Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · October 22, 2025 · Entertainment

Tom Hanks Goes Incognito: NYC Subway Surprise!

Subway riders got an unexpected celebrity encounter when Tom Hanks took the green 6 line in NYC while riding incognito with a mask on

SPOTTED: Tom Hanks' Incognito Subway Ride in NYC!

In a bizarre encounter that left many unsuspecting New Yorkers scratching their heads, Hollywood's favorite leading man, Tom Hanks, was spotted riding the subway in disguise. The 69-year-old Oscar winner, known for his iconic roles in movies like Forrest Gump and Saving Private Ryan, attempted to go incognito by donning an exam mask, a green cardigan, dark slacks, black leather boots, and a stylish olive-green jacket.

Eyewitnesses claimed that Hanks seemed completely relaxed as he rode the 6 train, sporting a forest-green ski cap and clear plastic eyeglasses. However, his calm demeanor was short-lived, as he allegedly dropped his messenger bag after almost missing his stop. Fortunately for the actor, no one recognized him beneath the mask.

Hanks wore a green jacket with a dark green cardigan, dark trousers, black boots, a green ski cap and clear plastic glasses

This stealthy subway adventure is not an isolated incident; Hanks has been known to keep a low profile in public, often using his children's ages and family life as an excuse to cover up his activities. His daughter, E.A. Hanks, recently shared her harrowing childhood experiences after her parents' divorce, leaving many wondering if this was just another attempt by Tom to maintain his mystique.

Hanks is not the only A-list celebrity who has employed creative measures to avoid being recognized in public. The likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Jared Leto have mastered the art of donning masks to conceal their identities, while others, such as Jessica Alba, rely on hats, sunglasses, or even make-up-free looks to fly under the radar.

But what's behind Hanks' recent penchant for subtlety? Insiders speculate that his decision to keep a low profile might be linked to the controversy surrounding his portrayal of a Trump supporter in Saturday Night Live earlier this year. The backlash sparked by his depiction of a "dimwitted racist" left many questioning whether the usually liberal actor had crossed the line.

Witnesses said Hanks appeared to drop his bag after he nearly missed his stop; pictured in June in NYC

In an attempt to distance himself from the criticism, Hanks' team reportedly canceled his scheduled appearance at the West Point Association's Sylvanus Thayer Award ceremony in September. The prestigious honor is bestowed upon non-alumni who demonstrate a commitment to "Duty, Honor, Country." However, critics accused West Point of bowing to pressure from President Donald Trump, who gleefully tweeted about the cancellation, claiming it was an "important move" to rid the academy of "destructive, WOKE recipients."

Despite the drama surrounding his canceled award, Hanks' film career remains on track. He is set to reprise his iconic role as Woody in Toy Story 5 and return to star in a sequel to his Apple TV+ movie, Greyhound, which he also wrote. The WWII drama was a critical success, but details about the upcoming sequel are scarce.

While Hanks may have attempted to keep a low profile on that fateful subway ride, one thing is certain – this Hollywood legend will continue to captivate audiences with his eclectic film choices and unapologetic commitment to telling stories that matter.

His latest film was the critically acclaimed Wes Anderson comedy The Phoenician Scheme, starring Benicio Del Toro (center). Hanks (L) and Bryan Cranston (R) played brothers invested in Del Toro's unsavory business deals; pictured with Riz Ahmed (second to left)

**What do you think motivated Tom Hanks' decision to go incognito on the NYC subway? Share your theories in the comments below!

was swept up in controversy in September after a planned West Point alumni group event to honor him was canceled at the last minute, with critics claiming the event was canceled to please President Donald Trump due to Hanks' support for the Democratic party

Trump failed to dispel those concerns when he celebrated the scrapped award ceremony on social media