Tom Hanks’ Lookalike Brother, Jim Hanks, Recalls Having to Scream at Cows While Body Doubling in “Forrest Gump”

**Jim Hanks Reflects on His Unique Role as Tom Hanks’ Body Double in “Forrest Gump”**

In a recent podcast appearance, Jim Hanks, the younger sibling of the renowned actor Tom Hanks, shared fond memories of his experience serving as his brother’s body double in the critically acclaimed film, “Forrest Gump.” The film, released in 1994, has since become a staple of cinematic history and contributed significantly to Tom Hanks’ career, earning him a second Academy Award for Best Actor.

Speaking on the “Love it Film” podcast, Jim Hanks, who is 64 years old, recounted his time working on the project, explaining how he was often called upon to take on the physically demanding running scenes in various locations across the United States. “Essentially, if it was a running shot where you couldn’t see Tom’s face, then that was me,” Jim said light-heartedly, emphasising the instances where he stepped in for his famous sibling.

The podcast, which aired on May 15, allowed Jim to share not just insights into the filming process, but also amusing anecdotes. Reflecting on his time in Vermont, he recalled a peculiar challenge while filming: “I was running along a road, and the camera was set up across a field. Unfortunately, the cows kept staring into the lens instead of looking away,” he explained.

The crew, eager to capture the perfect shot, decided to enlist Jim’s help to divert the bovine attention. “They asked me to shout and make noise to get the cows to look at me instead,” he described. “So there I was, doing the Gump trot, yelling ‘Hey, cow! Cow!’ trying not to look like I was just shouting at the top of my lungs.”

While Jim may be known primarily as Tom’s brother, he has carved out his own niche in the industry. Apart from his work on “Forrest Gump,” he has also contributed his voice to the character of Woody in the “Toy Story” franchise and related merchandise for over three decades. This longstanding association highlights Jim’s unique position within the larger context of his brother’s illustrious career.

In a previous interview on another podcast, Jim recounted his experiences in the entertainment world during the 1980s, when he was performing stand-up comedy. He noted that he initially avoided mentioning his brother during performances. “I’d get on stage, and there would be this unspoken connection in the audience. I felt the whispers due to my close resemblance to Tom,” he shared.

After about a year of keeping his brother’s fame out of his routine, Jim eventually decided to embrace the family connection. He would often walk on stage, allowing the audience to speculate, before breaking the ice with the line: “I know what you’re thinking.” This admission would invariably lead to laughter, paving the way for him to share humorous tales about his experiences as Tom Hanks’ brother.

Although he acknowledges the challenges that come with such a significant familial relationship, Jim Hanks often expresses gratitude for the opportunities his resemblance has provided. “I feel really fortunate to have had any part of [Forrest Gump],” he reflected, expressing pride in contributing to a film that has had such a lasting impact on popular culture.

Jim Hanks’ unique role within the film industry exemplifies how family ties can create unexpected opportunities. While he has always been in his brother’s shadow, he has admirably forged his own path, showcasing his talents while celebrating the legacy of one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars.

As he continues to engage with audiences through various projects, Jim’s stories and experiences serve as a reminder of the intricate connections within the entertainment world and the special moments that come from collaboration, whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes.