Tom Hanks steals show as he presents Celebrating America Inauguration special... but viewers worry he’s cold

Joe Biden, Jill Biden
1/25

Acting legend Tom Hanks welcomed in the new Biden era by hosting a star-studded show in honour of the US President’s inauguration - but viewers seemed more concerned that he was going to catch a cold. 

The Hollywood actor wore a smart suit and gloves as he presented the 90-minute broadcast from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC, hours after President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were sworn into office.

The star, widely seen as an actor beloved and respected across the political spectrum, said the “dream of America has no limit” as he made a rousing speech to kick-off the celebration, entitled Celebrating America.

But, while Hanks was praised as the “perfect host”, viewers were quick to raise concern for the actor, who was not wearing a coat, despite temperatures of -1C.  

One asked: “Who is going to defrost Tom Hanks at the end of this?” while another quipped: “Someone please give Tom Hanks a coat and a mug of cocao.”

Another joked: “Frozen 3 starring Tom Hanks was pretty good.”

Another said: "I think it’s a terrible irony that after surviving all those years on that tropical island that Tom Hanks is going to freeze to death in the middle of a major city."

The comment was in reference to the actor’s role as Chuck Nolan in the film Castaway where he found himself marooned on a desolate island.

Chasten Buttigieg, who is married to former Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, wrote: "If I walk with ‘I saw Lady Gaga this morning’ energy can I get past security to give tom hanks a coat?"

Former US Senator Brain Fallon added: “Day one of the Biden presidency and the closest thing to a controversy on Twitter is people politely pleading for Tom Hanks to put on a coat.”

And another joked that someone should give Hanks Bernie’s jacket and mittens - a reference to the unusual attire that Bernie Sanders wore for the event

Others said the appearance from Hanks was all the more fitting as it harked back to a scene in Forrest Gump when Forrest - played by Hanks - is reunited with his childhood sweetheart Jenny at the same location. 

 “I’m so glad Forrest Gump got to return to the Lincoln Memorial," one person wrote. 

Opening the show, Oscar-winner Hanks said: “In the last few weeks, in the last few years, we have witnessed deep divisions and a troubling rancour in our land but tonight we ponder the United States of America.

"The practice of our democracy, the foundations of our republic, the integrity of our constitution, the hope and dreams we all share for a more perfect union.”

He said the presidential inauguration “marks the commitment” of a new four-year term, but added it is much more important than just welcoming a new leader. Hanks said: “This day is about witnessing the permanence of the American ideal.”

Addressing the traditional inauguration speech from the president, Hanks said: “If the words ring out it is not only due to the power of the oratory, it is because the dream of America has no limit.”

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