Tom Hanks – Foto: reprodução X @New York Post
Tom Hanks, a two-time Oscar winner, was seen on the New York City subway on the morning of Tuesday, October 21, 2025. The 69-year-old actor rode line 6, which connects neighborhoods like the Bronx, Manhattan, and Brooklyn, dressed discreetly in a green jacket, knitted cap, and white face mask. Despite his low-profile look, he caught attention when he dropped his bag on his chest after realizing he nearly missed his stop.
Regular passengers shared images of the moment on social media, highlighting the unexpected presence of the star during their routine commute. Hanks traveled alone, without security, showing a preference for the accessible public transit system, which costs $2.90 per ride. The incident occurred during trips for theater rehearsals in the city.
Line 6 carries thousands of New Yorkers daily, providing easy access to central areas. Hanks, known for roles in films like Forrest Gump and Philadelphia, reinforced his approachable image by blending in with regular commuters.
Journey reveals actor’s simple routine
Hanks boarded at the starting station of line 6 around 8 a.m., according to witnesses. He stood, holding his bag close to avoid contact in a crowded car. His mask covered part of his face, paired with casual clothes like black pants and leather boots.
After the bag incident, which fell to the train floor, Hanks quickly retrieved it without engaging with others. The bag contained personal items, including a book, but nothing sensitive. He continued to Manhattan, where he exited to walk further.
The actor stopped at a coffee cart to buy a drink, then sat on a nearby park bench to sip it while observing the urban surroundings.
Link to new theater project
Hanks’ subway trip tied to preparations for his off-Broadway play, This World of Tomorrow. The show, co-written with James Glossman, premieres October 30 at The Shed, a cultural venue in Manhattan. The story follows a scientist time-traveling to the 1939 New York World’s Fair in Queens, exploring themes of love and memory.
Rehearsals occur daily in the city’s west side, explaining his frequent subway use. Hanks called the project a unique experience, akin to the innovative spirit of the historic fair. The play will run for eight weeks until December 21 in a 550-seat theater.
The production, directed by The Shed’s artistic director Alex Poots, praises Hanks as a reliable storyteller. The plot weaves in autobiographical elements from Hanks’ 2017 short story collection, Uncommon Type.
- Draws from Hanks’ stories inspired by the 1939 World’s Fair.
- References authoritarianism of the era without modern projections.
- Highlights the protagonist’s daily struggles in time travel.
History of public transit sightings
Hanks has been spotted on the NYC subway before, showing a habit of urban mobility. On October 7, 2025, he rode line 6 in a black shirt and matching pants, wearing a New York Yankees cap. He stood throughout that trip, avoiding seats.
A similar sighting occurred in January 2015, when he traveled bundled up against the winter cold. He chose a less crowded car, reading a local newspaper. These moments highlight his consistent practical choices, regardless of professional commitments.
Other stars follow suit in New York. Harrison Ford, for instance, was seen on the Pelham line in April 2025 with his wife, Calista Flockhart. Both wore neutral clothing to blend in.
The NYC subway operates 24/7, with 472 stations and 665 miles of tracks, serving over 5 million daily riders on average.
Acclaimed career and awards
Tom Hanks began his career in 1970s TV, moving to film in the following decade. His first Oscar came in 1994 for Philadelphia, followed by another in 1995 for Forrest Gump, which grossed $678 million worldwide. These awards cemented his versatility in dramas and comedies.
Over four decades, Hanks has over 90 film credits, including hits like Apollo 13 and The Terminal. His theater debut came in 2013 with Lucky Guy on Broadway, a play about an investigative journalist. This paved the way for later original projects.
Beyond acting, Hanks directs and produces, earning Golden Globe nominations in multiple categories. His filmography spans genres, from sci-fi in Larry Crowne to biopics like Captain Phillips.
Passenger reactions
Witnesses described the encounter as brief and uneventful. One user posted a photo of Hanks holding a rail, with a caption about a surprising morning. Another video captured the bag drop, sparking lighthearted online comments about shared humanity.
Images spread quickly online, garnering thousands of views in hours. Passengers respected Hanks’ space, sticking to discreet recordings. No reports mentioned direct interactions during the ride.
The episode underscores Hanks’ lasting appeal, known for friendly public interactions. After exiting, he continued to his destination without further stops.
