You’ve seen the videos. Maybe you saw the clip from the Elvis premiere in Australia or that recent Saturday Night Live sketch where he’s holding a cocktail glass next to Martin Short. People are zooming in. They’re looping the footage. Everyone is asking the same thing: What is going on with Tom Hanks shaking hands and that visible tremor?
Honestly, it’s kinda wild how a simple physical gesture can send the internet into a tailspin. We expect our movie legends to be frozen in time, but the reality of aging and health is a lot more complicated than a 4K frame.
The Viral Moment: When a Handshake Becomes a Headline
It really kicked off in June 2022. Tom Hanks was on stage in Gold Coast, Australia, promoting Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis. He was holding a microphone, and fans noticed his hand was shaking quite a bit. He even switched hands to steady himself.
Fast forward to late 2024 and early 2025. Hanks appeared on SNL to help induct Martin Short into the "Five-Timers Club." As he handed a drink to Short, the tremor was back. Social media exploded.
"Did anyone notice Tom Hanks' hands shaking unnaturally?" one user asked on X (formerly Twitter).
Another compared him to Bill Clinton, who has lived with a benign tremor for years. People weren't being mean, mostly; they were just worried. He's America's Dad, after all. When you see Tom Hanks shaking hands or just holding a prop, and there’s a flicker of instability, it feels personal.
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Is It Just Aging or Something Else?
Let's look at the facts. Tom is 68. He’s been very open about his health in the past, specifically his Type 2 diabetes diagnosis back in 2013. He’s even called himself a "total idiot" for how he handled his diet in his younger years.
Diabetes can cause tremors if blood sugar levels get wonky. It’s also possible he has an "essential tremor," which is a common nervous system disorder that causes rhythmic shaking. It isn't Parkinson’s, though the internet loves to jump to that conclusion.
The "Forrest Gump" Connection
Ironically, one of the most famous handshakes in cinema history involves a young Tom Hanks. In Forrest Gump, there’s a scene where Forrest shakes hands with JFK.
- The Movie Magic: Hanks wasn't shaking hands with a real person.
- The Reality: He was shaking hands with thin air in front of a blue screen.
- The Result: Digital wizards at Industrial Light & Magic spliced him into archival footage.
It’s a funny contrast. In 1994, we used technology to make a fake handshake look perfect. In 2026, we use technology to scrutinize a real handshake for any sign of imperfection.
The Etiquette of the Hollywood Handshake
Hanks has always been known as the "nicest guy in Hollywood." That reputation is built on thousands of small interactions. Whether it’s a fan at a diner or a co-star on a red carpet, the Tom Hanks shaking hands experience is legendary.
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He once told a story on Conan about a massive etiquette blunder at Buckingham Palace. Apparently, there are very specific rules about how and when you can touch or shake hands with royalty. Hanks, being the gregarious American he is, almost tripped over those invisible lines.
He’s a "touch" person. He’s warm. So, when that physical warmth is accompanied by a visible shake, it stands out because it contrasts with the steady, confident "Captain Miller" or "Sheriff Woody" persona we have in our heads.
Why We Can't Stop Watching
Humans are hardwired to notice small deviations in behavior. It’s a survival trait. When we see a public figure like Hanks—someone who represents stability—exhibiting a tremor, it triggers a "is he okay?" response.
But here’s the thing. Hanks has recently said he’s in better shape now than he was in his 30s. He’s active. He’s working. He’s still making movies and doing surprise cameos. A shaking hand doesn't necessarily mean a shaking career.
Actually, it might just be the most "human" thing about him. We’ve spent forty years watching him be a hero, but seeing Tom Hanks shaking hands with a bit of a tremor reminds us that even the greats aren't immune to the ticking clock.
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What This Means for Fans
If you're worried, take a breath. There has been no official announcement of a serious illness. Shaking can be caused by:
- Essential Tremor: Common, benign, and often hereditary.
- Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Directly related to his known diabetes.
- Adrenaline: Even veterans get nervous on live TV like SNL.
- Aging: Muscles and nerves just don't stay 25 forever.
Instead of obsessing over the "why," it's probably better to appreciate the "who." Hanks continues to show up. He doesn't hide his hands under the table or stay home to avoid the cameras. He keeps shaking hands, even if they aren't as steady as they used to be.
If you find yourself meeting a celebrity or just an older relative who has a bit of a tremor, the best move is to ignore it. Focus on the conversation. A handshake is a gesture of connection, not a medical exam.
To really understand the impact of Tom's health journey, you can look into his 2020 battle with COVID-19, which he and Rita Wilson faced early on in Australia. It was a massive wake-up call for many about the reality of the virus. Since then, he’s been a vocal advocate for common-sense health practices.
Keep an eye on his upcoming projects rather than his grip strength. He’s still got that "Hanks charm," and frankly, a little shake doesn't change the fact that he's still the best at what he does.
Next Steps to Understand Celebrity Health Trends:
- Research Essential Tremors: Understand the difference between Parkinson's and benign tremors to avoid spreading misinformation.
- Monitor Official Sources: Check Tom Hanks' official social media or verified interviews for direct health updates rather than relying on TikTok "doctors."
- Review Diabetes Management: If you or a loved one are dealing with Type 2 diabetes, look into how blood sugar levels impact motor skills and nerve health.