Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Why Did Tom Hanks Give A Stranger A Typewriter? The Answer Is One Heartwarming Click Away
Tom Hanks and typewriters have had a long, beautiful relationship. He has affectionately written about them for the Paper of Record, in a wonderful piece called I Am TOM. I Like to TYPE. Hear That? He has been successfully bribed with them. He even created a Hanx Writer app. And just last week the Hankster took his Smith-Corona to London. Oh the things they've seen.
And now, Tom Hanks has gifted someone else with a typewriter, because he is a genuinely good soul who wants to share the things he loves. Just ask Obama. Yesterday, as Hanks was receiving his Medal of Freedom from the President, Denise Esposito opened a package delivered to her home in Italy and found a gift from the actor. She posted a photo on Reddit showing the charcoal Royal typewriter next to a note that read: "For your lovely book of sketches of -- all -- those MOVIES... Here is a typewriter to do with whatever you need... Make more art! And many thanks. Tom Hanks."
Esposito tells us that she met Hanks at the Rome Film Festival in October, where she managed to present his publicist with a sketchbook she put together depicting him in his movies (and the TV show Bosom Buddies!). "I managed to give my gift to him in person... He's my favorite actor, and I wanted to make a special present for him so I worked hard on all those drawings for 3 weeks and kept my fingers crossed," Esposito told LAist. "I was like 'Okay, at least I'm sure he'll receive it.' And a few minutes later a guy called me saying that Tom Hanks just saw my sketchbook and wanted to meet me! I couldn't believe it and nearly started to cry." Hanks told her, "I will send you a typewriter! I've got many and I'd love for you to have one."
The drawings are impressive, so it's not surprising Hanks was moved by them—click through for a look. Esposito has also shared the below video showing the sketchbook, and the moment she met Hanks:
Support for LAist comes from
SEE, everything is going to be okay, because good people still exist in the world. Thanks Hanks.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The critical findings are part of long-awaited after-action report was released Thursday. It contains recommendations for increasing emergency staffing and updating old systems. -
Diving has changed, mountain biking has been added. Here's where to watch the Olympics in person in 2028. -
'A Great Day in the Stoke' is a free, daylong event in Orange County billed as 'the largest gathering of Black surfers in history.' The fourth annual festival is set for Saturday in Huntington Beach. -
Kimmel returned less than a week after ABC suspended his show over comments he made about the assassination of right wing activist Charlie Kirk. -
Southern California might see some light rain tonight into Wednesday morning. After that, cooler weather is on the way, but expect the humidity to remain. -
A gate tax at Disney? It's a possibility.
Best of LAist