Tom Hanks, the renowned thespian and a master of the cinematic craft, has ascended to a mythical realm of fame through his unforgettable portrayals of characters, whether in rib-tickling comedies or poignant dramas. Yet, hidden within the depths of his captivating existence lie captivating facets that remain veiled, capable of truly astonishing you. A particular revelation that shall undoubtedly leave you breathless is his recent emergence as a graduate of Harvard University, a prestigious institution that deemed him worthy of an honorary degree.
In this momentous occasion, Tom Hanks has not merely added another accolade to his illustrious name, but has risen to new heights of intellectual prowess by acquiring a doctorate degree.
In a grand spectacle, Hanks, aged 66, graced the hallowed platform of Harvard University in the quaint city of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Standing before a sea of eager faces, on the occasion of their graduation, he took the center stage to deliver a momentous commencement address. In a gesture of utmost honor, the prestigious Ivy League establishment bestowed upon the esteemed actor an honorary doctorate of arts.
With a mischievous twinkle in his eye and a playful demeanor, Hanks jovially remarked that this honorary degree was granted to him “without breaking a sweat, without stepping foot into a classroom, without even glancing at those towering shelves of knowledge in the library.”
Displaying his signature wit, the actor teased the graduating students by admitting his lack of expertise in Latin, confessing his negligible interest in enzymes, and nonchalantly admitting that global public policy only grabbed his attention in passing as he skimmed through the pages of a newspaper right before attempting the popular Wordle game. Addressing the captivated audience within the walls of Harvard Yard’s Tercentenary Theatre, Hanks urged the fresh-faced graduates to rally against the overwhelming apathy that engulfs a society fatigued by daunting trials and tribulations.
The choice for commencement speaker was the actor.
In a momentous announcement made in the month of March 2023, Harvard University unveiled Tom Hanks as the distinguished individual chosen to address the graduating students during their commencement ceremony. The university president, through an official statement, emphasized the immense influence the acclaimed actor wielded over the fabric of national culture, as well as his remarkable talent for illuminating untold narratives and unexplored histories, as pivotal factors in his selection.
Taking the podium before the eager class of graduates, Hanks conveyed a profound message. He enlightened the audience that each day, every year, and for every cohort that reaches this significant milestone, a choice unfurls before them. This choice, he emphasized, extends beyond the realm of academia and transcends into the realm of adulthood. Hanks elucidated that every adult is confronted with the decision to align themselves within one of three categories of Americans: those who wholeheartedly embrace liberty and freedom for all, those who consciously reject it, or those who embody indifference. With unwavering conviction, Hanks stated, “Only those who fall into the first category actively engage in the labor of constructing a more flawless union, an indivisible nation. The others, in their various ways, obstruct the path of progress.”
In his address, Hanks challenged the graduating class to consider their role in shaping the future of their nation, inspiring them to wholeheartedly embrace the values of unity, freedom, and equality as they embark on their respective journeys beyond the walls of academia.
Furthermore, Hanks stated in his discourse, adorned with references to Superman and various other extraordinary figures, that apathy possesses the power to metamorphose individuals into toiling subjects under oppressive rulers who suppress artistic expression, meaningful conversations, and literary works.
When the thespian graced the university, Harvard bestowed upon him a volleyball bearing the emblem of the institution, evoking memories of his portrayal in the motion picture Cast Away from the year 2000. In a splendid tribute, the university’s dramatic troupe presented a captivating spectacle, spotlighting the actor’s exceptional achievements in the realm of film, preceding his keynote address.
He worked a summer job at the age of 14 selling hot dogs and peanuts.
Hanks toiled at the booths within a baseball stadium, vending frankfurters, carbonated beverages, and peanuts to devoted supporters of the Oakland A’s when he was merely fourteen. To conjure a more vivid depiction, here’s an accompanying snapshot of Hanks during his high school years. Nonetheless, his encounter proved less enjoyable than anticipated. He envisioned it to be akin to a television program, where everyone assists the aspiring young individual, but reality unfolded in an unexpected manner. “In the beginning, I fell victim to theft on two separate occasions. Mental note: Conceal those stacks of money. Refrain from parading around with a conspicuous bundle of cash jutting out from your pocket,” Hanks disclosed.
Furthermore, he lamented the lack of friendliness exhibited by the adult vendors. “I encountered seasoned vendors who harbored animosity towards our youthful presence. I’m a mere 14-year-old lad, and a gentleman, probably in his twilight years, is berating me, ‘Hey, youngster, that sale belonged to me!'”
Hanks personally financed certain scenes from Forrest Gump.
Hanks personally funded a minimum of two scenes in Forrest Gump when the studio declined to allocate additional funds for the budget. One of these scenes is the well-known cross-country run that is discussed in this article.
The filmmaker, Robert Zemeckis, proposed, “You and I shall divide that sum and return it to Paramount. We will reimburse you, but in return, Paramount, you must agree to a slightly greater share of the profits.” Paramount agreed enthusiastically, responding, “Fantastic, excellent. Alright.” Further information about the improvised scene can be found in the accompanying text.
A day called “Tom Hanks Day” exists.
Back in 2004, Tom Hanks Day began as a mere April Fools’ prank. However, it quickly evolved into something far more significant. It transformed into a global charitable occasion actively endorsed by Tom Hanks himself. Every year, major gatherings are held in various locations such as Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Cleveland, Toronto, and South Africa, all in honor of this exceptional day.
Those attending the event are gifted with complimentary raffle tickets, and the fortunate winner receives autographed films, Wilson volleyballs, and posters. Tom Hanks Day serves as a fundraiser for Lifeline Energy, but in 2023, the proceeds will be directed towards Esila, a campaign that advocates for girls’ education in Kenya.
In addition, Tom Hanks holds a passion for typewriters and has an extensive collection of them.
250 typewriters are in Tom Hanks’ collection, and he often travels with at least two of them because “I use them like cuff links!” In the documentary California Typewriter, which he was the star of, he stated, “I try to foster a community of typewriting people.”
Even sending his typewriters to some of his admirers allows him to engage with them and aids some of them in resolving personal problems. I can’t stop gazing at all of this, an admirer confessed. When a gesture is equivalent to a thousand words, I was truly stunned when I saw this man.
He is in favour of meatless Monday.
Tom Hanks and his spouse, Rita Wilson, urge individuals to partake in the Meat Free Monday movement as a tribute to the organization’s 10th anniversary. The campaign, initiated in 2009, seeks to advocate for reduced meat consumption by adopting a plant-centered diet for at least one day each week.
Hanks emphasized the favorable influence on the environment and wildlife. They encouraged non-vegans or vegetarians to attempt abstaining from meat on Mondays as a straightforward and effortless means to make a contribution. “Choosing to forgo meat benefits both the planet and the creatures we coexist with. It’s gratifying to consume less meat for those who aren’t committed vegans or vegetarians. Abstaining from meat on Mondays is genuinely an uncomplicated and manageable endeavor. Let’s embark on this journey together.”
And although Hollywood couples continue to split up and get divorced one by one, Hanks and Rita Wilson have been blissfully wed for 35 years. The actor appears to have some top-secret guidelines for a successful marriage.