Tom Hanks has sparked fresh health concerns among fans following his appearance on Saturday Night Live over the weekend. The Academy Award-winning actor, 68, appeared on the show to support host Martin Short alongside stars Scarlett Johansson, Tina Fey, Paul Rudd, Alec Baldwin, Kristen Wiig and John Mulaney. But soon after coming out during the show’s Five-Timers Club segment, fans were quick to spot the “Forrest Gump” actor’s shaking hands.
Viewers rushed to social media to raise concerns about Hanks’ health, with one fan writing, “Is Tom Hanks’ hand shaking?” Another added, “I also noticed it!!! And now I am concerned,” as another chimed, “Is Tom Hanks ok?” “He was on ‘The Graham Norton Show’ a little bit ago and I noticed it there too,” another fan wrote, highlighting the growing anxiety surrounding the actor’s well-being. While some fans were understandably worried, others rushed to Hanks’ defense, writing, “Considering he’s almost 70! Yeah older people’s hands tend to shake a little.”
The Post has reached out to Hanks’ representatives for comment, but this isn’t the first time the actor’s trembling hands have sparked concern on social media. Back in June 2022, footage from the Australian premiere of “Elvis” showed Hanks struggling to maintain control of the microphone as his hands trembled. At the time, his body language ignited similar worries, prompting discussions about his health. The sight of Hanks’ shaking hands as he attempted to address the audience only fueled speculation.
Fans flocked to social media to shut down worries over the actor’s health during previous incidents. “He’s still one of the best actors left... his health is his business,” one fan wrote on X, defending him against scrutiny. Another fan suggested the unsteady hands could result from his diabetes, writing, “He’s diabetic. This happens to my mom when she gets low blood sugar.” Hanks disclosed his Type 2 diabetes diagnosis during an interview on the Late Show With David Letterman back in 2013. He recounted the moment he learned he had the condition, saying, “I went to the doctor and he said, ‘You know those high blood sugar numbers you’ve been dealing with since you were 36? Well, you graduated! You’ve got Type 2 diabetes, young man.’”
During the Saturday Night Live cold open, the sight of his tremors didn’t go unnoticed. Viewers commented on social media, expressing concern not only for him but about the broader implications for his health and the changes associated with aging. One comment read, “Did anyone notice Tom Hanks’ hands shaking unnaturally?” Echoing these sentiments, another wrote, “I also noticed it!!! And now I am concerned.” Even as fans offered their insights, some pointed out the natural aging process. One concerned viewer reassured others, “Considering he's almost 70! Yeah older people's hands tend to shake a little.”
The speculations surrounding Hanks’ health brought medical experts’ opinions to light. Dr. Stuart Fischer, who was approached by DailyMail.com, stated, “This trembling hand can be an early sign of the disease. One would think he would be on the path to a neurologist’s office now if not already.” His statement emphasized concerns over degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, adding to the public dialogue about Hanks’ condition. Meanwhile, Robert H. Eckel, of the American Diabetes Association, clarified, “Generally, people with diabetes could shake if their blood sugar gets too low.” He reiterated, “There are many potential reasons someone may experience shaky hands. Whether you have diabetes or not, if you experience changes, you should work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the cause.”
Interestingly, Hanks himself has previously mentioned being lackadaisical about his health leading up to his diabetes diagnosis. He admitted, “I was heavy. You’ve seen me in movies, you know what I looked like. I was a total idiot. I thought I could avoid it by removing the buns from my cheeseburgers.” Given his thunderous career and public persona, fans feel understandably protective and concerned for the man many have admired for decades.
Hanks’ recent appearance on SNL, alongside other fan-favorite actors, served as a nostalgic reminder for many viewers of his extensive body of work, from “Splash” to “Forrest Gump.” While the trembling hands caused alarm, they also sparked dialogue about aging and its effects on health. For some online, the discussion quickly shifted from care and concern to critique, as the internet's dual nature allowed for complaints about the actors' personal and political choices to surface.
The dialogue surrounding Tom Hanks’ appearance on SNL demonstrates the fine line between concern for celebrity health and the often harsh scrutiny they face. While health alarms are sparked by visible signs such as trembling hands, underlying issues remain private, leaving fans grappling with their emotions. Regardless, the beloved actor continues to navigate through his storied career, leaving audiences eager to see what his next move will be amid mounting concerns for his health.
