Tom Hanks becomes honorary Greek citizen

·

Tom Hanks has been awarded honorary Greek citizenship.

“I am 110% Greek,” Tom Hanks said some time ago and now it is official.

Upon the initiative of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who had met him in the past, Hanks and his family will receive honorary citizenship. The decision was signed today by President Prokopis Pavlopoulos.

Hanks frequently spends his summer holiday on the Greek island of Antiparos and his wife, actress and producer Rita Wilson, is of Greek and Bulgarian ancestry.

Under Greek law, honorary naturalisation may be granted to people ‘who have provided exceptional services to the country or whose naturalisation serves the public interest’.

The actor has also been among the faithful of the Greek Orthodox Church for many years. He converted to the Church just before marrying Rita in 1988.

There is considerable pride in Greece that Hanks, one of Hollywood’s most famous stars, has a summer house on the picturesque island of Antiparos and visits every year.

Hanks has said that he feels ‘110 per cent Greek… I’m more Greek than a Greek is’ by being married to Wilson, producer of My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

She was one of the main driving forces behind the film My Big Fat Greek Wedding, which she produced with Hanks and they both insisted on it being authentically Greek.

Nia Vardalos, who wrote the original play and starred in the subsequent film, said: “There was a scene where a character was wearing jeans and supposedly the family had just gotten back from church. Tom knew that no Greek Orthodox practitioner wears jeans to church, so he astutely made the appropriate changes that everyone else missed.”

Sourced via Associated Press.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek fire in ‘The Belly of the Beast’ at St Kilda

‘The Vineyard’ in St Kilda (also known as ‘The Belly of the Beast’) has a long and rich ethnic-Australian heritage.

Jenny Souris Foundation Gala raises $100,000 to help young cancer fighter Jack

The Jenny Souris Foundation’s fundraising gala raised funds for four-year-old Jack, who is courageously battling Stage IV Neuroblastoma.

Greek Australian George Moulos attempts record-breaking ‘March Across Greece’

Young Greek Australian entrepreneur George Moulos will embark on a transformative 1,200 km journey across Greece on foot.

proika exhibition explores cultural bonds that unite the Greek Australian community

On November 20, the proika project invites you to the launch their multimedia exhibition, melding fashion, photography and conversations.

Heliades Greek Women’s Network celebrate Melbourne Cup in style

The Greek Women's Network (Heliades) hosted a vibrant celebration of the Melbourne Cup on Sunday, November 3.

You May Also Like

New law banning religious vilification passes NSW Parliament

Legislation to prohibit religious vilification passed the New South Wales Parliament on Thursday, August 3rd.

Cyprus qualifies for Eurovision Grand Final while Australia sees early exit

Cyprus qualified for the grand final of the 65th annual Eurovision Song Contest while Australia's pre-recorded video performance failed to progress past the first semi-final round.

Traditional Greek Recipes: Spanakopita (Spinach and Feta Pie)

Made with fresh ingredients and herbs, Spanakopita is a versatile and delicious dish suitable for every time of the day.