While Tom Hanks is best known for his iconic roles in Forrest Gump, Cast Away, and Saving Private Ryan, few know about his deep obsession with manual typewriters. Over the past decades, Hanks has collected more than 250 typewriters from around the world, often traveling with one during film shoots. His fascination started in the 1970s, and it hasn’t faded. He’s even written a collection of short stories—Uncommon Type—inspired by these vintage machines.
Hanks believes there’s something therapeutic and creatively grounding about the sound and rhythm of typing on a real machine. In interviews, he’s shared how typing helps him slow down and be present, a stark contrast to the fast-paced digital world. He even developed a mobile app called Hanx Writer that mimics the tactile experience of typing on a classic typewriter, which unexpectedly became a top download on iTunes.
What sets this hobby apart is not just its rarity among celebrities, but Hanks’ genuine passion and consistency. His typewriter collection isn’t for show—he uses them to write letters, scripts, and journal entries. It’s a surprising reminder that even amid Hollywood’s glitz, some stars find joy in the analog simplicity of the past.
