Actor Tom Hanks drew attention Thursday when he ribbed a MS NOW correspondent about the network’s audience size during a live interview at the opening ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago — a moment that spread widely on social media.
Speaking with Jacob Soboroff, a senior national and political correspondent for MS NOW, Mr. Hanks opened the exchange with a pointed question.
“What can I do for the 800 people watching MS NOW?” the Oscar-winning actor asked, appearing to mock the network’s ratings during the live segment.
Mr. Soboroff pushed back good-naturedly, saying, “Oh, come on. We’re live on MS NOW.” Mr. Hanks replied, “Alright, add a zero if you need to.” Mr. Soboroff countered that the broadcast was drawing millions of viewers with the actor on air, to which Mr. Hanks said, “Alright, alright.”
The exchange unfolded during a segment of MS NOW’s “The Moment,” which was broadcasting live from Thursday’s dedication ceremony at John Lewis Plaza in Chicago’s Jackson Park. The event drew a wide array of celebrities and former officials, including Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Joe Biden, among others.
Mr. Hanks went on to discuss the ceremony in warmer terms, praising remarks by former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama.
“This is not about nostalgia,” Mr. Hanks said, summarizing what he took to be Mr. Obama’s message. “This is about the work that continues every single day.”
He also offered an enthusiastic endorsement of the Obama Presidential Center campus itself, describing it as “three museums in one” and recommending its gift shop, history exhibits and art collections to potential visitors.
At the close of the segment, Mr. Soboroff signed off by thanking Mr. Hanks for “adding the zero to our ratings today,” drawing a final quip from the actor: “I can hear the clicks happening before my very eyes.”
MS NOW, formerly known as MSNBC, rebranded in November 2025 after the cable network was spun off from NBCUniversal to become part of a new media company called Versant. The name stands for My Source for News, Opinion, and the World.
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