In 1979, with his confidence bolstered by his success in Cleveland, Hanks made the bold decision to move to New York City to pursue a film and television career. The city was intimidating, and Hanks arrived with little money and fewer connections, but he was determined to make his mark. He took on various odd jobs to support himself while attending auditions, often facing rejection after rejection. His first film role was a minor part in the low-budget slasher film He Knows You're Alone (1980), a forgettable horror movie that nevertheless gave him his first taste of working on a professional film set. The experience was humbling—he was on screen for only a few minutes—but it taught him the fundamentals of camera work and the differences between stage and screen acting.
A more significant breakthrough came when he was cast as one of the leads in the ABC sitcom Bosom Buddies (1980-1982). The premise was absurd: Hanks and his co-star Peter Scolari played two young advertising executives who, to afford an apartment in a desirable building, must disguise themselves as women and live in a women-only hotel. The show was silly and often predictable, but it showcased Hanks's natural comedic timing and undeniable charm. Though Bosom Buddies had only modest ratings and was canceled after two seasons, it earned Hanks industry respect and caught the attention of casting directors and producers who recognized his potential.
During this time, Hanks also made guest appearances on popular television shows, including a memorable episode of Happy Days in 1982. His performance as a character who kisses Fonzie's girlfriend caught the attention of director Ron Howard, who was in the early stages of casting a new film. Howard was impressed by Hanks's ease in front of the camera and his ability to blend humor with genuine emotion.
The meeting with Ron Howard proved to be the turning point of Hanks's career. Howard was casting Splash (1984), a romantic comedy about a man who falls in love with a mermaid. Initially, Hanks was considered for a supporting role, but Howard and producer Brian Grazer were so taken with him that they offered him the lead instead. Splash was a gamble—it was a high-concept film with a fantastical premise, and the studio was uncertain about its commercial potential. However, the film was a massive surprise hit, grossing over $69 million at the domestic box office and establishing Hanks as a leading man with broad appeal. Critics praised his performance as charming, relatable, and effortlessly funny, and audiences fell in love with his everyman persona.
Later that same year, Hanks starred in the raucous comedy Bachelor Party, a very different film that traded on his ability to play a likable goofball. The movie was a commercial success, further cementing his reputation as a comedic actor. Over the next few years, Hanks continued to work steadily, starring in films like The Man with One Red Shoe (1985), Volunteers (1985), and The Money Pit (1986). While these films were not critical darlings, they kept him in the public eye and allowed him to refine his craft.
It was the 1988 film Big that truly changed everything. Directed by Penny Marshall, Big told the story of a twelve-year-old boy who makes a wish to be "big" and wakes up the next morning as a thirty-something man. Hanks's performance was nothing short of revelatory—he somehow managed to embody the innocence, curiosity, and exuberance of a child while occupying an adult body. His famous scene at a toy store piano, where he plays "Heart and Soul" and "Chopsticks" with his feet, became one of the most iconic moments in 1980s cinema. For his work in Big, Hanks received his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, a recognition that signaled he was more than just a comedic actor.