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Modern Wisdom

Tom Hanks Gushing About His Grandkids Every Chance He Gets

Guest: Tom HanksMarch 6, 2026
Tom Hanks Gushing About His Grandkids Every Chance He Gets

Episode Summary

AI-generated · Apr 2026

AI-generated summary — may contain inaccuracies. Not a substitute for the full episode or professional advice.

In this lighthearted and intimate interview, legendary actor Tom Hanks offers a rare glimpse into his personal life, moving beyond his iconic film roles to share anecdotes about his family. The episode delves into his relationship with his actor son, Colin Hanks, his enduring marriage to Rita Wilson, and his humorous yet heartfelt experiences as a grandfather. Hanks's candid stories reveal a man who, despite global fame, is deeply rooted in family, marked by pride, affection, and a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor.

👤 Who Should Listen

  • Fans of Tom Hanks interested in personal stories and insights into his family life.
  • Individuals curious about the private lives and family dynamics of celebrities.
  • Grandparents or expecting grandparents looking for humorous and relatable accounts of the role.
  • Couples interested in hearing perspectives on maintaining a long-term, successful marriage.
  • Anyone seeking a lighthearted and entertaining celebrity interview.
  • Parents of adult children navigating their independent careers and life choices.

🔑 Key Takeaways

  1. 1.Tom Hanks expresses immense pride in his 26-year-old actor son, Colin Hanks, calling him "the greatest thing that ever happened to me" (01:31) and noting his work on "The OC."
  2. 2.Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, have been married for 25 years (05:03), with Hanks humorously stating that the only thing they argue about is "who loves each other more" (05:07).
  3. 3.As a grandfather, Tom Hanks recounts that his granddaughter, who is just under four months old, "screams in abject terror" (03:07) at his "loud male presence" (03:07).
  4. 4.He shares a memorable skydiving experience with his son, Colin, where he felt intensely ill after consuming a "huge breakfast burrito" (09:59) beforehand.
  5. 5.Hanks holds a strong personal tradition that the Christmas season doesn't officially begin until one has watched "Merry Christmas Charlie Brown" (06:33).
  6. 6.The Hanks family's holiday vacations consistently take them to Greece because Rita Wilson's family originates from there (07:34).

⚡ Actionable Takeaways

  • Celebrate significant anniversaries, like 25 years of marriage, with a large planned party, even if it requires postponing to accommodate busy schedules (05:20).
  • Consider adopting Tom Hanks' tradition of officially starting the Christmas season by watching "Merry Christmas Charlie Brown" (06:33).
  • Embrace family heritage by traveling to ancestral homes for vacations, as Tom Hanks does by visiting Greece with Rita Wilson (07:34).
  • If engaging in extreme sports like skydiving, avoid consuming a "huge breakfast burrito" or any heavy meal beforehand to prevent discomfort (09:59, 10:11).
  • When interacting with very young children, be mindful of your volume and demeanor, as a "loud male presence" can be overwhelming, potentially leading to a reaction of "abject terror" in an infant (03:07).

⏱ Timeline Breakdown

00:09Tom Hanks discusses his 26-year-old actor son, Colin Hanks, and his work on "The OC."
01:00Tom expresses immense pride in Colin, calling him "the greatest thing that ever happened to me."
02:03The conversation shifts to Tom Hanks' marriage to Rita Wilson, noting they would be married 16 years by the end of April.
03:03Tom humorously details his experience as a grandfather, describing his four-month-old granddaughter's terrified reaction to him.
05:03The hosts congratulate Tom and Rita on 25 years of marriage, with Tom sharing they only argue about "who loves each other more."
06:33Tom Hanks reveals his tradition that the Christmas season officially begins only after watching "Merry Christmas Charlie Brown."
07:34Tom explains his family's tradition of vacationing in Greece due to Rita Wilson's heritage.
08:14Tom shows a video of himself jumping off a yacht for his 63rd birthday.
09:12He recounts his son Colin's daredevil nature, including a skydiving trip they took together.

💬 Notable Quotes

"He's my son, Colin. He's a good man. He's a good man." (01:00)
"She screams in abject terror." (03:07)
"The season did not begin until you watched Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown." (06:33)
"You know, I'm not... one to suck up to the audience, but the only thing we argue about is who loves each other more." (05:07)

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