Jim Hanks Net Worth

What is Jim Hanks' net worth?

Jim Hanks is an American actor, filmmaker, and voice artist who has a net worth of $3 million. Jim Hanks has built a steady, decades-long career in Hollywood while often working in the shadow of his older brother, two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks. Though he has occasionally doubled for Tom on screen and in voice work, Jim has forged his own path as a versatile performer across film, television, and animation. His wide-ranging credits include acting roles in independent features, voice performances, and directing and producing behind the camera. Most importantly to his net worth, Jim has been the official voice of Woody from "Toy Story" outside of the films for over 30 years. Since before the first film was even released, Jim was tapped to provide voice work for dolls and commercials. He has maintained that gig ever since. Jim's voice is the Woody you hear at Disneyland and Disney World and in all commercials, toys, TV shows, etc. He also provided the voice for Geoffrey, the Toys R Us giraffe mascot in the 1990s.

Early Life

James Mathew Hanks was born on June 15, 1961, in Shasta County, California. He was the youngest of four children born to Amos Mefford Hanks, a chef and itinerant cook, and Janet Marylyn Frager, a hospital worker. When Jim was a child, his parents divorced, and the Hanks siblings were split between them. Jim was raised primarily by their mother, while Tom and their older brother Larry went to live with their father.

Growing up, Jim did not initially pursue acting. He worked a variety of jobs after high school and later relocated to Sacramento, where he met and married actress Karen Praxel. It was through her encouragement and connections that Jim decided to try his hand at performing. His natural ease in front of the camera and resemblance to his famous brother soon opened doors in Hollywood.

Early Career and Hollywood Breakthrough

Jim Hanks began acting professionally in the early 1990s, appearing in commercials and small television parts. His first major role came in 1993, when he starred in the low-budget comedy "Buford's Beach Bunnies." Though the film was modest, it marked the beginning of a consistent acting career.

Because of his strong vocal and physical resemblance to Tom, Jim was occasionally asked to stand in or perform voice work for projects related to his brother's roles. He served as a stand-in for Tom in the opening running sequence of "Forrest Gump" and later began voicing Woody in various "Toy Story" spinoffs, video games, and theme park attractions. While Tom voiced Woody in the main Pixar films, Jim handled the character for nearly all Disney promotional projects, toys, and short-form media. His ability to perfectly match the character's voice has made him an essential part of the "Toy Story" franchise for more than 25 years.

Jim Hanks (Photo by Mike Guastella/WireImage)

Film and Television Work

Beyond his connection to his brother's projects, Jim has carved out an eclectic resume of acting work. His television credits include guest roles on "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman," "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," "JAG," and "Dexter." He has also appeared in numerous films, including "Baby Geniuses," "Blood Type," "Purgatory House," and "Shades of Ray."

In addition to acting, Hanks has found steady work as a voice actor. He has voiced characters in animated films and video games, often demonstrating a range that extends well beyond his Woody performances. His voice work for Disney, Mattel, and theme parks has made him a familiar—if often uncredited—presence to millions of children and families around the world.

Hanks has also directed and produced several short films, including "Jack Frost" and "The Waiter." His work behind the camera reflects a careful eye for character and tone, and he has said that storytelling remains his favorite aspect of filmmaking, regardless of whether he is in front of or behind the camera.

Voice Acting

Jim Hanks' work as a voice actor has become one of the most defining aspects of his career. For over 30 years, he has provided the official voice of Woody in the "Toy Story" franchise outside the main films, taking over from his brother Tom Hanks for nearly all Disney-branded media, merchandise, theme park attractions, video games, and shorts since 1994. His first assignment was voicing a pull-string Woody doll before the original "Toy Story" was even released.

Through years of performances, Jim has not only perfected the vocal likeness of Woody but has also infused the character with heart and authenticity. He has described his interpretation of Woody as "Tom yelling at his kid," a mix of deep diaphragm control and nasal resonance. His work includes major projects such as Disney on Ice, Midway Mania at Disneyland, Kingdom Hearts, and other interactive media. He is also responsible for voicing Woody in countless commercial tie-ins and promotional appearances.

Beyond Woody, Jim has lent his voice to various characters across video games, commercials, and children's media. He even voiced Geoffrey the Giraffe for Toys R Us during the early 2000s, making him a familiar voice to an entire generation of children. Known for his meticulous approach, Jim often records challenging "effort" sounds—grunts, landings, and yells—at the end of sessions to protect his vocal range. His voice acting work highlights his technical skill, adaptability, and deep understanding of character performance.

Personal Life

Jim Hanks has been married to actress Karen Praxel since 1986, and the couple has one son, Gage Hanks. The pair have occasionally collaborated professionally, appearing together in independent productions. Despite his family's fame, Jim has maintained a low public profile and is known for his humility and grounded nature.

He has often spoken warmly of his brother Tom, describing their relationship as supportive rather than competitive. Tom, in turn, has praised Jim's talent and credited him with saving him time by taking over many of Woody's promotional duties. Through Tom, Jim is uncle to Chet Haze and Colin Hanks, and his sister-in-law is Rita Wilson.

Real Estate

In May 2014, Jim and Karen paid $699,000 for a home in Los Angeles. Today, this home is worth around $1.7 million.

Legacy

Though Jim Hanks may never have sought the spotlight, his career stands as a testament to quiet endurance and creative consistency. Over more than three decades in the industry, he has built a diverse body of work across film, television, and voice acting. For millions of fans, his voice has become synonymous with one of animation's most iconic characters. Yet for those who know his story, Jim Hanks represents something deeper—a working actor who has defined success not by fame, but by longevity, versatility, and genuine love of the craft.

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