Tom Hanks
Reuters

Tom Hanks swore on national television while promoting his new film “Cloud Atlas” on "Good Morning America."

While attempting a British accent, the 56-year-old actor said the f-word by accident on live television Friday morning.

The moment came after Vargas showed Hank a clip of himself in character, speaking in a British accent. Afterward, Hanks said jokingly, “The lesson to take away from that clip is ‘Don't mess with me, Liz Vargas.’”

Host Vargas then challenged the Forest Gump star to do the accent again in the studio, though Hanks warned her, “[It's] mostly swear words.”

But Vargas encouraged him to proceed, saying, “If you say it with an accent like that, they won't know.”

Yet, while Hanks recreated the accent, he accidently said the f-word, and right after saying the word, Hanks immediately expresses shock, as does host Elizabeth Vargas. Hanks quickly covers his mouth.

Vargas covers her mouth as well and leans forward in her seat, obviously in disbelief.

As Hanks looks embarrassed and fixes his mustache, Vargas plays it off and smiles, making the moment a bit less awkward for both the network and the acclaimed actor.

“We are so sorry, Good Morning America,” Vargas said immediately.

“Man, oh man, I'm sorry. I have never done that before,” Hanks said, before apologizing specifically to the younger audience.

“I want to apologize to the kids in America watching right now. And let me say the next time I'm on the show there will be a seven-second delay. ... Man oh man!”

Watch the video below: