Tom Hanks granted honorary Greek citizenship

American actor’s wife, Rita Wilson, is of Greek descent

Tom Hanks has been granted honorary Greek citizenship by the country’s president.

The Greek president Prokopis Pavlopoulos signed a naturalisation order for Hanks last month.

The American film star’s wife, actor and producer Rita Wilson, is of Greek and Bulgarian descent, and the couple frequently visit Greece on holiday.

In accordance with Greek law, individuals may be granted honorary naturalisation if they have “provided exceptional services to the country or whose naturalisation serves the public interest”.

Fans congratulated the two-time Oscar winner on his Greek citizenship.

“Congratulations Tom Hanks! Thrilled to have you be officially a Greek!” tweeted Greek-American publisher and author Arianna Huffington.

In 2002, Hanks and Wilson co-produced hit romantic-comedy My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

Prior to their wedding in 1988, the Forrest Gump actor converted to his partner’s Greek Orthodox faith.

During a recent appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel Live! talk show, Hanks expressed his incredulity when he was shown a clip from a quiz show where none of the contestants were able to identify him.

The clip in question showed a recent episode of Jeopardy!, during which the contestants were asked: “In A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, beloved children’s TV show host Mr Rogers is played by this beloved actor.”

“You are kidding me. They didn’t even have any wrong suggestions?” Hanks said when none of the individuals said a word.