Was Tom Hanks daughter in Forest Gump? All we know about writer E.A Hanks

Tom Hanks is a man known to literally every family, who has become famous for his unrivaled acting in now-classic movies like Forrest Gump, Cast Away, and Saving Private Ryan.

It's correct to say that everything has already been told about his on-screen heritage, while we've gotten to know only a little about his only daughter. Elizabeth Ann Hanks, aka E.A. Hanks, has been unknown in the Hollywood world for a while.

At present, Elizabeth, who is 42 years old and has established herself in writing, is leading a clandestine but fruitful professional life as a writer by not only sticking to her career in the creative industry but also keeping a rather low public profile, which, in turn, has made her rare. But was also an actress in one of her father's most famous films? Yes, she did—and the role was quite a shock to us.

Quick Scene in Forrest Gump

If people remembered the young red-haired girl from their school bus, they would recall that was a small role of Elizabeth Hanks in the famous Oscar-winning movie Forrest Gump, where her father was the main actor of the film.

The young actress played the role of the little girl on the bus who rejects young Forrest. That part is very short, though it's an interesting fact for everyone related to the movie and is a symbolic moment in the story that confirms Forrest's childhood experiences of getting along with others and being rejected.

Not her single acting experience, though. Elizabeth also did a part in That Thing You Do! (1996), the movie directed by her father. But, unlike most celebrities, acting was not something that could keep her busy all the time.

Life Away from the Cameras

The youngest child of Tom Hanks and the late actress and producer Samantha Lewes, Elizabeth Ann Hanks was born on May 17, 1982. Alongside her brother Colin Hanks, who is also an actor, she grew up in Los Angeles. Her father later married actress Rita Wilson, and they were blessed with two sons, Chet and Truman Hanks.

The one way to thrive in her family's fame was to join the film industry. Instead, Elizabeth chose the road not widely taken. After Elizabeth graduated from Vassar College and spent some time in Scotland, she went into a career in writing and editing.

An author who has been writing for the most popular magazines, like Vanity Fair, The New York Times, Times, and The Guardian, is highly appreciated for her creativity and thoughtfulness of expressions.

E.A. Hanks: The Writer Emerges

E.A. Hanks, a pseudonym for Elizabeth, will release her memoir, The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road, in April 2025. The book gives an insight into her life, exploring her relationship with her late mother, her growing up in a blended family in Hollywood, and the road trip, which was the first step in making peace with her past at a more personal level.

In a recent excerpt shared by People magazine, Hanks, in her own words, discloses the painful events of her life and the emotional impact of her mother's death from bone cancer in 2002. The book is receiving accolades for its emotional majesty and poetic language.

A Low-Key Online Presence

Elizabeth is one of those celebrity children who have not been overtaken by the desire for public attention; instead, she has chosen to remain her unique self quietly. She only posts once in a while on social media, especially X (previously Twitter), where she talks about her views on literature, politics, and the writing process.

Her fans usually show their adoration and respect for her independent path and her devotion to literature and the art of writing. Perhaps she is not seen in the news or on movie screens, but E.A. Hanks has established her status through her self-made terms in the cultural realm.

Conclusion

So, indeed, Tom Hanks' daughter appeared in Forrest Gump, but that brief scene on the bus was the outset of a long journey. Presently, Elizabeth Ann Hanks, or E.A. Hanks, is not the most celebrated for her family name, but for her role as a writer—articulate, unafraid, and most importantly, her own person.

Being close to the publication of her memoir, the lady behind the pen, as well as the man on the street, cannot wait to find out more about her life in that era and about the unforgettable incident on that bus.