SUMMARY
  • Forrest Gump has managed to be one of the classic American movies ever made.
  • After bagging the Best Actor Oscar for Forrest Gump, Tom Hanks' career was catapulted to heights he never envisaged.
  • More key actors from the movie including Robin Wright and Haley Joel Osment furthered in their career after Forrest Gump.

It’s been 30 years since the audience was swept off their feet by a wondrous movie like Forrest Gump. Not only were the actors exceptionally talented, but the entire narrative was able to ignite deeper emotions in the viewers. The Oscar-winning movie has been remade a few times, but nothing retains the magic like the original flick.

Forrest Gump still remains on top of most people’s watchlist and recommendations because it interweaves the political and social climate of the country at that time and gives people an overview of the nation’s history. The cast of Forrest Gump was truly instrumental in bringing the emotions of the movie alive. Here’s what they are doing now.

Tom Hanks played Forrest Gump

Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump
Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump | Credits: Paramount Pictures

The titular character was brought to life by Tom Hanks who was still finding his footing back in the day. Look at the actor now, with hundreds of movies to his name and considered to be one of the top actors in the industry. After bagging his second Best Actor Oscar for Forrest Gump, Hanks’ career was catapulted to heights he never envisaged.

He moved on to do varied roles in drama movies and even romantic comedies since his charming good looks were enough to make any woman fall for him. Hanks has famously voiced Woody in the Toy Story franchise, making him a beloved actor across generations.

Poetically, his upcoming project is with Robert Zemeckis, the director of Forrest Gump, and Robin Wright, his co-star, who are all coming together to create a beautiful cinematic journey through time. Titled Here, it will feature many interconnected stories that make a family feel all the emotions.

Robin Wright played Jenny Curran

Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright in House of Cards | Credits: Netflix
Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright in House of Cards | Credits: Netflix

Gump’s love interest in the movie, Jenny Curran, is played by actress Robin Wright. Jenny and Gump are childhood friends who eventually become lovers and get married. Their love story is at the heart of the narrative that drives him to further his boundaries.

Wright has not slowed down in her career quest as she went on to do more projects like Beowulf, Moneyball, Wonder Woman, Blade Runner 2049, Wonder Woman 1984, and Devil’s Peak. Her most recent and notable work is in House of Cards where she leads the pack as Claire Underwood, receiving many Emmy nods for the same.

Sally Field played Mrs. Gump

Sally Field in The Amazing Spider Man
Sally Field in The Amazing Spider-Man | Credits: Sony Pictures

Before playing Aunt May in Andrew Garfield’s The Amazing Spider-Man movies, Sally Field played Gump’s mother in Forrest Gump. A source of wisdom and encouragement throughout the movie, Field epitomizes the motherly trope with her heartwarming portrayal, offering just the love and support Gump needs.

The 77-year-old actress chooses to focus on more social issues now and works as an activist to raise awareness on bone health as well as support the LGBTQ+ community. After spending six decades in the industry and winning numerous awards, Field remains one of the most revered and well-liked people in the industry.

Gary Sinise played Lieutenant Dan Taylor

Gary Sinise in Forrest Gump | Credits: Paramount Pictures
Gary Sinise in Forrest Gump | Credits: Paramount Pictures

On his journey, Gump meets many colorful characters whose stories make him learn something. When he meets Lieutenant Dan Taylor played by Gary Sinise, the interaction between the two is authentic yet contrasting. While Gump finds life breezy and easy, Taylor’s character suffers throughout with his legs chopped off and the aftermath of war taking a toll on his health.

Sinise excelled in playing the role with his moving dialogues and heartbreaking emotions. Hanks and Sinise have worked together twice after Forrest Gump in Apollo 13 and The Green Mile. The actor has established a foundation for the defenders of the country while maintaining his long-spanning Hollywood career.

Haley Joel Osment played Forrest Junior

Haley Joel Osment as Forrest Jr | Credits: Paramount Pictures
Haley Joel Osment as Forrest Jr | Credits: Paramount Pictures

We may have seen Haley Joel Osment in many projects since, but Forrest Gump perhaps holds a special place in the actor’s heart since it marked his debut in cinema. The casting director found him adorable in a commercial and hence decided to bring him on board to play Gump’s son towards the end of the movie.

Osment went on to do another widely successful movie The Sixth Sense with Bruce Willis which further strengthened his place in Hollywood and even earned him an Oscar nomination. The actor will next be seen in Tim Burton’s Wednesday season 2.

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