As an executive producer on “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” Hanks isn’t just lending his name — he played a direct role in shaping the two-part documentary that explores Joel’s decades-long career, his rise to fame, and the music that made him a legend.
Co-executive producer Steve Cohen, a longtime friend of Joel’s, explained Hanks’ importance in an interview with Parade on Friday, July 25.
“The movie industry is all weighted around people with experiences,” he told the outlet. “And I think Tom’s curiosity about Billy Joel was kind of on par with [director] Susan [Lacy’s] in the initial thing.”
He added, “He knew the top line story about Billy, and I think where Tom’s involvement was important was in his selection of Susan Lacy, because he’s got a great deal of history with her and knew that as executive producer, if he recommended the person to tell that story, that’s just about as big a brush stroke as you can do in a situation like this. So, I’m very grateful.”
Lacy’s direction allowed unprecedented access to Joel’s archives, interviews, and personal reflections. The film also features appearances from Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Pink, Nas, and others, giving fans a wide-ranging view of the Piano Man’s influence.
“And So It Goes” premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June and aired on HBO Max in two parts.
The documentary’s release comes as Joel faces a personal challenge.
In May 2025, the “New York State of Mind” singer revealed that he’d been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus — a treatable brain condition caused by fluid buildup that can affect balance, coordination, and memory.
He was forced to cancel upcoming performances. The 76-year-old opened up in a recent interview with Bill Maher about his current health.
“My balance sucks,” Joel told Maher. “It’s like being on a boat.”
“I feel good,” Joel added. “They keep referring to what I have as a brain disorder, so it sounds a lot worse than what I’m feeling.”
Prior to Joel’s interview, the director of the new doc briefly spoke out about Joel’s health.
“He’s doing physical therapy, he’s healing, he’s working on getting better,” Lacy said.
She mainly discussed the new documentary that gives fans a rare glimpse into the highs and lows over the course of Joel’s personal life and career.
“He’s a savant, and music saved his life,” Lacy added.
She also spoke with The Hollywood Reporter and revealed what Joel said to her before they made the documentary.
“He actually said to me, ‘It’s not my film, it’s yours. The only thing I ask is tell the truth. Just tell the truth,'” she said. “And he came to the table with that, and I did about 10 very long interviews with him, and he delivered.”
