When I think about voices that really encapsulate the ethos of America, it's Tom Hanks. Typically, my mind goes immediately to Forrest Gump. His character is essentially the glue around quintessential American moments. Consequently, it's hard to find the average citizen who doesn't love the film. Similarly, Saving Private Ryan pulls a similar gambit. Wartime movies really stick deep into the heart of the patriotic and Spielberg delivers one of the most memorable.
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Additionally, Tom Hanks has that perfect voice. There's a firmness to it, a distinct American dad quality to it that recalls playing baseball or throwing hot dogs on the grill. So when he signed up for narrating NBC's The Americas, it fit seamlessly. Recently, Tom and the crew behind the docuseries about North and South America open up about the project. There, executive producer Mike Hunton unabashedly called the Toy Story actor "America's dad." While it could be somewhat in jest, it's a responsibility he takes seriously.
Tom Hanks Dishes On Why He Takes Pride in Being "America's Dad"
"I think that might say more about the induced trauma of family of origin issues for most of America. But I will say, I would love to be called something specific: The best park ranger they've ever heard," Hanks says. He then launches into a story about hearing one speak and wanting that job when he was a kid. But on the topic of being called upon to be an American father figure, he doesn't take it for granted.
Look, I have enthusiasms that are particular to me. I have a willingness to dominate every dinner table that I sit at. It's one of [my] character defects that I'm working on. But I'm going to treat that seriously when someone comes in and says, 'We look upon you as a dad,'" Hanks continues. "Because the best dads are going to offer up wisdom, patience and just the right amount of discipline when the time comes."
