“I’ll clean the toilet”: Tom Hanks Went on Record Saying He’d Do Anything To Fly To Space Despite Turning Down Earlier Offer From Jeff Bezos
In the realm of Hollywood, few actors can claim a dedication as unwavering as that of Tom Hanks. Renowned for his extraordinary commitment to his craft, Hanks is a paragon of ambition. This fervent ambition came to the fore when Hanks took on the iconic role of real-life astronaut Jim Lovell in the 1995 space docudrama, Apollo 13. During the preparation for his role as Jim Lovell, Hanks’ fascination with space travel grew exponentially.
While the Hollywood actor initially declined a tempting offer from Amazon’s Jeff Bezos to join a Blue Origin spaceflight, it seemed as if the allure of space had momentarily waned. Yet, the thirst for exploration, sparked by his time as Jim Lovell, was not so easily extinguished. Now, with the resurgence of space exploration initiatives, Tom Hanks’ ambition to experience space has been rekindled to an all-time high.
Navigating Tom Hanks’ Unyielding Desire to Reach Outer Space
Tom Hanks‘ enthusiasm for space exploration goes beyond mere curiosity; it represents a profound connection to the cosmos that has fueled his imagination for years. This actor’s journey from portraying astronauts on screen to potentially becoming one in real life mirrors the remarkable versatility that has defined his career. His candid willingness to take on any task, even toilet cleaning, underscores the lengths to which he is willing to go in pursuit of his interstellar dreams, showcasing a relentless commitment to achieving authenticity in every endeavor. Hanks told The Telegraph,
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“I would probably sign up right now! 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 clothes. I’ll stow the gear. That way, the others could be free to do other stuff.”
Having been deeply immersed in the world of NASA while preparing for his role, Hanks has developed a profound connection with the space agency. It’s no surprise that he is now enthusiastic about the prospect of space travel, especially with the forthcoming NASA-led Artemis program missions, which promise to return astronauts to the moon for the first time since 1972. Hanks’ desire to experience space firsthand is a testament to the lasting impact of his cinematic journey as a moon astronaut.
Tom Hanks’ Reason for Declining Jeff Bezos’ Space Offer
Before William Shatner etched his name in history as the oldest person to venture into the cosmos aboard Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket, another iconic figure, Tom Hanks, found himself at the center of a spacefaring proposition. Hanks, known for his extraordinary acting prowess and deep-seated commitment to his craft, had been offered a seat on the very same rocket.
Despite his genuine fascination with space and a burning desire to experience it firsthand, Hanks opted to decline the offer. Hanks revealed that the price for this cosmic adventure was a staggering $28 million. Hanks mentioned on Jimmy Kimmel Live,
“Well, yeah, provided I pay! 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. “You know what, we could simulate the experience of going to space right now. It’s about a 12-minute flight, is that about it? We could all do it in our seats right here.”
Tom Hanks’ decision not to part with $28 million for a ticket to space exemplifies the notion that while the allure of the cosmos is undeniable, the commercialization of space travel comes with a hefty price tag. His humorous take on the matter reminds us that, despite the vast advancements in space exploration, the dream of venturing into the unknown remains an aspiration that many can only simulate from the terrestrial comfort of their seats.
