Ever wonder why some celebrity interviews feel like a forced corporate merger while others feel like two guys grabbed a beer and forgot the cameras were rolling? That is basically the vibe whenever Tom Hanks walks onto the set of Jimmy Kimmel Live! It isn't just about promoting a movie. Honestly, it’s about a decades-long rhythm that has turned standard late-night television into something much more interesting—and occasionally, much more chaotic.
Hanks is often called "America’s Dad," a title he seems to wear with a mix of grace and "get off my lawn" energy. Kimmel, on the other hand, has built a career on being the relatable everyman who isn't afraid to poke the bear. When these two collide, you get moments that range from high-concept comedy sketches to surprisingly raw emotional vulnerability.
The Time Tom Hanks Became America's Most Wanted (On Camera)
One of the most searched-for moments involving Tom Hanks and Jimmy Kimmel didn't even take place in a studio. It happened on the streets of Hollywood. If you haven't seen the "Hanks is a Thief" bit, you've missed one of the best examples of why this duo works.
Kimmel essentially goaded Hanks into "stealing" a cardboard standee of himself from a local souvenir shop. Seeing a multi-Oscar winner sprinting down Hollywood Boulevard with a life-sized cutout of his own face is exactly the kind of absurdity Kimmel excels at. It works because Hanks is a "good sport," but more importantly, he’s a fantastic improviser. He didn't just carry the standee; he treated it like a kidnapped hostage.
The chemistry here isn't accidental. It’s built on a foundation of mutual respect that goes back to the early 2000s. While some guests treat late-night as a chore, Hanks treats it like a playground.
When Things Got Serious: The 2025 Suspension Crisis
It hasn't all been bits and stolen cardboard. Very recently, the relationship between these two took a much more public, serious turn. In late 2025, Jimmy Kimmel found himself in the crosshairs of a massive political firestorm. After making some pointed comments regarding the fallout of the Charlie Kirk assassination and the MAGA movement's reaction, ABC (under pressure from the FCC and various affiliates) pulled his show off the air.
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It was a "dark moment" for late-night TV. Disney suspended the show indefinitely, and for a minute there, people weren't sure if Kimmel was coming back at all.
This is where the "Hanks factor" kicked in.
Tom Hanks wasn't just a casual observer. He was one of the lead signatories on an open letter organized by the ACLU, joining forces with Meryl Streep and Jennifer Aniston to demand Kimmel’s reinstatement. This wasn't just celebrity posturing. For Hanks, it was a defense of free speech and the specific platform Kimmel had built.
- The Letter: Over 400 stars signed it.
- The Impact: It put immense pressure on Disney to reverse the "indefinite" suspension.
- The Result: Kimmel returned to the air in late September 2025.
When Kimmel finally did return for his "Brooklyn Week" in October 2025, who was one of the first people he called? Tom Hanks. That appearance at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) wasn't just a promo for Hanks' new projects; it was a victory lap for a friendship that survived a corporate lockout.
The "Sully" Surprise and the Art of the Story
If you want to understand why people keep Googling Tom Hanks and Jimmy Kimmel, look at the 2016 Sully interview. Most hosts would just ask, "What was it like working with Clint Eastwood?" Kimmel instead arranged for the real Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger to walk out and "critique" Hanks' performance.
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Hanks’ reaction was priceless. He went from being the "star" to being a starstruck fan in roughly three seconds. They ended up doing a parody biopic where Sully played Hanks in scenes from Forrest Gump and Cast Away.
It’s meta. It’s weird. It’s why the clips have millions of views.
Hanks has this specific way of storytelling—long, winding anecdotes that always have a punchline—that fits Kimmel’s "sidekick" hosting style perfectly. Whether he's talking about his son Colin’s documentary on John Candy or the time he met Joe DiMaggio and acted like a total weirdo, Hanks knows how to feed Kimmel the right lines.
What Most People Get Wrong About Their Relationship
A lot of people think these guys are best friends who vacation together every summer in Idaho. While they are close, it’s more of a professional brotherhood. They share a specific "Old Hollywood meets New Media" sensibility.
Hanks is a student of history. Kimmel is a student of comedy.
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In a 2021 appearance, Hanks opened up about the passing of his Bosom Buddies co-star Peter Scolari. It was one of the few times the "America's Dad" mask slipped, and he showed real, raw grief. Kimmel didn't try to crack a joke or move to a commercial. He just sat there and let his friend talk. That kind of trust is rare in an industry that usually prioritizes "viral moments" over actual human connection.
Current and Upcoming Collaborations
As we move through 2026, the duo's paths are crossing more than ever. Hanks is currently gearing up for a busy year:
- Toy Story 5: Woody is back (June 2026), and you can bet the first major late-night stop will be Kimmel's couch.
- Greyhound 2: Production for the sequel to the Apple TV+ hit began in January 2026, with Hanks once again writing the screenplay.
- This World of Tomorrow: His foray into theater has been a frequent topic of discussion on the show.
Why This Connection Matters for Fans
In a world where everything feels scripted and "AI-generated" (even the celebrity apologies), the interactions between Tom Hanks and Jimmy Kimmel feel authentic. They represent a bridge between the classic era of the Tonight Show and the modern, fractured world of streaming and social media.
They aren't just selling you a movie. They’re inviting you into a conversation that has been going on for twenty years.
Actionable Insights for the Super-Fan
If you’re looking to dive deeper into the Hanks/Kimmel archives, don't just stick to the recent clips. Here is how to get the full experience:
- Watch the "Kid Theater" Segments: These are often overlooked but show Hanks’ incredible range as he performs scripts written by actual elementary schoolers.
- Follow the "Brooklyn Week" Arc: If you want to see the "post-suspension" energy, watch the episodes from October 2025. The vibe is noticeably different—more defiant and energized.
- Look for the Playtone Connection: Many of the projects Hanks discusses are produced by his company, Playtone. Understanding his role as a producer gives context to why he chooses certain stories to tell on Kimmel's stage.
The next time you see a notification that Tom Hanks is guesting on Kimmel, don't skip it. It’s likely the closest we’ll get to seeing the real person behind the movie star icon. Whether they are stealing cardboard or defending the First Amendment, it’s always a masterclass in how to stay relevant in an ever-changing Hollywood landscape.