Tom Hanks

In this episode of 'Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend', Conan is joined by the iconic actor Tom Hanks, who humorously agrees to be his friend. The episode begins with playful banter among Conan and his team about the summer theme of the podcast, which is briefly interrupted by the anticipation of Hanks' appearance. Conan and Hanks dive into a wide-ranging conversation that touches upon their experiences with COVID-19, their careers, and personal anecdotes. Hanks shares his and his wife Rita's experience with contracting the virus, their recovery, and the implications of their antibody tests. Hanks also discusses his work on the film 'Greyhound', for which he not only starred but also wrote the screenplay. He delves into the research and creative process behind adapting the story from C.S. Forester's novel 'The Good Shepherd'. The conversation shifts to Hanks' and Conan's shared love for classic films and television, with Hanks expressing his lack of interest in nostalgic TV viewing, despite his extensive knowledge of the subject.

The two also reflect on the unique speech patterns of historical figures like John F. Kennedy and Cary Grant, and how these have influenced their own speech in certain contexts. Hanks humorously recounts an anecdote about the comedian Lenny Bruce and his reaction to the assassination of JFK, which leads to a discussion about the fragility of fame and the story of the impressionist Vaughn Meader. The conversation takes a more personal turn as Hanks talks about his writing, including his book 'Uncommon Type', and the challenges of promoting his work. He recalls a humorous incident where he rearranged bookshelves to feature his book more prominently.

Conan and Hanks' discussion is filled with light-hearted moments, including Hanks' imitation of his character Woody from 'Toy Story' and a shared appreciation for the absurdities of show business. They also touch on the importance of World War II history and the significance of storytelling in preserving the memories of those who served. The episode concludes with Conan expressing his admiration for Hanks' dedication to his craft and his gratitude for the actor's participation in the podcast.