5 Weird Tom Hanks Facts You’re Dying To Know

Tom Hanks is undoubtedly one of the most beloved actors in Hollywood. With a career that spans over four decades, he has starred in countless iconic films and won numerous awards for his performances. However, there are a few lesser-known facts about the actor that might surprise you. Here are five weird Tom Hanks facts you’re dying to know.

Fact #1: Tom Hanks is related to Abraham Lincoln.

Yes, you read that right. Tom Hanks is actually related to one of the greatest presidents in American history. According to genealogists, Hanks is a third cousin four times removed of Abraham Lincoln. The two share a common ancestor in John Hanks, who was Lincoln’s second cousin. Hanks has even expressed his admiration for Lincoln in the past, playing the president in the 2012 film “Lincoln” directed by Steven Spielberg.

Fact #2: Tom Hanks has a unique hobby.

In addition to acting, Hanks has a passion for collecting vintage typewriters. He owns over 100 of them and even writes on them regularly. In fact, he published a book called “Uncommon Type” in 2017, which featured short stories centered around typewriters. Hanks’ love for typewriters dates back to his childhood when he used to type out stories on his mother’s machine. He has also created some of his own typewriter art, including a portrait of Ernest Hemingway made entirely out of letters and symbols.

Fact #3: Tom Hanks was once a hotel bellhop.

Before becoming a famous actor, Hanks worked as a bellhop at the Oakland Hilton Hotel. He got the job through a family friend and worked there for about a year before pursuing his acting career full-time. Interestingly, Hanks has said that his experience as a bellhop helped him develop some of the skills he would later use in acting. He learned how to read people and anticipate their needs, skills that are essential for any performer.

Fact #4: Tom Hanks is a polyglot.

In addition to being a talented actor, Hanks is also fluent in multiple languages. He speaks Spanish, French, Italian, and knows some German as well. Hanks has used his language skills in films like “The Terminal,” where he played a man stuck in an airport who must navigate different cultures and languages. Hanks has said that he enjoys learning new languages and finds it helps him connect with people from different backgrounds.

Fact #5: Tom Hanks has a connection to the moon landing.

Hanks’ connection to space goes beyond his role in the movie “Apollo 13.” In fact, his father was an employee of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company, which provided power to NASA’s mission control center during the Apollo 11 moon landing. Hanks has said that watching the moon landing as a child was a pivotal moment in his life and sparked his interest in space exploration. He has since been involved in several space-themed projects, including producing the HBO series “From the Earth to the Moon” and narrating the documentary “Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D.”