Concerns Arise for Tom Hanks as Fans Spot Trembling Hands on SNL Appearance

Tom Hanks’ recent appearance on Saturday Night Live (SNL) has sparked fresh concerns about the legendary actor’s health. The 68-year-old Hollywood icon joined host Martin Short and a star-studded lineup of guest appearances, including Scarlett Johansson, Paul Rudd, and John Mulaney, for a memorable episode.

Fans Notice Unsteady Hands

During the recurring Five-Timers Club sketch, fans couldn’t help but notice Hanks’ trembling hands, a detail that quickly became a talking point on social media. One viewer commented under SNL’s Instagram promo, asking, “Is Tom Hanks’ hand shaking?”

Another fan, Lara, echoed the sentiment: “I noticed that too! Now I’m worried.” The conversation deepened as others chimed in. One observer recalled noticing the same issue during Hanks’ appearance on The Graham Norton Show months earlier.

While some fans attributed the shaking to age-related tremors, others raised alarms about potential underlying health concerns. “He’s nearly 70; it’s natural for hands to shake a bit at that age,” one user reasoned.

A History of Health Speculation

This isn’t the first time fans have raised concerns about Hanks’ health. Back in June 2022, a similar incident occurred during the promotion of Baz Luhrmann’s film Elvis, in Australia. Hanks was seen gripping a microphone tightly, his right hand visibly shaking. He attempted to steady it by holding the mic with his left hand or switching hands intermittently.

At the time, Dr. Stuart Fischer, a Yale-trained physician with decades of experience, suggested that Hanks’ tremors might signal early Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative neurological condition.

“Parkinson’s is often at the top of a doctor’s concerns when we see hand tremors,” Dr. Fischer explained. “While it could be something as benign as essential tremor, it’s less likely given Hanks’ age.”

What Else Could Be Causing the Tremors?

Dr. Fischer ruled out connections between Hanks’ tremors and his well-documented Type 2 diabetes. “There’s no direct link between this kind of tremor and diabetes,” he stated.

However, another possibility could be essential tremor, a condition more common in younger adults but one that can worsen with anxiety or stress. Still, the doctor emphasized the need for medical evaluation to determine the cause definitively. “Whether it’s Parkinson’s or something else, these signs shouldn’t be ignored,” he advised.

Dr. Robert H. Eckel, a leading figure in the American Diabetes Association, also weighed in, stating that low blood sugar could potentially cause tremors in individuals treated with insulin or sulfonylureas. However, this explanation is less likely in Hanks’ case.

“Anyone experiencing tremors should consult their healthcare provider for a thorough examination,” Eckel added.

A Polarizing Project Amid Health Concerns

Adding to the conversation, Hanks has faced backlash over his role in the upcoming film Here, directed by Robert Zemeckis. The project uses AI-driven de-ageing technology to portray Hanks and Robin Wright at various ages throughout the story. The film, set for release on October 25, has been criticized by some as a promotion of artificial intelligence in the film industry.

Lisa Kudrow, the beloved actress from Friends, voiced her concerns on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast. “This feels like an endorsement of AI,” she said, questioning the future of human actors in light of such technologies.

“What’s left for actors? Especially newcomers? Are we heading to a world where they just license and recycle performances?” Kudrow argued passionately.

The timing of this debate is particularly poignant, following last year’s SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, which included demands for better regulation of emerging technologies like AI in entertainment.

Amid these health concerns and career controversies, Tom Hanks was spotted in New York City on December 16, looking cheerful while accompanying Martin Short. Fans are undoubtedly rooting for the beloved actor’s well-being as he continues to grace screens with his signature charm and talent.

While speculation about Hanks’ health persists, one thing is clear: the world remains captivated by this enduring star. Here’s hoping for positive updates from the actor and his team.