Tom Hanks Surprises on SNL, Fans Worry After Noticing Shaky Hands
Tom Hanks made a surprise return to Saturday Night Live this weekend, and while his appearance delighted fans, it also raised concerns after many noticed his hands shaking during the show. At 68, Hanks is known for his impressive career and his frequent appearances on SNL, having hosted five times before. This time, he showed up to help induct comedian Martin Short into the show's exclusive "Five-Timers Club."
Hanks was part of a star-studded group of former hosts who gathered to honor Short. Other members of the Five-Timers Club who joined in the celebration included Emma Stone, Scarlett Johansson, Tina Fey, Paul Rudd, Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, John Mulaney, and Alec Baldwin, who holds the record with an astonishing 17 hosting appearances. Together, they gave Short a warm welcome as the latest member of this elite group.
During the cold open sketch, SNL cast member Bowen Yang came out with a tray of cocktails, setting the stage for the comedic induction. Hanks, standing next to Fey, grabbed one of the drinks to offer to Short, joking, “May I offer you our signature cocktail, the Marty Tina.” But as Hanks held the glass, many viewers noticed that his hand appeared visibly shaky. The tremor didn’t go unnoticed, sparking concern among fans watching at home.
On social media, people quickly expressed their worry. One Twitter user commented, "Did anyone notice Tom Hanks’ hands shaking unnaturally in this sketch?" Another person on Threads added, “I also noticed it!!! And now I am concerned.” A third user wrote, “Tom Hanks was just on SNL and he looked ROUGH. His hands have the same shake that Bill Clinton has acquired.” The comparison to former U.S. President Bill Clinton, who has had a hand tremor for years, added to the concern.
While it's impossible to say what exactly caused Hanks' tremor, some pointed to Clinton’s explanation for his own shaking — he has said it's simply a sign of aging. Fans were hoping the same could be true for Hanks, and there’s been no official word from his representatives on the matter.
Despite the tremor, Hanks carried on with the sketch, clearly in good spirits. Later, the group of Five-Timers took turns making over-the-top, false claims about themselves. When it was Hanks' turn, he humorously declared, “I’ve never had Covid.” This was a nod to his very real experience with the virus in 2020, when both he and his wife, Rita Wilson, tested positive while Hanks was filming Elvis in Australia.
At the time, Hanks was hospitalized with Covid, experiencing severe body aches and extreme fatigue. He later shared that after just a few minutes of basic exercise, he was completely exhausted. "I was wiped," he said, recalling the moment a nurse informed him that he had contracted the virus. "She looked at me like I was the dumbest human being and said, 'You have Covid-19.'"
While Hanks’ hand tremors left some wondering if there might be an underlying health issue, his appearance on SNL was filled with laughter and joy. His return to the show was a reminder of his lasting connection with the cast and his undeniable charm, as he continues to make fans smile decades into his career.
Though the tremors are certainly something to keep an eye on, there’s no denying that Tom Hanks’ appearance on SNL brought the holiday cheer, and fans are hoping that whatever caused the tremor is nothing serious. For now, it was a heartwarming moment that celebrated the magic of live TV and the enduring legacy of a Hollywood legend.