x
Breaking News
More () »

"Won't you be my cousin?": Genealogists find Tom Hanks and Mister Rogers are related

If you think Tom Hanks does a good job portraying Mister Rogers in "A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood," you have Johannes Mefford to thank.
Tom Hanks stars as Mister Rogers in "A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood." (Photo: Sony)

If you think Tom Hanks does a good job portraying Mister Rogers in "A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood," you have Johannes Mefford to thank.

Mefford, an 18th century German immigrant, is the great-great-great-great-great grandfather to both Hanks and the late beloved children's television star, according to Ancestry.com. Three of Mefford's sons, including Hanks' and Rogers' great-great-great-great grandfathers, fought for the colonies in the Revolutionary War.

“So, Rogers and Hanks not only share the same ancestor, they also descend from two brothers who fought for America’s independence,” Ancestry said in a statement, according to TODAY.

If you're still wondering, the connection makes the entertainers sixth cousins.

"Access Hollywood" dropped the genealogy bombshell to Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson at a red carpet premiere for the movie in New York City.

"No, impossible. No you're pulling our leg!" Wilson said. "This is crazy!"

The actor said "it all just comes together" before asking if Ancestry.com could tell if Johnny Depp was related to Rogers, as well.

Fred Rogers isn't even Hanks' most famous relation, however. The actor revealed in 2014 that his family tree also runs through Nancy Hanks, the mother of President Abraham Lincoln.

"A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" has been released in limited markets, but makes its nationwide premiere on Thanksgiving Day.

Before You Leave, Check This Out