Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks made an unexpected appearance on “Saturday Night Live” on December 21, leading to public concern after viewers observed noticeable tremors in his hands. The 68-year-old actor joined fellow five-time hosts Emma Stone, Scarlett Johansson, Tina Fey, Paul Rudd, Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, John Mulaney, and Alec Baldwin, plus 17-time host Martin Short, for a special celebration.
Hanks’ visible hand tremors were apparent during the opening scene, as he served drinks, sparking conversation about his health on various social media platforms. “Did anyone notice Tom Hanks’ hands shaking unnaturally in this sketch?” one person questioned on social media.
Viewers compared the actor’s situation to former President Bill Clinton, who has previously stated that his hand tremors are a natural part of aging rather than a symptom of a medical condition.
Hanks, known for his role in “Forrest Gump,” made light of his previous health struggles during the sketch, joking that he’s “never had Covid” – a pointed contrast to his publicized bout with the virus in 2020 while filming “Elvis” in Australia.
During a 2020 interview on “The National Defense Radio Show,” Hanks discussed his COVID-19 experience: “I just had the weirdest thing. I just tried to do basic stretches and exercises on the floor, and I couldn’t even get halfway through.”
He shared the straightforward reaction of a medical professional: “And she looked at me through her glasses like she was talking to the dumbest human being. And she said, ‘You have Covid-19.'”
Social media users expressed their concern over Hanks’ visible tremors, with some attributing it to his age: “Considering he’s almost 70! Yeah, older people’s hands tend to shake a little.”
A similar situation occurred at the Australian premiere of “Elvis,” in June 2022, where Hanks appeared to have difficulty maintaining a steady grip on the microphone. Hanks, who revealed his Type 2 diabetes diagnosis in 2013, swapped the microphone between hands before finally using both to steady it.
Many fans defended the actor, suggesting his medical condition could be the cause. One supporter noted that similar symptoms had been observed in family members with diabetes during periods of low blood sugar.
Hanks revealed his doctor’s blunt assessment of his long-term blood sugar problems during an appearance on “The Late Show With David Letterman.” In an interview with Radio Times, he reflected on his pre-diagnosis lifestyle, acknowledging his poor dietary choices and describing himself as part of a “lazy American generation” now facing health repercussions.
Hanks has undergone dramatic weight fluctuations for his career, gaining 30 pounds for “A League of Their Own” and losing 55 pounds for “Cast Away.” He believes these drastic changes may have influenced his health, particularly the periods of unhealthy eating and lack of exercise.
Type 2 diabetes, the condition Hanks was diagnosed with, occurs when the body is unable to effectively manage blood glucose. This leads to high blood sugar levels as the body can’t properly use insulin. While glucose, derived from food consumption, is a crucial energy source, diabetes interferes with its distribution to cells. Proper management of the condition can help prevent potential complications.
Health experts point out that hand tremors can have various causes. Mild shaking, or physiologic tremor, is normal and can be exacerbated by factors such as caffeine, stress, or fatigue. More pronounced tremors could indicate essential tremor (ET).
Affecting roughly six million Americans, ET predominantly impacts hand movements during everyday tasks. Although benign, this neurological condition generally worsens over time and is more common in older individuals, impacting nearly 5% of those over 65 and 20% of individuals above 95.
Hanks has stated that he noticed significant changes in his health when he was 35 years old.
Health changes can occur at any age or stage of a person’s career, emphasizing the importance of regular health checks and open communication with healthcare professionals about any concerning symptoms.
