Aussie typewriter repairer's surprising letter from Hollywood superstar
One of the last remaining typewriter repairers said he's "thrilled to bits" after an encouraging letter arrived out of the blue from Hollywood superstar Tom Hanks.
"All of a sudden I received a letter from Tom Hanks. I was amazed. I couldn't believe it," Tom Koska told A Current Affair.
For more than 50 years Koska has serviced typewriters in the Melbourne area.
For more than 50 years Tom Koska has serviced typewriters in the Melbourne area. A Current Affair
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Hanks also has a passion for the machines.
"Dear Tom," Hanks wrote.
"Word has reached the shores of the USA of your shop, of your servicing of typewriters and the Down Under type-o-verse. Good on you, mate.
Hollywood superstar Tom Hanks. A Current Affair
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"I hope to return to your island nation and, if possible, your neck of the woods.
"When I do, I will find your shop and pick out a gem, made perfect and workable by you."
The signed letter concluded: "Until then, throw deep. Tom Hanks."
Tom Koska got a letter from Tom Hanks. A Current Affair
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"Can you imagine my surprise? I think (Hanks) is magnificent," Koska said.
Koska's life story is as interesting as any of Hanks' films.
The 79-year-old grew up in the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia where he learned his craft as a typewriter repairer.
Tom Koska is one of the last remaining typewriter repairers. A Current Affair
In the 1960s, Koska was conscripted into the army. He and a friend fled across a mountain range on foot and made it to Austria.
Koska was later reunited with his young family and headed for a new life in Australia.
"In 1966 we came over here," Koska said.
Tom Koska. A Current Affair
"I started working for Specialty Typewriter at the time.
"I couldn't speak a word of English, but fortunately the foreman at Specialty Typewriter at the time was a former Yugoslav.
"I think this is the best country in the world; I call it my new home.
"Now I'm a fair dinkum Aussie."
Tom Koska opened his own store in the Melbourne suburb of Carlton before moving to his current location in the mid-1980s. A Current Affair
Koska opened his own store in the Melbourne suburb of Carlton before moving to his current location in the mid-1980s.
He has been working on typewriters for more than 50 years and said he doesn't plan to stop anytime soon.
"I love typewriters and I love my job," Koska said.
"If I'm healthy, I intend to work until the end."
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