Tom Hanks makes surprise visit to 90-year-old Bay Area typewriter store

Tom Hanks recently visited Berkeley Typewriter in the Bay Area, where the actor purchased a 1930s Royal machine and gifted the shop a red typewriter from his personal collection. According to store staff and social media posts, the visit highlights Hanks’ long-standing passion for vintage writing machines and their tactile nature.

What happened during Tom Hanks’ visit to Berkeley Typewriter?

The Oscar-winning actor and filmmaker spent an hour at the Berkeley Typewriter store, a business that has provided vintage repairs for 90 years. Staff reported that Hanks spent time testing various machines before purchasing a Royal model from the 1930s.

Beyond his purchase, Hanks gifted the store a red typewriter from his own collection. The gift included a signed letter, and the shop has since put both the machine and the letter on display.

In the letter, Hanks noted that the gift helps reduce clutter on his shelves while giving the “miracle of a machine a fuller, newer life of use.” He specifically asked the store to maintain the machine so it could operate for another 100 years.

Did You Know? Tom Hanks has been collecting typewriters for over 30 years and currently owns more than 300 of these vintage machines.

Why does Tom Hanks collect vintage typewriters?

According to the store’s website, Hanks is drawn to the unique charm and character of typewriters, which he believes cannot be replicated by modern technology. He specifically values the sound of the machines and the tactile experience of typing.

Tom Hanks visits typewriter shop

This passion extends beyond collecting. Hanks previously attempted to help save a similar business, California Typewriter, though that establishment ultimately closed in 2020.

A typewriter technician who met the star described him as having a “really positive attitude” about everything. This aligns with the “everyman” persona Hanks has maintained throughout a career featuring roles in “Big,” “Saving Private Ryan,” and as the voice of Woody in “Toy Story.”

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter suggests that Hanks’ public support for legacy businesses like Berkeley Typewriter reinforces his brand as a curator of Americana. By gifting a piece of his private collection, he transforms a personal hobby into a public endorsement of analog craftsmanship in a digital age.

What may happen next for the store and its collection?

The presence of a signed letter and a machine from a world-famous collector could potentially increase foot traffic to the Berkeley shop. Visitors may be more likely to visit the store specifically to see the displayed items.

Additionally, this interaction may lead to more collectors donating vintage equipment to the shop. Given Hanks’ history of trying to save typewriter businesses, his visit could inspire a renewed interest in the preservation of these machines in the Bay Area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific typewriter did Tom Hanks buy?
Hanks purchased a Royal machine from the 1930s.

What did Tom Hanks gift to the store?
He gifted a red typewriter from his personal collection along with a signed letter.

How many typewriters does Tom Hanks own?
He owns over 300 typewriters, which he has collected over a period of 30 years.

Do you prefer the tactile feel of a typewriter or the convenience of a modern computer?