These stories are proof enough.
Tom Hanks has long been considered to be one of the nicest guys in Hollywood. There's even an article by The New York Times, titled This Tom Hanks Story Will Help You Feel Less Bad, by author Taffy Brodesser-Akner, which delves into heartwarming stories about the Forrest Gump actor. Coincidentally, this story was published nearly two years ago, on November 13, which is World Kindness Day!
In the article, Brodesser-Akner wrote about how Hanks stopped the filming of Angels and Demons in 2008 to escort a bride to her altar. Years later, in 2015, along with buying a bunch of boxes from Girl Scouts and giving them a tip, he helped them sell a few more to passers-by. How many celebrities do you think would hit pause on their busy lives and do this, and especially when there is no media around to throw the spotlight on it?
After the article was published, Brodesser-Akner shared a link to it on her Twitter profile, revealing that interviewing Hanks turned out to be a healing experience for her. "I was going through a spell of depression—too much exposure to the misery of this world—when I started interviewing @tomhanks; I'm not anymore. Did you know that celebrity profiles can heal you?" she asked.
In a follow-up Tweet, Brodesser-Akner revealed that she got a lot more wonderful stories about Hanks once the story was up. "I've already received a ton of supplementary 'Tom Hanks Is Wonderful' stories, in addition to the ones I have that didn't fit in. I have a busy day, but I'll try to get them in there."
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The author kept her promise and shared a lot more wholesome, heartwarming incidents about the actor, like this one here: "Tom Hanks once did an interview at the Los Angeles NPR affiliate @kcrw, and when he walked in, he saw the carpet was in shambles. He right there wrote a check for new carpeting."
"Tom once walked up to an In-N-Out drive-thru and paid for the meal of the next person, asking the cashier to convey that so that he or she could pay for the next person in line," the next Tweet read.
Here are some of the best Tweets about the actor and his heart of gold:
From @kamorfoot: A few years ago, at an event, I approached him for an interview and he barked, “I need coffee!” Then he walked away. I thought, ‘Ugh. Another horrible celebrity.’ BUT, then, a few minutes later someone was tapping my shoulder. It was Hanks. He was “ready now.” 1
— Taffy Brodesser-Akner (@taffyakner) November 13, 2019
"Then he actually apologized. "I just needed coffee." I told him I completely understand. To this day he's one of my favorite celebs." 2 (reprinted from other social media with permission)
— Taffy Brodesser-Akner (@taffyakner) November 13, 2019
Can add to the positive @tomhanks stories: he has a place in Idaho near our place. When fire season is bad, he routinely provides aid, respite, sustenance, equipment, moral support to the firefighters performing near-miracle work. Does so without any fuss or press. https://t.co/50qQakZwb9
— Molly McKew (@MollyMcKew) November 13, 2019
when @tomhanks came to PRH to sign UNCOMMON TYPE he walked straight up to me (an absolute nobody of an assistant) put out his hand and said "i'm tom, it's great to meet you, what's your name?" which isn't @taffyakner profile material but meant a lot to me https://t.co/OwO40FL1qb
— Brian Etling (@jbetling) November 15, 2019
he also asked me a lot of questions about my life, listened to what i said, dispensed real advice, suggested that i might be selling myself short, and reminded me to always "throw deep" in my personal/professional life. a good dude.
— Brian Etling (@jbetling) November 15, 2019
While grooming Joseph Fiennes for the red carpet, a blob of @Smashbox lands on his tie. “No worries. I have another one!” He also carried my bags in @RitzCarlton lobby. You’re the celebrity! Let me do that. Nope. Mom taught him manners, including helping me carry my bags.
— Suze (@suzemakeup) November 13, 2019
Once, in 2008, when Tom Hanks was shooting “Angels & Demons” in Rome by the Pantheon, a bride and her father couldn’t approach the chapel because of the hullabaloo, so Hanks stopped filming to escort them to the altar. pic.twitter.com/XcG4vaclIr
— Steve Goldberg (@Steve_Goldberg) November 13, 2019
Now, I know I may never meet the man with the kindest soul in tinsel town, but just knowing that he exists out there making this world a tad bit better is good enough. He sure is an inspiration to use your status and privileges to good use.
References:
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/13/movies/tom-hanks-mister-rogers.html?login=smartlock&auth=login-smartlock
https://twitter.com/taffyakner/status/1194622427688398848
Cover Image Source: Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images for Children's Diabetes Foundation
