The whole world was surprised when Tom Hanks came out and announced that he had contracted the coronavirus, including his friend and fellow ‘Apollo 13’ co-star, Kevin Bacon.
In a recent interview, Bacon revealed that he’s been in communication with Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, via email since they first confirmed their coronavirus diagnoses.
Bacon also shared his thoughts on Hanks’ as a person and friend, as well as, what his announcement meant to others regarding raising awareness of just how real and cantagious the COVID-19 outbreak could really be.
“We have exchanged emails and they are very much in my thoughts,” Bacon told Entertainment Tonight. “Crazy about the guy. He is not just an incredible actor, but a real great man, and Rita as well. I think it was interesting how somebody that is so beloved was so early [diagnosed].”
“I think now we are at a place where we are going to [hear about] a lot of people that are well known [getting coronavirus],” the actor added. Bacon went on to share how impressed he was with Hanks and Wilson for sharing their diagnoses.
According to Bacon, the manner in which Hanks and Wilson shared that they had tested positive for the coronavirus was a beautiful thing.
Not only did they essentially reveal to the world that anyone could contract the virus, but they also reassured people that they were going to be ok, thus calming some of the panic that’s been emanating since the outbreak began.
“But the way that he came right out with it, which by the way I don’t think he needed to do, but he said, ‘This is a real thing,’ and he also said, ‘We are going to be OK,’ was very powerful and beautiful move on his part,” he said. “I’m thinking about him everyday.”
There’s no doubt that social-distancing will help reduce the transmission of the coronavirus. As a result, earlier this week, Bacon launched an initiative with the hashtag #IStayHomeFor, which is a way for people to express why they’re staying home amid the outbreak and who they’re trying to protect by doing so. The move has since been championed by a number of celebrities all over the internet and social media.
Taking to his Instagram, Bacon explained the importance of social-distancing and what it could do to help save lives for those that are the most at risk. “#IStayHomeFor @kikkosedg! Hey everybody, it’s now so important to stay home and keep our distance from others if you are able. It’s one way we can help prevent the spread of #Coronavirus and save lives,” Bacon’s post began.
“The more of us who can, make it safer for those who can’t. So if you’re home too like me, post a video or photo with a sign like mine, telling who you are staying home for and ask 6 friends to do the same. Post it with the hashtag #IStayHomeFor so I can see and share. The more folks involved, the merrier – We’re all connected by various degrees (Trust me, I know!) I’m kicking it off with @jimmyfallon @eltonjohn @Brandicarlile @kevinhart4real @ddlovato,” Bacon continued, tagging some celebrities in the process to help spread the initiative and raise awareness.
