Tom Hanks responds to a letter from bullied boy named Corona

VALERIE MACON / AFP

Tom Hanks has written a letter to a boy who was bullied because of his name.

Eight-year-old Corona De Vries was being called ‘coronavirus’ at school amid the COVID-19 outbreak and the resemblance between his name and the virus' name.

De Vries had written to the US actor and his wife Rita Wilson to ask about their health and well being after they fell sick with the virus in Queensland.

He also explained to the celebrities that he was getting very sad and angry at his classmates for teasing him about his name.

In response, the Oscar-winning actor wrote: "You are the only person I've ever known to have the name Corona - like the ring around the sun, a crown."

He also sent the Australian boy a Corona-brand typewriter, which he was using throughout his quarantine period.

Attached to it was a message which read, “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."

 

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