
TOM HANKS
LOVE BEING GREEK
Citing “exceptional services to Greece” authorities in Athens announced they had decided to not only grant the 63-year-old actor Greek citizenship but extend the offer to his wife and their two sons, Chester and Truman. By way of explanation, they emphasized the help all four had given in assisting the victims of the devastating wildfire that struck the resort town of Mati outside Athens in July 2018.
The blaze left 103 dead and dozens horribly burnt. “The Hanks family gave a signal all over the world for immediate relief actions to help our fire-stricken fellow citizens” said the order. It is worth noting that under Greek law honorary naturalisation can be bestowed on those “who have provided exceptional services to the country or whose naturalisation serves the public interest”. Hanks, by his own admission, is an ardent admirer of all things Hellenic.
The star has been visiting the country for years, spending nearly every summer on the Aegean island of Antiparos, where he has a home. Wilson, whose mother is Greek, is believed to have played a crucial role in his decision to co-produce the romantic comedy My Big Fat Greek Wedding with her. Waxing lyrical about Greece after receiving the 2020 Cecil B DeMille lifetime achievement award at the annual Golden Globes earlier this month, Hanks said: