When Greece’s worst wildfire ripped through a region east of Athens killing 102 and injuring another 172 people in 2018 it was recorded as the second-deadliest wildfire event in the 21st century, after the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires in Australia.
The flames were so intense that they trapped and burned people inside their homes and cars. Over 700 residents were evacuated or rescued and more than 4000 residents were affected by the wildfires.
Rita Wilson, an actress and producer with Greek and Bulgarian ancestry and her Oscar-winning husband Tom Hanks were quick to help raise funds for the victims of the wildfire.
Greece’s Interior Minister Takis Theodorikakos said Hanks “showed real interest in the people who suffered from the fire in Mati and promoted this issue in the global media”.
In recognition of their assistance Greece offered citizenship to Hanks, Wilson and their two children, which they happily accepted.
Hanks and Wilson have a strong connection to Greece, having a frequently visited holiday home on Antiparos.
Hanks also expressed his admiration for Greece when appearing at the Golden Globes saying, “I’ve been Hellenic now for the better part of 32 years.”
“Greece is a haven… I’ve been around the world, I’ve been to the most beautiful places in the world, none of them tops Greece. The land, the sky, the water, it’s good for the soul, it’s a healing place.”
