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Tom Hanks has been called America’s Dad, and the moniker fits — as much for the America part as for the Dad part. Yes, he feels warm and relatable in whatever project he takes on, often giving his characters a deep sense of integrity, which you’d hope for in any father. But Hanks is a well-known American history buff, too, and many of his roles embody a rich understanding of the country. The people he plays are more than people, in a sense. Each speaks for, and to, a bit of America itself. Here’s a look at some of Hanks’ best — and most American — roles through the years.