Have you ever wondered what it's like to be the spitting image of a Hollywood legend? Well, Jim Hanks, the younger brother of Tom Hanks, has been living that reality for decades. In a recent podcast appearance, Jim shared some hilarious and fascinating insights into his unique career as a body double for his famous brother.
The Hanks Brothers: A Tale of Two Actors
Jim Hanks, at 64, has carved out a niche in the entertainment industry thanks to his uncanny resemblance to his older brother, Tom. This physical similarity has led to some interesting opportunities, including serving as Tom's body double in iconic films like Forrest Gump.
Running with Gump
During his chat on the Love It Film podcast, Jim recounted his experiences on the set of Forrest Gump, where he doubled for Tom in various running scenes. He explained that whenever Tom's face wasn't visible, it was likely him running across the screen. Jim's involvement in the film was extensive, with shoots in multiple states, including Montana, New Hampshire, and North Carolina.
The Cow-Screaming Incident
One particularly amusing anecdote from Jim's time on the Forrest Gump set involved a scene in Vermont. The production team faced a unique challenge when cows on a nearby field kept looking at the camera instead of the actor. To solve this issue, they asked Jim to scream and whoop as he ran, essentially distracting the cows from the camera crew. Jim described the experience, saying, "I'm running like, 'Hey, cow! Cow!' I'm trying not to look like I'm just screaming at the top of my voice as I'm doing the Gump trot."
Beyond Forrest Gump
Jim's work as a body double for Tom isn't limited to Forrest Gump. He has also stood in for Tom as Woody in the Toy Story franchise, a role he's held for over 30 years. This long-term commitment to the character showcases the trust and respect between the brothers, as well as Jim's dedication to his craft.
Stand-Up and the Tom Hanks Effect
Jim's career path has taken some interesting turns, including a stint in stand-up comedy in the 1980s. He shared that performing stand-up with his brother's famous face was a challenge, as the audience's curiosity about his relation to Tom was always palpable. Jim initially avoided mentioning his brother in his routines, but eventually, he decided to embrace the elephant in the room. He would stand silently on stage for a few moments, letting the audience speculate, before delivering his opening line: "I know what you're thinking."
This clever approach not only acknowledged the audience's curiosity but also set the tone for a unique and entertaining set, showcasing Jim's ability to navigate the shadow of his famous brother with humor and grace.
A Unique Perspective
Jim Hanks' story offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of body doubling and the unique challenges and opportunities it presents. From screaming at cows to navigating the spotlight's glare, Jim's career has been anything but ordinary. His experiences highlight the often-overlooked roles that contribute to the magic of cinema, and the dedication and talent required to pull them off seamlessly.
So, the next time you watch Forrest Gump or any other film featuring Tom Hanks, remember the hard work and dedication of his lookalike brother, Jim, who helped bring those scenes to life.
