Tom Hanks surprised to learn Woody’s full name after 30 years of voicing character

Tom Hanks reacted with surprise after discovering 'Toy Story' Woody’s surname, Pride, was established in 1995

Tom Hanks has revealed he was unaware that Toy Story character Woody had a surname, despite voicing the cowboy doll for three decades.

The actor’s reaction emerged during a recent interview while promoting Toy Story 5, when he was informed that Woody’s full name is Woody Pride.

The revelation appeared to catch Hanks completely off guard, prompting a humorous exchange about the long-running Pixar character.

When told that Woody had a surname, Hanks initially guessed that it might be “The Sheriff”.

“I had no idea. ‘The Sheriff?’ What?” he said.

After learning that the character’s surname is Pride, Hanks expressed further surprise, adding, “How did they find this out? I play the guy! And I didn't realize I had a surname.”

According to information referenced in the discussion, Woody’s surname was not a recent addition to the franchise.

Toy Story 3 director Lee Unkrich previously stated that the name Woody Pride had been established during the development of the original Toy Story in 1995.

The conversation also touched on another detail from the franchise: Jessie’s surname is reportedly Pride as well. That fact has fuelled fan theories for years about a possible family connection between the two characters.

Fellow Toy Story star Tim Allen noted that he had seen online speculation suggesting Woody and Jessie could be siblings. Hanks, however, appeared less enthusiastic about that possibility.

“Boing! No! Distant cousins, please. Ple-e-e-ease,” he joked.

The exchange has attracted attention from Toy Story fans, many of whom were similarly unaware that Woody had an established surname despite the character’s decades-long presence in popular culture.