Tom Hanks donates typewriter to bullied 8-year-old boy named Corona

‘You’ve got a friend in me,’ Hanks wrote in heartwarming correspondence

An Australian boy named Corona has received a personalised letter and gift from Tom Hanks, after writing to the star about being bullied because of his name.

Eight-year-old Corona De Vries, who lives on Australia’s Gold Coast, wrote to Hanks on 6 April, shortly after the Oscar-winning actor was diagnosed with coronavirus, along with his wife, Rita Wilson.

In the letter, which was seen by Australia’s Channel 7 News, De Vries expressed empathy for the pair, while explaining that his name has become the source of unexpected pain in recent weeks.

“I love my name but at school people call me the coronavirus,” De Vries wrote. “I get very sad and angry when people call me this.”

Within days, Hanks replied, writing: “Your letter made my wife and I feel so wonderful. Thank you for being such a good friend. Friends make their friends feel good when they are down.”

“I saw you on TV, even though I was back in the USA already – and all healthy. Even though I was no longer sick, getting your letter made me feel even better.”

Hanks signed off with a reference to singer/songwriter Randy Newman’s theme song to Toy Story, adding: “You’ve got a friend in me!”

Hanks also sent De Vries one of his many typewriters, bearing the Corona brand. Hanks explained in his letter: “I thought this typewriter would suit you. I had taken it to the Gold Coast, and now, it is back – with you. Ask a grown up how it works. And use it to write me back.”

Hanks and Wilson were diagnosed with coronavirus in March, with the pair living in Australia while Hanks filmed a forthcoming Elvis Presley biopic.

Both have now recovered from the illness, with Hanks revealing that he was “wiped” during the worst of it, explaining that minor exercise left him “very fatigued”.