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Tom Hanks
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Sometimes art really does imitate life. This week, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood star Tom Hanks found out that he’s actually related to the subject of the biopic, Fred Rogers. At the film’s New York premiere on Sunday, an Access Hollywood reporter presented Hanks with a copy of his family tree (courtesy of Ancestry.com), which shows that he and Rogers are sixth cousins through a 5-time great-grandfather born in the 18th century. While the Beautiful Day star kept his cool, his wife, Rita Wilson, full-on freaked out. “This is crazy!” said Wilson. “Can we keep this?”
In a video that has since gone viral, an Access reporter shared some important news with the famous couple. “I want to break some news to you tonight. Our friends at Ancestry did some digging. You are related to Fred Rogers,” she said. “No, impossible,” replied Wilson. “You’re pulling our leg.”
The reporter then brought up Hanks’ Ancestry.com profile, which shows that he and Rogers are sixth cousins through their great-great-great-great-great grandfather Johannes Meffert, born in 1732. Wilson seemed to recognize the name, saying, “Look, a Mefford!” According to the family tree, Meffert’s last name was later changed to “Mefford,” likely when he immigrated to the United States in the 18th century (many last names were changed upon arrival at Ellis Island).
“Listen, it all just comes together, you see,” replied Hanks, remaining calm in the face of Wilson’s excitement (she insisted that “this is crazy” and asked the reporter if they could keep the Ancestry printout). “I would like to see if Johnny Depp is related to Fred Rogers. Can you find out from Ancestry.com?” added the actor.
In A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Hanks stars as Fred Rogers, known as “Mister Rogers” on the iconic children’s television show. The role has already earned Hanks early Oscars buzz — maybe the family connection will earn him his first nomination since Cast Away in 2001?
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood premieres in theaters this Friday, November 22. Watch Tom Hanks discover his real-life connection to Fred Rogers in the clip above.
