private Ryan. This dedication and practical approach aligns with the Sensing trait.
F: Feeling
Hanks is widely considered among the most kind, gracious, team-oriented and directable actors in Hollywood. Julia Roberts, who starred with Hanks in three movies, said of the experience, “Tom can walk into any room and make you feel like you're in your living room, truly. Make you feel comfortable, make you feel like you have something interesting to contribute, make you feel like there's a reason you're on the planet. And that's a true gift.”
J: Judging
Hanks' careful preparation, professionalism and dedication to delivering top-notch performances are clear signs of his Judging personality type. Meryl Streep, who worked with Hanks on the 2017 drama The Post, confirmed this when she said, “Tom never made a mistake, ever. He was always completely word-perfect and ready and on the balls of his feet. So it made me lean forward, step up and do my push-ups before I went on set.”
ISFJ Cognitive Functions
Si: Introverted Sensors like Hanks are known for cataloging their personal experiences and impressions of the world, which they use to make connections and inform their decision-making process. Matthew Rhys, who worked with Hanks on the Mr Rogers biopic saw this trait in action: “He got the incredible essence of Fred, without impersonation. .. Having watched a lot of Fred, I was like, "He just did that thing that Fred used to do with his hand." So without being too obvious he nods to the physicality. It's just enough. But I think the essence of Fred he caught beautifully."
Fe: With Extraverted Feeling as a secondary function, Hanks picks up the vibe of the room and makes gut judgments about a person or situation. It's a skill that has earned him the reputation of being extremely relatable, since he is able to connect with others on an emotional level and make them feel at ease.
Ti: Hanks' Introverted Thinking helps him to make sense of the world by analyzing and organizing information internally. While a less-developed function for Hanks, Ti helps him think outside the box and throw himself into his roles, sometimes in extreme ways. This function likely plays a role in his methodical approach to acting, as he takes time to understand his characters and their motivations in depth.
Ne: Extraverted Intuitives can easily get caught up in the hypothetical and forget to live in reality. Despite playing make-believe for a living, Hanks stays grounded and that could be due to Ne being the less developed of his cognitive functions. However, Ne likely plays a role in his improvisational skills and ability to think on his feet during interviews or press events.
Fast Facts About ISFJs:
- Relatively rare in men - 4.9% of men have an ISFJ personality type.
- Among types most likely to believe in a higher spiritual power. Hanks joined the Greek Orthodox Church after his marriage to Rita Wilson and both he and his wife are strong people of faith.
- Second most common type among education majors in college.
- Personal values include happy family, health and spirituality.
- Overrepresented among MBA students and male small business owners.
- Commonly found in education, health care, and religious occupations.
