Tom Hanks, a legendary actor, has earned his reputation for immense talent, versatility, and captivating screen presence. Throughout his career spanning decades, he has showcased exceptional performances in a diverse array of genres, from heartwarming dramas like Forrest Gump and Philadelphia to thrilling adventures like Cast Away and Saving Private Ryan.
Hanks’ remarkable talent in portraying characters with depth and authenticity has garnered him critical acclaim, numerous prestigious awards, and a special place in the hearts of audiences worldwide. In addition to his acting prowess, he is highly regarded for his humility, kindness, and philanthropic endeavors, making him a cherished and admired figure both within the entertainment industry and beyond. However, the actor once had to defend his role.
Tom Hanks Won An Academy Award For His Role
Tom Hanks, who received an Oscar for his portrayal of a gay man with AIDS in the movie Philadelphia (1993), revealed in an interview with The New York Times Magazine that he wouldn’t take on a queer storyline if presented with one today.
“Let’s address ‘could a straight man do what I did in “Philadelphia” now?’ No, and rightly so,” Hanks said at the time. “The whole point of ‘Philadelphia’ was don’t be afraid. One of the reasons people weren’t afraid of that movie is that I was playing a gay man. We’re beyond that now, and I don’t think people would accept the inauthenticity of a straight guy playing a gay guy.”
In addition, he expressed that demanding more authenticity in movies in the modern context is not a crime or a negative thing. Hanks believes it’s reasonable for audiences to expect increased representation and genuine portrayals in today’s films.
“It’s not a crime, it’s not boohoo, that someone would say we are going to demand more of a movie in the modern realm of authenticity.”
Tom Hanks Did Extreme Measures To Prepare For Another Role
On June 30, 1995, the movie Apollo 13, directed by Ron Howard, was released. Tom Hanks took on the role of American astronaut Jim Lovell, while Bill Paxton portrayed Fred Haise, and Ed Harris appeared as Gene Kranz. During the filming, the cast and crew experienced 13 days of weightlessness to accurately depict the space environment. Reflecting on the shooting experience, the 67-year-old actor shared his thoughts.
“All the blood goes into your head, and it feels like when you’re on a Rock-O-Plane at the amusement park, it just feels like you’ve got spun upside down. Then you realize, oh, I guess this is weightlessness.”
In an interview, Tom Hanks revealed that he kept the helmet and pressure suit from the filming of Apollo 13 as souvenirs. The actor fondly shared that he took home many mementos from the sets of the movie as well.
Philadelphia is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Source: Indiewire
