Tom Hanks, being an actor of substance, has always had a heavy responsibility on his shoulders to carry a movie that focuses majorly on the character’s ability to persevere in tough situations.
Winning two consecutive Academy Awards for best actor – one for Philadelphia (1993) which he starred in alongside the legend Denzel Washington, and the other for being the slow-witted yet highly optimistic Forest Gump (1994) – everybody knows him.
Both films developed Hanks’ image as a guy who is resilient and can inspire a lot of people along his journey of facing challenges. He has been riding on that wagon ever since.
Just a year prior to Philadelphia, Tom Hanks had the opportunity to work alongside another legend, the queen of pop – Madonna. Sharing the screen with an icon like her, Hanks couldn’t figure how the experience would be like.
Madonna’s Intriguing Arrival On The Sets Of This $132m Film
Playing as the grumpy coach of the all-women baseball team, Tom Hanks felt utterly confused on the sets of A League of Their Own (1992) when the pop sensation arrived to play as a team member.
Mae Mordabito suited Madonna in more ways than one. Being in a high profile and glitzy music industry, she was able to capture a troubled off-the-field individual, yet a fantastic performer on the field.
Her potential to act was under intense scrutiny by the actors according to Hanks, as nobody knew what to expect from her.
Director Penny Marshall’s decision to cast Madonna turned out to be fruitful eventually when her co-stars witnessed her ability to be incredibly neat with her character.
Tom Hanks Thought Madonna Had A Distinct Personality
During the premiere of the film, everyone in Hollywood and the media wanted to know about his experience working in the film and sharing the screen with Madonna.
Entertainment Tonight was fortunate enough to get some answers out of the actor.
“No one knew what to expect from the world’s most recognizable, popular cultural icon. She just kind of showed up, and had a distinct personality and that’s kind of interesting to get used to,” recalled Hanks. “I did end up liking her. I thought she was neat. I thought she was cool.”
The film, even though it started with a major hiccup as the leading lady Debra Winger left the lead role fearing the film would become a pop-star biopic, ended up being a classic. Even with a non-substantial role, Hanks thoroughly enjoyed his time in the film.
Tom Hanks recently appeared in Wes Anderson’s comedy-drama Asteroid City, alongside Scarlett Johansson – released on May 23, this year.
Source: ET Online
