Tom Hanks took a sharp shot at MS Now’s audience size during an on-camera exchange with MSNBC correspondent Jacob Soboroff at the Obama Presidential Center opening in Chicago, quipping about “800 people” watching the network as Soboroff stayed composed.
Tom Hanks didn’t just show up in Chicago for the Obama Presidential Center opening—he showed up with a microphone moment of his own.
On national television. the Oscar-winning actor was approached by MS Now journalist Jacob Soboroff with a mic in hand after Thursday’s event. Soboroff attempted to introduce himself. but Hanks quickly cut him off. already knowing who he worked for before launching into what was essentially a ratings jab at the network.
In a taunting tone, Tom asked Soboroff, “What can I do for the 800 people watching MS NOW?”
Soboroff, to his credit, took it in stride. He didn’t let the comment land with him; he continued the conversation politely, even as Hanks kept pressing with more shots at the network. The back-and-forth was captured on camera, with viewers left to watch Hanks escalate and Soboroff stay steady.
The incident played out against a major political and cultural backdrop. Barack Obama was the keynote speaker at the opening of his presidential library, joined by his wife and former First Lady Michelle Obama.
The crowd carried its own star power. Hollywood’s elite came out in force, including Bono, Bruce Springsteen, John Legend, Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson, Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, and George Lucas—along with a lively, cheeky Tom Hanks who turned the day’s spotlight into his own punchline.
MSNBC rebranded to MS Now in November 2025.
Tom Hanks MS Now Jacob Soboroff Obama Presidential Center Chicago Barack Obama Michelle Obama MSNBC rebranded ratings