Tom Hanks Responds To Getting Roasted Over His Quarantine Snack

Leave it to Tom Hanks to stir up a lighthearted and deliciously silly situation in the midst of the novel coronavirus pandemic. The beloved actor announced on March 11, 2020 that he and his wife, fellow star Rita Wilson, were diagnosed with the illness while in Australia filming Baz Luhrmann's upcoming untitled Elvis Presley movie. They were subsequently released from the hospital about a week later. However, while still in isolation, Hanks shared a picture of his snack. Innocent? Yep. Yet still, the particular pic sparked hilariously strong reactions.

The hoopla began when Hanks took to Instagram on March 15 to offer a thoughtful sentiment — "Thanks to the Helpers. Let's take care of ourselves and each other" — however, his followers were instead focused on what was in the accompanying image. Along with a tiny, stuffed kangaroo holding an Australian flag, the star snapped a shot of two pieces of toast with Vegemite spread on them. A lot of Vegemite! And that's what brought about the culinary critiques.

If you're unfamiliar with Vegemite, it's a popular breakfast item in Australia that's made from brewer's yeast. Because of its arguably peculiar taste, people tend to either love it or hate it. Aussie actor Liam Hemsworth adores it so much that he and his ex, Miley Cyrus, even got Vegemite tattoos. Whatever you might think of the spread, it's apparently not meant to be eaten in the way that Tom Hanks had been, er, enjoying it.

"Ok that's far too much vegemite on the toast," reads the top comment under Hanks' Instagram photo. Almost 200 other people responded to that particular reaction with their own thoughts, most agreeing that eating so much Vegemite at once "[w]ould be too strong." Another social media user felt like Hanks was "[m]issing a little butter on that Vegemite" while someone else agreed, writing, "A vegemite amateur [laughing emoji]. That ratio is all wrong and us Aussies will be affronted by this image. Butter 4: vegemite 1."

Over on Twitter, where Hanks also shared the photo, one person noted, "I adore Tom Hanks and I'm sure he is in safe hands, but somebody desperately needs to help him with his Vegemite application."

Although fans could surely forgive Hanks if this was a one-time food-prep misstep, the star's own son revealed something about the actor's past Vegemite habits.

While Tom Hanks' son Chet Hanks has updated fans on the star's condition, the actor's older son, Colin Hanks, instead addressed the Vegemite situation. "I've been saying 'That's way too much for one piece of toast.' to him for years," Colin tweeted the day after his father brought on a breakfast-related (yet good-natured) backlash.

While Colin's followers also voiced their opinions on the matter, one was willing to come to Hanks' defense and even offered him some praise. "I have no idea who these Australians are that are complaining. That's a legendary amount and i'm proud!" they wrote. "Does he come here often? Cause you gotta condition yourself to have that much haha."

Whether Hanks prefers the strong taste that would come along with such a thick layer of Vegemite or is simply still learning how to properly consume the (controversial!) toast topping despite eating it for years, even he was willing to admit that he's finally learned his lesson.

Although Tom Hanks was surely focused on getting better following his coronavirus diagnosis, the award-winning actor again took some time to hop onto Instagram on March 17 to give the public an update about his condition. He assured fans that he didn't have a fever, but was simply experiencing "the blahs." However, he also used the opportunity to inform fans about what he's been up to while in isolation and to address the somewhat scandalous Vegemite situation.

"Folding the laundry and doing the dishes leads to a nap on the couch," Hanks wrote. "Bad news: My wife [Rita Wilson] has won 6 straight hands of Gin Rummy and leads by 201 points." He then added, "But I have learned not to spread my Vegemite so thick." His fans and all of the Australian food critics in his followers list will likely be happy to hear that.

If you're curious, here's a handy-dandy guide on how to eat Vegemite, which includes three categories: (1) Vegemite for Beginners; (2) Vegemite for Regular Consumers; and (3) Vegemite for Those Who Want to Die (eek!). Apparently, Hanks was risking things by indulging in the third iffy option.