Tom Hanks has revealed he would do whatever it takes to go to outer space, despite having turned down an invitation from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos to go for a ride in his Blue Origin rocket, New Shepard.
During an appearance on an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live in November 2021, Tom, who is estimated to have a worth of $400 million dollars, explained his reason for turning the "invitation" down. "You know, it cost 28 million bucks or something like that. And I’m doing good, Jimmy. I'm doing good. But I ain't paying 28 [million] bucks."
Tom has been a fan of going to outer space since he was a kid. He recalled he was 13 years old on the day when Neil Armstrong was the first man to set foot on the moon in 1969. "I walked around the day of July 20, 1969, very cognizant that I was alive at a time when the history of humankind shifted."
The Oscar winner starred in the 1995 movie Apollo 13 as astronaut Jim Lovell, who was on the spaceship when it ran into danger. Tom and five other members of the cast shared a 1996 Screen Actors Guild award for their work in the movie.
During a recent interview with The Daily Telegraph, Tom said he would work for his passage. "'I would like to be the guy in charge of serving food and making jokes to and from the moon. If there was room, I would be the guy that cleans up, makes jokes, tells stories and keeps everybody entertained. I'm your man. I would probably sign up right now."
He added, "That might be a good idea. I'll do all the work. I'll clean the toilet. I'll serve the food. I'll fold the clothes. I'll stow the gear. That way the others could be free to do other stuff."
Tom is currently working on the Robert Zemeckis-directed drama Here, which also stars Robin Wright, Michelle Dockery and Paul Bettany. ~Alexandra Heilbron
See, now here is a man with his priorities right. Paying that much money to go up is just not comfortable for him to do, but cleaning up after others for a free ride, well, right on! Paying just $1M to go, well, come get me and I'll carry your luggage for you. - and you can pay for me please. I don't have that kind of money but have always wanted to go up too.
The "uber rich" don't get a discount for this "space" ride? I am sure they always push for that discount like Tom is trying to achieve.
I thought famous people were invited to do these kinds of things for the publicity. I can't believe Bezos tried to milk Tom Hanks for millions. Kudos to Tom for not being fleeced by this douche.
Interesting comments. I am torn between both sides of it. Going into space is not for me. The cost is high, and Tom Hanks being worth that much money, to me is ridiculous. So much good could be done with the money. Like with anyone who has lots, like the Tesla man. Sorry, cannot think of names at the moment. And stop having kids, etc. The world will be saved by God, according to the Bible, and we are going to wreck it, but we could do more to save it? Or just be sensible. Am kind of a who cares person, along with just do the right thing. Like the other comments here. Lol. And it always amazes me how basic needs in society, are never met. Going into space is not needed!
On another note, Tom Hanks is one of my favorite actors and seems like a nice guy. I like Colin Hanks, also.
i agree with debbie there is way to many people and animals that are suffering if god gave you a gift use it to help instead of being so damn selfish money can be and is the root to all evil wke up
He should've went to see the titanic