Tom Hanks, one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, is known for his charming personality, versatile performances, and storytelling prowess. But beyond his award-winning career in film, Hanks harbors an unexpected yet deep-rooted passion—collecting and using vintage typewriters.

For over 40 years, Hanks has amassed a remarkable collection of more than 300 typewriters, spanning various models, brands, and eras. His admiration for these classic writing machines isn’t just about nostalgia; for him, typewriters represent a tangible, mechanical connection to creativity, craftsmanship, and history.

Here, we’ll uncover Hanks’ journey as a typewriter enthusiast, examine some of the most prized pieces in his collection, and discuss how his love for these vintage machines has inspired projects like the Hanx Writer app and his book, Uncommon Type.

The Origins of Hanks’ Typewriter Obsession

Tom Hanks’ fascination with typewriters began in the late 1970s. Long before he became a household name, a young Hanks discovered the unique appeal of typewriters—their mechanical precision, tactile experience, and satisfying sound.

As he described in various interviews, Hanks was first drawn to typewriters because of their uncomplicated reliability. Unlike computers, typewriters don’t require charging, software updates, or internet connectivity. They simply work—providing an uninterrupted experience of putting thoughts to paper.

In an interview with The New York Times, Hanks recalled his first-ever typewriter purchase at the age of 19:

“I walked into a thrift store, and there it was—a beautiful Hermes 2000. The keys had a great feel, the platen was solid, and when I typed on it, I felt connected to the words in a way that a ballpoint pen never could.”

That connection only grew stronger over the years. As Hanks traveled across the world for film projects, he developed a habit of collecting typewriters wherever he went. Whether in a local antique shop in Paris or a flea market in Tokyo, he sought out rare and interesting models to add to his collection.

Inside Tom Hanks’ Typewriter Collection

With a collection exceeding 300 machines, Hanks’ assortment of typewriters showcases a diverse array of makes and models, each with its own story. While he has since downsized his collection to a more curated number, some of his most cherished typewriters include:

Hermes 2000

The Hermes 2000 was one of Hanks’ first acquisitions, and it remains one of his favorites. Known for its sleek Swiss engineering and smooth typing experience, this model is revered among collectors.

Olympia SM4 (1960)

This mid-century masterpiece is a fan favorite among typewriter enthusiasts. Hanks famously gifted a signed 1960 Olympia SM4 to a small typewriter repair shop, surprising the owners with an autographed note.

Royal Quiet Deluxe (1940s-50s)

The Royal Quiet Deluxe was popular among famous writers like Ernest Hemingway and Ian Fleming. Hanks owns multiple versions of this model, drawn to its art deco design and smooth keystrokes.

Smith-Corona Sterling

A classic American-made typewriter, the Smith-Corona Sterling was known for its durability and practicality. Hanks has often described it as a “workhorse” among his collection.

Remington Noiseless 7

Despite its name, this typewriter isn’t completely silent, but it was engineered to reduce keystroke noise. Hanks has praised its elegant mechanics and uses it frequently for letter-writing.

Underwood No. 5

The Underwood No. 5 is a true antique, dating back to the early 20th century. This model was a staple in newsrooms and offices for decades, and Hanks admires its historical significance.

While these are just a few of his prized machines, every typewriter in his collection has a unique story and sentimental value.

Why Tom Hanks Loves Typewriters

For Hanks, typewriters are not just collectibles; they are functional tools that encourage creativity and mindfulness. Here’s why he values them so much:

The Physical Connection to Writing

Unlike digital devices, typewriters provide a tangible, immersive writing experience. The process of pressing keys, hearing the clicks, and watching ink imprint onto paper is deeply satisfying.

The Beauty of Imperfection

Hanks has spoken about how typewriters allow for imperfections, making writing feel more human. Unlike autocorrected texts, typewritten words retain mistakes, crossed-out phrases, and marginal notes, reflecting the organic process of thought.

A Break from Digital Overload

In today’s hyper-connected world, typewriters offer a refreshing escape from screens, notifications, and distractions. Hanks appreciates the focus and simplicity they provide.

Personal and Thoughtful Communication

Hanks often types letters to friends, family, and fans, believing that a hand-typed note carries more sincerity and thoughtfulness than an email or text message.

Beyond Collecting: The Hanx Writer App

Hanks’ passion for typewriters led him to create the Hanx Writer, a mobile app that emulates the look, sound, and feel of a typewriter.

Launched in 2014, the Hanx Writer app became an instant hit on the Apple App Store, reaching #1 in the Productivity category. The app allows users to:

•Type on a digital typewriter interface

•Hear realistic key sounds and carriage return noises

•Customize fonts and page styles

•Print or export typewritten pages

By bringing the typewriter experience into the digital age, Hanks introduced a new generation to the magic of typewriting.

Tom Hanks as an Author: Uncommon Type

In 2017, Hanks further celebrated his love of typewriters by publishing Uncommon Type, a collection of short stories where each tale features a typewriter in some way.

The book explores various characters and themes, including:

•A small-town newspaper columnist struggling with change

•A World War II veteran haunted by memories of the past

•A man obsessed with vintage typewriters, mirroring Hanks himself

Through these stories, Hanks not only showcases his storytelling abilities but also pays homage to the influence of typewriters in history and culture.

Gifting Typewriters: Hanks’ Thoughtful Gesture

Tom Hanks is known for gifting typewriters to individuals and businesses who share his appreciation for them.

•In 2023, he surprised a typewriter repair shop with a signed vintage Olympia model.

•He has sent personal letters on typewriters to fans, thanking them for their admiration.

•Hanks has even gifted typewriters to co-stars, journalists, and filmmakers, encouraging them to embrace the craft of typing.

For Hanks, sharing his passion for typewriters is a way of preserving history and inspiring creativity in others.

Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Hanks’ Typewriter Obsession

Tom Hanks’ love for typewriters is more than just a quirky hobby—it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, creativity, and the art of writing. His collection, the Hanx Writer app, and his book Uncommon Type all reflect his deep appreciation for a bygone era of mechanical beauty.

In a world dominated by touchscreens and digital convenience, Hanks reminds us that there is still something magical about pressing real keys, hearing the rhythmic clack, and producing words on paper. His passion for typewriters is not just about nostalgia—it’s about embracing the power of tangible creativity in an increasingly virtual world.

Through his collection, generosity, and storytelling, Tom Hanks continues to prove that the simple act of typing on a machine from the past can still inspire, connect, and bring joy to people today.

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