This weekend's Saturday Night Live show was brimming with star power as the audience watched Tom Hanks, Paul Rudd, Emma Stone, Scarlett Johansson, and others grace the stage to welcome the newest member of the "five-timers club." While the fun-filled segment showcased Hollywood’s best, fans couldn’t help but notice Hanks' trembling hands, raising concerns about the 68-year-old actor's health.
The show opened with Hanks introducing Martin Short as the latest inductee to the notable club. "Hello, I’m Tom Hanks. [...] just to avoid writing a monologue," Hanks joked, reflecting on his earlier involvement with the SNL institution.
Although the segment was celebratory, social media erupted with fans alarmed by Hanks' visible shaking. Comments such as, "Is Tom Hanks' hand shaking?" and "I also noticed it!!! And now I am concerned," filled platforms like Twitter almost immediately after the episode aired.
One user offered some perspective, defending Hanks by saying, "Considering he's almost 70! Yeah, older people's hands tend to shake a little." Worry about Hanks' health is not new. Similar concerns surfaced during the 2022 Australian premiere of his film Elvis, where he was also seen shaking.
Addressing the scrutiny, Hanks previously remarked on his lifestyle changes as he approaches 70. "I’m 68 years old. The hardest for us was when we were playing 35," he said during a November promotion for the film Here. He expressed relief at having grown children, which allows him more time for healthy living than during the hectic years of parenting young kids.
Hanks humorously noted, "That time where your metabolism stops, gravity starts tearing you down, your bones start wearing off, you stand differently. I think I’m in a good shape now." His remarks lend insight to his optimism about aging and maintaining his health.
Last month, discussing his portrayal through different decades in Here, he said, "It’s good to look young again. It’s not great to be young again." Hanks prefers the wisdom and experience of his current age over the physicality of youth.
Despite his health issues—Hanks is candid about his battle with type 2 diabetes—he maintains a positive outlook. During his conversation with David Letterman, he revealed how he learned about his diagnosis. "You know those high blood sugar numbers you’ve been dealing with since you were 36? Well, you’ve graduated! You’ve got type 2 diabetes, young man," he recalled. He has admitted to poor habits, stating, "I was heavy. You’ve seen me in movies; you know what I looked like. I was a total idiot."
Last week, the spotlight shifted slightly as news broke about Hanks's upcoming projects. Apple TV+ announced the premiere date of its highly anticipated limited series Masters of the Air, set to debut on January 26, 2024. The series, produced by the same team behind Band of Brothers and The Pacific, promises to offer compelling narratives from the World War II air campaign.
Based on the book by Donald L. Miller, Masters of the Air will follow the men of the 100th Bomb Group—the “Bloody Hundredth”—as they face extreme conditions and the psychological toll of their missions over Nazi Germany.
With Oscar nominees Austin Butler and Barry Keoghan leading the cast, viewers are eager to see how this new adaptation will reflect the harrowing experiences of those who flew at the height of danger. This project not only highlights Hanks' continued dedication to impactful storytelling but also reassures fans of his active involvement in significant cinematic works.
Although health discussions persist, Hanks remains committed to engaging with audiences and sharing his experiences, both personal and professional. Through various roles, candid reflections, and upcoming projects, he continues to be both relatable and inspiring.
At the age of 68, Hanks navigates the challenges of fame, health, and aging with grace and humor, reminding audiences of the importance of finding joy and fulfillment at every stage of life.