Tom Hanks, known for his roles in Forrest Gump and Saving Private Ryan, has a surprising link to Abraham Lincoln. Hanks is a distant relative of the 16th President of the United States, a fact confirmed through genealogical research.
Hanks’ connection comes from Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, who is believed to be Tom Hanks’ great-great-great-great-grandmother’s sister. This makes Hanks a third cousin, four times removed from Lincoln.
The actor first learned of this family tie when narrating the 2012 documentary Killing Lincoln. He later acknowledged the connection in interviews, expressing fascination with his distant presidential relative.
Though Hanks has never portrayed Lincoln, his deep interest in American history is evident in his roles, from Apollo 13 to Bridge of Spies. His unexpected lineage adds another layer to his well-known passion for historical storytelling.
Tom Hanks, known for his roles in Forrest Gump and Saving Private Ryan, has a surprising link to Abraham Lincoln. Hanks is a distant relative of the 16th President of the United States, a fact confirmed through genealogical research.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/LElp8oleUt
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