They do say that Tom Hanks is the nicest man in Hollywood.
To be fair, I’m no judge of that as he’s the only one I’ve met from Tinseltown.
But there can be little doubt of his authentic and charming personality, judging by my experience with him.
Hanks jetted into Portland from California in July 2012 to see his team, Aston Villa, for the first time as they beat the Timbers at the Jeld-Wen Stadium in a penalty shoot-out following their 2-2 normal time result.
Before the game started, Hanks had no hesitation in granting me and the rest of the in-house television channel staff at AVTV an exclusive interview in his private box.
There were nerves as we slowly made our way into the room – and he knew it! But Hanks put us immediately at ease by roaring out: “Come on in you Villans!”
As if that wasn’t enough, the interview itself was free-flowing, engaging and fun as he discussed his love of all things Aston Villa.
Excited Hanks told us: “This is my first ever Villa match. But it’s not back at Villa Park! Rest assured, that dream will come true for me one day. This is the first step towards it.
“I will be at Villa Park with wings! I would love to go this coming season. I will be checking my schedule.
“My life will not be complete until I’m at Villa Park! I want to be rooting on the claret and blue to a magnificent win over those suckers like Stoke City or Wolverhampton Wanderers or Queen’s Park Rangers!”
Hanks also chatted about how he came to support Villa, how he’d been swotting up on the club’s history.
“I would like to say I have been a fan since 1888 but that would not be quite true” he jokingly added.
He also discussed his friendship with fellow actor and fan Bob Stephenson – and club legend Ian Taylor, who accompanied us into the box.
Exemplifying his cordial character in the final on-camera answer, when asked about his favourite-ever players, he added: “Tayls could still play in the Premier League wearing his jeans!”
Hopefully it won’t be long before Hanks graces the club with his presence for a top-flight game!
Paul Brown 