Tom Hanks' Sister Provides Update As The Actor Battles Coronavirus
Many fans expressed concern when on March 11, 2020, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson announced their positive coronavirus diagnoses amid their trip to Australia. "We felt a bit tired like we had colds, and some body aches," Hanks shared on Instagram. "Rita had some chills that came and went. Slight fevers too. To play things right, as is needed in the world right now, we were tested for the Coronavirus, and were found to be positive."
After being quarantined in an Australian hospital, Hanks and Wilson were released on March 16, 2020, with orders to self-isolate at home, their rep confirmed with People. The Cast Away star sent an update after his release, writing, "Good News: One week after testing Positive, in self-isolation, the symptoms are much the same. No fever but the blahs. Folding the laundry and doing the dishes leads to a nap on the couch."
As for the latest update? Tom Hanks' sister, Sandra Hanks Benoiton, has an important message for her brother's adoring fans.
Tom Hanks' sister: My brother is "not a god"
Sandra Hanks Benoiton — who moved to Italy in 2016 — opened up to the Daily Mail on March 18, 2020, about her brother's health status. "I have communicated with my brother," she shared. "He's not great, but still okay." When asked if she's surprised by Tom Hanks' diagnosis, she quipped, "[Am I] shocked? No. He's an actor, not a god [but] medical care in Australia is good." Fair point.
Considering Benoiton lives in Italy, which is on lockdown until April 3, 2020, it's fair to wonder how she's doing amid this pandemic. "We're okay here... staying home is fine with us, and this community is wonderful," Hanks' older sibling shared. "I'm lucky to be here, the spirit of the people is amazing! The US and the UK are failing miserably, however."
We hope Benoiton continues to remain safe, as Italy has over 40,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of this writing, per Al Jazeera.
What does Chet Hanks have to say?
Tom Hanks has four kids, including 29-year-old Chet Hanks. Chet — an aspiring rapper — is a bit of a character, to say the least, a sentiment he showed off when sharing a video message sans shirt to confirm that his 'rents are "not trippin" despite having the virus. Thank you for your service, Chet.
Tom's unofficial spokesperson has since shared additional updates on Instagram (The Washington Post), stating in a video shared March 18, 2020, "They're still self quarantined obviously, but they're feeling a lot better, so that's a relief. My prayers go out to you because a lot of people are suffering other than my parents right now." He added in reference to shoppers hoarding supplies, "I think the most important thing is we just stay calm because panicking really isn't necessary, and it's just making things more difficult than they need to be. If you went to the grocery store and hoarded all the water and toilet paper for yourself I think you're the problem... I think if we all just be a little less selfish and a little more selfless we're gonna be completely fine."
Who would have guessed Chet Hanks would be the one to dispense these words of wisdom?
Director reveals status of Tom Hanks' movie
When Tom Hanks was diagnosed with coronavirus, he was filming the biopic, Elvis. Hanks was set to play Elvis Presley's longtime manager Colonel Tom Parker, while Vanessa Hudgens' ex-boyfriend, Austin Butler, snagged the role of "The King." Now it looks like the film is on hold until further notice, as the director, Baz Luhrmann, confirmed via Twitter on March 19, 2020. "I'm sure it will come as no surprise that this is not the moment to be resuming production on the film," Luhrmann stated. "Please know this is in no way a reflection on our commitment to make this movie here in Queensland. In fact, we are not even taking our sets down, simply locking up the creative space over the next few days." He added, "We all agree that right now, this is the right time for people all over the world, from all walks of life, to be at home, indoors, with their loved ones (washing our hands five times a day)."
Warner Bros. also released a statement to Deadline, sharing, "The health and safety of our company members is always our top priority, and we are taking precautions to protect everyone who works on our productions around the world."
Movie stuff aside, we wish Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson well as they recover from the coronavirus.