Tim Allen says his decades-long friendship with Tom Hanks is one of the most meaningful relationships of his life, describing their bond as something close to family. In a new interview, Allen reflected on how their connection began before they even worked together on the original Toy Story in 1995 and how it has grown over the years as they returned to voice Buzz Lightyear and Woody in multiple sequels.
Allen, now 72, said he initially felt as though he was following in Hanks’ footsteps when Disney approached him about a planned Turner and Hooch television project based on Hanks’ 1989 film. He recalled questioning why the studio would revisit a role Hanks had already made famous, saying he was not interested in simply redoing another actor’s work. Allen said Hanks already had the kind of stature and gravitas that made the idea difficult for him to embrace.
The two eventually met after being cast in Toy Story, and Allen remembered Hanks as someone who seemed independent and different from him, since Allen came from a large family while Hanks did not. Even so, Allen said their relationship quickly became personal and enduring. He also shared a humorous early memory from filming, saying he became genuinely irritated when Hanks ate french fries off his plate. Allen said Hanks noticed his reaction and kept teasing him, which Allen believes reflected Hanks’ playful personality.
Despite moments like that, Allen said the two men have remained close collaborators and friends for decades. He credited their shared interests and values for helping maintain the bond. According to Allen, both he and Hanks read deeply, think seriously about philosophy and metaphysics, and care strongly about military service and honoring veterans. He said those common themes have helped them relate to each other on a level he does not share with many other people.
Allen also said playing Buzz opposite Hanks’ Woody has strengthened their friendship because the characters have become such an important part of popular culture. He compared the duo’s cultural impact to the classic pairing of Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, noting that the Toy Story characters have meant a great deal to fans and to him personally. He said some of his favorite moments with Hanks come from surprising fans by performing Buzz and Woody dialogue together, especially the famous line “To infinity and beyond.”
The longtime co-stars are now returning for Toy Story 5, which is set to arrive in theaters on Friday, June 19. Allen said the enduring appeal of their characters and the trust between him and Hanks continue to make their partnership special after nearly three decades.
