Stories

Genealogists Find That Tom Hanks Is Mister Rogers’ 6th Cousin

Ancestry.com has revealed that actor Tom Hanks is actually related to Mister Fred Rogers! Hanks is apparently his 6th cousin. It’s like it was meant to be, considering Hanks is portraying the beloved children’s TV show host in a new film. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood we’re even more excited about it!

Hanks and Rogers allegedly share the same great-great-great-great-great grandfather, Johannes Mefford. Three of Mefford’s sons would serve as American soldiers in the Revolutionary War. Additionally, Rogers’ great-great-great-great-grandfather William serves in the Navy and is captured by the British in 1782. Ancestry says that he is held on a prison ship in Barbados and Antigua. He then is released 10 months later.

Tom Hanks and Fred Rogers are each other’s 6th cousins

Tom Hanks and Mr. Rogers / Facebook

Moreover, Hanks’ great-great-great-great-grandfather allegedly fought in a skirmish at the Chesapeake Bay. “So, Rogers and Hanks not only share the same ancestor, they also descend from two brothers who fought for America’s independence,” Ancestry says in their statement.

RELATED: Newborns Dress Up As Mister Rogers For His Widow On World Kindness Day

Access Hollywood approaches Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, and asks about his family tree as they walk the red carpet. “No, impossible. No you’re pulling our leg!” Rita says in response to the news about Hanks being related to Rogers. “This is crazy!”

Hanks portraying his distant relative… What Are Critics Saying?

Tom Hanks in ‘It’s A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’ / IMDb

Hanks seemed not too surprised at this news. “It all just comes together, you see,” he says. “I’d like to see if Johnny Depp is related to Fred Rogers, can you find out from Ancestry.com?”

It warms our hearts to know that these two fine gentlemen are actually related! The new film about Mr. Rogers is already showing in some places, and will be released nationwide by Friday, the 22nd. The film actually won’t just focus on Rogers alone, but primarily on the close relationship he had with a reporter who was doing a profile on him. The film already has a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics. In conclusion, check out one of the movie trailers for the film below!

Show comments
Share
Published by

Recent Posts

Clint Eastwood, Rival To John Wayne, Thought The Duke Was “Brilliant” In This Role

Clint Eastwood and John Wayne were two icons of the Western drama, yet they represented…

2 hours ago

Some Homeowners Are Just Discovering Milk Doors And How To Repurpose Them

Many features have come and gone within the blueprint of the ideal home. But their…

4 hours ago

Mama Cass’ Daughter Admits She Never Knew Her Father’s Name Until She Turned 19

Cass Elliot a.k.a Mama Cass’ daughter Owen Elliot-Kugell recently released a book titled My Mama,…

16 hours ago

Princess Charlotte Celebrates 9th Birthday—See Adorable Photo Taken By Mom Kate Middleton

Amidst a flood of familial turmoil, the royal family has had cause to celebrate, as…

21 hours ago

Book Claims A Private Investigator Confirmed Marilyn Monroe And JFK’s Long-Rumored Affair

A newly released book titled The Fixer: Moguls, Mobsters, Movie Stars, and Marilyn gives shocking…

21 hours ago

Angie Dickinson: 70 Years of Her Arresting Life and Career from 1954 to 2024

UPDATED 5/3/2024 There’s no question that Angie Dickinson is the true embodiment of the classic…

21 hours ago