Tom Hanks donates typewriter to bullied 8-year-old boy named Corona
‘You’ve got a friend in me,’ Hanks wrote in heartwarming correspondence
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An Australian boy named Corona has received a personalised letter and gift from Tom Hanks, after writing to the star about being bullied because of his name.
Eight-year-old Corona De Vries, who lives on Australia’s Gold Coast, wrote to Hanks on 6 April, shortly after the Oscar-winning actor was diagnosed with coronavirus, along with his wife, Rita Wilson.
In the letter, which was seen by Australia’s Channel 7 News, De Vries expressed empathy for the pair, while explaining that his name has become the source of unexpected pain in recent weeks.
“I love my name but at school people call me the coronavirus,” De Vries wrote. “I get very sad and angry when people call me this.”
Within days, Hanks replied, writing: “Your letter made my wife and I feel so wonderful. Thank you for being such a good friend. Friends make their friends feel good when they are down.”
“I saw you on TV, even though I was back in the USA already – and all healthy. Even though I was no longer sick, getting your letter made me feel even better.”
Hanks signed off with a reference to singer/songwriter Randy Newman’s theme song to Toy Story, adding: “You’ve got a friend in me!”
Hanks also sent De Vries one of his many typewriters, bearing the Corona brand. Hanks explained in his letter: “I thought this typewriter would suit you. I had taken it to the Gold Coast, and now, it is back – with you. Ask a grown up how it works. And use it to write me back.”
Hanks and Wilson were diagnosed with coronavirus in March, with the pair living in Australia while Hanks filmed a forthcoming Elvis Presley biopic.
Both have now recovered from the illness, with Hanks revealing that he was “wiped” during the worst of it, explaining that minor exercise left him “very fatigued”.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments