Considering the sheer volume of male actors with brown hair and a white complexion, there are in Hollywood, it is somewhat impressive that Tom Hanks, without being the most handsome man in the world, is arguably one of the best-known movie stars in the world.
Starting his career in the 1980s, Hanks quickly dominated Hollywood with his natural charm and ability to move effortlessly between comedic and more serious, dramatic roles. It is his ability to lend himself to his role that sets him apart from the rest. He is one actor whose resume always seems to surprise people. It is easy to forget that he starred in so many blockbuster hits, and that is really part of his appeal.
After landing his first part in a low-budget slasher, He Knows You’re Alone, back in 1980, it wouldn’t be another four years until he appeared in a film again. Yet 1984’s Splash was the perfect movie to launch Hanks into public consciousness, and within a few years, the actor had landed another lead role in the beloved classic Big.
The 1990s was a fruitful decade for Hanks, who appeared in a diverse range of movies, from Sleepless in Seattle to Toy Story and Saving Private Ryan. He also won two Academy Awards, beginning with an accolade for Philadelphia in 1993 and then one for Forrest Gump the following year.
The latter movie is one of Hanks’ best-loved works, blending comedy and drama with the intention of warming viewer’s hearts. It was a major success upon its release, grossing $678million against a $55m budget. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the movie sees Hanks play a mentally disabled man who recounts tales of his life to people at a bus stop bench, with his stories placing him in some of the most significant moments in American history.
The movie has since been criticised for being incredibly patriotic and simplifying important events in American history, although, at the time, it was the highest-grossing movie of the year. Talking to The Virginian Pilot in 1996, Hanks called the movie a “phenomenon”, explaining that the “movie became bigger than any of us ever thought”.
Considering that Hanks likely sat down with his director and hoped for great things to unfurl as they attempted to hitch a ride on this wholesome movie, the sheer size of the promotion tour and the reception shocking the group is impressive in itself.
Forrest Gump launched Hanks to even bolder acclaim, establishing him as the quintessential star of the decade. However, after the overwhelming success of the film – and his subsequent roles in the hugely popular Apollo 13 and Toy Story – he needed “an antidote” to the “trophy year” he had experienced, thus choosing to star in and direct That Thing You Do!
The actor added: “I spent a full year celebrating [Forrest Gump], going around the world talking about myself and accepting awards. It was during that time that I started writing this script [for That Thing you Do!]. It really isn’t very interesting talking about yourself. You learn more when you get your ass kicked than when you’re doing well.”
That Thing You Do! was well-received, although – much to Hanks’ relief – it failed to become a hit on the same level as Forrest Gump. Still, the movie earned a ‘Best Original Song’ nomination at the Academy Awards and grossed $34.6m. However, it wouldn’t be long before Hanks was back starring in more major hits, such as Saving Private Ryan, Toy Story 2 and The Green Mile.
In truth, it will be hard for Hanks to replicate the success of Forrest Gump. Not monetarily. In fact, a whole host of Hanks’ pictures have beaten it at the box office. But the picture is undoubtedly one of the most adored from his collection, has encouraged countless cult fandoms and created a cultural language all of its own. In this regard, things will likely never get bigger than the “phenomenon” Forrest Gump.
