A surprise appearance by Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks on “Saturday Night Live” on December 21 sparked health concerns among viewers after noticeable tremors were seen in his hands during a star-studded event.
Hanks, a 68-year-old seasoned actor, was part of a prestigious group that welcomed Martin Short, including fellow five-time hosts Emma Stone, Scarlett Johansson, Tina Fey, Paul Rudd, Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, John Mulaney, and 17-time host Alec Baldwin.
During the opening sequence, Hanks’ visible hand tremors while serving drinks sparked discussions about his health on social media platforms. “Did anyone notice Tom Hanks’ hands shaking unnaturally in this sketch?” one viewer questioned on social media.
Viewers compared this incident to former President Bill Clinton, 78, who has previously attributed his hand tremors to natural aging and not a medical condition.
Hanks, known for his role in “Forrest Gump,” humorously asserted during the sketch that he has “never had Covid,” which contradicts his widely reported battle with the virus in 2020 during the filming of “Elvis” in Australia.
On “The National Defense Radio Show” in 2020, Hanks recounted his Covid-19 encounter saying, “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 further shared a medical professional’s response to his condition: “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 platforms were rife with concern over the noticeable tremors in Hanks’ hands, with viewers voicing their observations. While some expressed worry, others defended the actor, with one fan attributing his age: “Considering he’s almost 70! Yeah, older people’s hands tend to shake a little.”
Footage from the Australian premiere of “Elvis” in June 2022 showed a similar incident where the Hollywood veteran struggled to hold his microphone steady while addressing the audience. The actor, who revealed his Type 2 diabetes diagnosis in 2013, passed the microphone between his hands before eventually using both to stabilize it.
Many fans defended Hanks and suggested his medical condition as a possible cause. One fan pointed out that similar symptoms occur in diabetic family members during periods of low blood sugar.
During his announcement of his diagnosis on “The Late Show With David Letterman,” Hanks shared his doctor’s frank assessment of his prolonged blood sugar issues. Later, in an honest interview with Radio Times, the actor admitted his past poor dietary habits and identified himself as part of a “lazy American generation” now facing health repercussions.
Throughout his career, Hanks has undergone significant physical transformations, including gaining 30 pounds for “A League of Their Own” and losing 55 pounds for “Cast Away.” The actor has suggested that these dramatic weight fluctuations may have influenced his health, particularly the poor nutrition and lack of exercise during periods of weight gain.
In Type 2 diabetes, which Hanks has been diagnosed with, the body struggles to regulate blood glucose. The disease inhibits the proper use of insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. While glucose, derived from food, is the body’s main energy source, diabetes disrupts its efficient distribution to cells. Despite the potential for health complications, proper management can help control potential issues.
Medical experts explain that hand tremors can occur due to various reasons. Mild shaking, or physiologic tremor, is normal and can be intensified by factors like caffeine, stress, or fatigue. However, more noticeable tremors could indicate essential tremor (ET).
ET is a neurological condition that affects about six million US residents and primarily affects hand movements during routine tasks. Although benign, ET usually progresses over time and becomes more common with age, affecting nearly 5% of those over 65 and 20% of individuals above 95.
Hanks disclosed that he noticed significant changes when he was 35 years old.
Health changes can affect anyone at any age or career stage, as illustrated by Tom Hanks’ situation. This underscores the importance of regular health check-ups and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers about any concerning symptoms.
