How do I write to a famous person?

August 8, 2020 5:53 AM

Specifically, Tom Hanks. I want to typewrite him a letter. Do I contact his publisher, agent, literary agent? If so, how would I find that information?
posted by BostonTerrier to Writing & Language (4 answers total)

I don't think we can post contact info, but I'd send a letter to playtone in Santa Monica. It's his production company and shows up on Google in two seconds.
posted by history is a weapon at 6:17 AM on August 8, 2020 [4 favorites]

I used to work in the entertainment industry, so: sending a letter to any of his known representatives -- his publisher, agent, literary agent, manager, etc. -- will eventually reach him. It won't be fast; they'll be sent on once a pile have stacked up, on no particular schedule. But they will be forwarded to his office.

The only time this won't work is if the particular famous person has a specific reason to instruct their reps never to send on fan mail and the like. In my years in the industry, I only knew one person like this: a very famous actress who'd had some serious stalker issues and had a major security setup.

Another caveat: packages are less likely to be forwarded.

Lastly, yes -- since Hanks's production office address is easily found, sending it there will cut out at least one step in the process.
posted by BlahLaLa at 11:16 AM on August 8, 2020 [3 favorites]

You might also try his publicist, which is 42 West -- also pretty easy to find.
posted by neroli at 5:40 PM on August 8, 2020

Given his current focus at the end of the QAnon madness, I expect nothing will make it to him and would suggest redirecting your good vibes to a different forum.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 8:04 PM on August 10, 2020