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Tom Hanks is probably one of the most well-known actors still working in Hollywood today. With roles in films like Forrest Gump, Castaway, and Saving Private Ryan, Hanks has taken cinema-goers into his characters and beyond.
If your a Hanks-lover like basically everyone is, here are a few facts you may find interesting about the man himself!
Photo Credit: Twitter, @realforrestgump
10. How about an IOU?
Forrest Gump is probably his most famous role, winning him an Oscar. The film made over $680 million dollars, but Tom refused to take his money upfront. He was so confident in the film that he risked his own payout by signing the contract as payment in percentage points based on the film’s gross. The gamble paid off – he earned $40 million!
9. He’s hardly peaked.
He was the youngest recipient of the American Film Institute’s LIFE Achievement award! I’m sure other actors felt under-accomplished.
Photo Credit: Twitter @realforrestgump
8. That makes sense, I reckon
Michael Connor, who played the young Forrest Gump, had such a remarkable southern accent that Hanks decided to imitate it for his role.
7. Show me all the money!
Hanks is the third highest grossing actor of all time, capping out currently at a cool $9 billion! Samuel Jackson and Harrison Ford take the gold and silver medals, respectively – and just behind Hanks? “God” himself, Morgan Freeman.
Photo Credit: Pinterest, @brotherted
6. It is really a problem?
The famous Apollo 13 line, “Houston we have a problem” was supposed to be said by Kevin Bacon (Jack Swigert) as “Houston, we’ve had a problem, here” followed up by Hanks (Jim Lovell) confirmation “Uh, Houston, we’ve had a problem.” Hanks changed the tense of the line, showing urgency because, well, he’s that good.
5. I am the Captain now…and forever
Talk about typecast. Hanks has taken on the role of a captain in several films, including Apollo 13, Saving Private Ryan, Captain Phillips, and Sully.
4. Converting for love
Before his marriage to actress Rita Wilson, Hanks converted to Greek Orthodox for her.
Photo Credit: Whale Oil
3. Networking
Ron Howard was so impressed by Hanks’ performance in Bosom Buddies, he offered Hanks the leading role in Splash.
2. Never try this at home
Hanks lost a whopping 55 pounds in 3 months for his role in Castaway! Such extreme and rapid weight loss is not recommended by doctors, but Hanks thought it was important for adding a realistic edge to the character.
Photo Credit: The Comeback
1. Live from New York, It’s Saturday Night!
Being a host once on Saturday Night Live is an honor for actors, but Hanks has done it 8 times! He’s a member of the show’s Five-Timers Club along with Alec Baldwin, John Goodman, and Danny DeVito.
