Tom Hanks is one of the most respected actors in Hollywood. He has played a wide range of characters throughout his career, but perhaps none are as iconic as his portrayal of Forrest Gump in the 1994 film of the same name. We’ll explore how old Tom Hanks was when he played Forrest Gump, as well as some other interesting facts about the movie.
Who is Tom Hanks?
Tom Hanks was born on July 9, 1956, in Concord, California. He began his acting career in the late 1970s and quickly became known for his likable, everyman persona. Over the years, he has won countless awards for his work in film and television, including two Academy Awards for Best Actor.
| Name | Birthdate | Birthplace | Occupation | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Hanks | July 9, 1956 | Concord, California, United States | Actor, filmmaker, producer, writer | Forrest Gump, Cast Away, Saving Private Ryan, Toy Story, Philadelphia |
| Education | ||||
| California State University, Sacramento | Sacramento, California, United States | Attended 1974–1975 | ||
| Chabot College | Hayward, California, United States | Attended 1974–1975 | ||
| Awards | ||||
| Academy Awards | Best Actor (1994, 1995) | |||
| Golden Globe Awards | Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama (1994, 2000), Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (1989, 1993) | |||
| Emmy Awards | Executive Producer of Outstanding Miniseries (2010), Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special (2010) | |||
| Spouse | ||||
| Samantha Lewes (m. 1978; div. 1987) | ||||
| Rita Wilson (m. 1988) | ||||
| Children | ||||
| Colin Hanks | November 24, 1977 | Sacramento, California, United States | Actor, director | |
| Elizabeth Hanks | May 17, 1982 | Los Angeles, California, United States | Writer, actor |
What is Forrest Gump?
Forrest Gump is a 1994 movie directed by Robert Zemeckis. It tells the story of Forrest Gump, a slow-witted but kind-hearted man from Alabama who witnesses and participates in some of the most significant events of the 20th century. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Winston Groom.
How old was Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump?
Tom Hanks was 38 years old when he played Forrest Gump in the 1994 film. He was born on July 9, 1956, and the movie was releas on July 6, 1994.
Tom Hanks’ transformation into Forrest Gump
Tom Hanks’ performance as Forrest Gump is widely regarded as one of the best of his career. In order to fully embody the character, Hanks had to undergo a significant physical transformation, including losing weight and getting a haircut. He also spent a lot of time studying people with mental disabilities in order to accurately portray Forrest’s unique perspective on the world.
The impact of Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump was a massive success both critically and commercially. It grossed over $677 million at the box office and won numerous awards, including six Oscars. The movie has had a lasting impact on popular culture and remains a beloved classic.
How long did it take to make Forrest Gump?
The production of Forrest Gump lasted for over a year, from August 1993 to December 1994. The movie was film on location in various parts of the United States, including Georgia, South Carolina, and California.
How many Oscars did Forrest Gump win?
Forrest Gump won six Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Tom Hanks. It also won awards for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Visual Effects, and Best Film Editing.
Why is Forrest Gump considered a classic film?
Forrest Gump is considered a classic film because of its engaging story, memorable characters, and outstanding performances by its cast. The movie has a timeless quality to it that has resonated with audiences for nearly 30 years. It also tackled a range of social and political issues in a thoughtful and nuanced way, including the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, and the rise of counterculture.
| Movie Title | Year Released | Tom Hanks’ Age at Release | Character Name | Director | Box Office Gross |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forrest Gump | 1994 | 38 | Forrest Gump | Robert Zemeckis | $677.4 million |
Conclusion
Tom Hanks was 38 years old when he played Forrest Gump in the 1994 movie. His performance as the titular character remains one of the most iconic in movie history and helped to cement his status as one of the greatest actors of his generation. Forrest Gump itself is a timeless classic that has had a lasting impact on popular culture and continues to be beloved by audiences all over the world.