Tom Hanks Was Fred Rogers' Favorite Actor, Though They Never Met

Tom Hanks was Fred Rogers‘ favorite actor.

The 63-year-old actor played the late star in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, earning him his first Oscar nomination in 19 years.

Director Marielle Heller spilled some behind-the-scenes secrets in a featurette from the home release of the film.

“Joanne [Rogers, Fred Rogers’ widow] revealed to us that Tom Hanks was Fred’s favorite actor,” Marielle says (via People). “They never met. And when I told Tom this, he was like, ‘What!’”

“I think Tom Hanks is just the nicest person you could ever want to meet,” she added. “And you hear that from everybody, but that’s my own experience with him.”

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is available on Digital today (February 4), and on 4K, Blu-ray, and DVD on February 18.

ICYMI, see how Tom Hanks recently reacted to a false ad showing him endorsing a CBD company.