Tom Hanks’ Younger Brother Jim Hanks Fills in as the Voice of “Toy Story”’s Woody When the Oscar Winner Can’t

**Jim Hanks: The Lesser-Known Voice Behind Woody and the Running Double in ‘Forrest Gump’**

Actor Jim Hanks, the younger brother of acclaimed star Tom Hanks, has carved out his own niche in the entertainment industry, particularly through his association with the beloved character Woody from the Toy Story franchise. While many will recognise Tom Hanks as the primary voice of Woody in the animated films, Jim has lent his voice to the character in various other projects, showcasing his own talents.

In a recent interview on the Love It podcast, released on May 15, Jim Hanks, 64, spoke candidly about his experiences voicing Woody for toys, video games, and theme park attractions when his brother is unavailable. “The first thing I ever did was one of the pull-string toys from the original film, where he says lines like, ‘You’re my favourite deputy’ and ‘There’s a snake in my boot,'” Jim recounted. He noted that the original recordings had undergone significant processing, necessitating the need for a clearer version.

Jim expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he receives to voice Woody. He emphasised his commitment to maintaining the character’s essence, aiming to ensure that he aligns closely with Tom’s interpretation. “I try to stay as true to the character as possible,” he stated, highlighting his respect for his brother’s iconic portrayal. However, he also mentioned that he incorporates a touch of his own personality, particularly when voicing Woody for Disney’s Midway Mania ride at California Adventure Park. In this instance, Jim suggested Woody adopt a “favourite teacher” persona, drawing on his observations of how Tom interacts with his own children.

In addition to his vocal contributions to the Toy Story franchise, Jim Hanks is perhaps best known for his role as a body double for Tom in the award-winning film Forrest Gump. Released in 1994, the film features a series of iconic running scenes that saw Jim filling in for Tom when his face was not visible. “If you can’t see his face, it’s me. If you can see his face, it’s obviously him,” Jim explained. Reflecting on his involvement in the film, he remarked how fortunate he felt to have contributed to such a beloved story, recalling travels to various filming locations including Montana, New Hampshire, and North Carolina.

Yet, the challenges of being a double become amusingly clear as Jim recounted one particular incident while filming in Vermont. “I was running along a road, and the camera was on the other side of this field, but the cows kept looking at the camera,” he said. The crew had to devise a plan to redirect the cows’ attention, prompting Jim to yell and wave to them while maintaining his running form. “I was trying not to look like I was just screaming at the top of my voice as I did the Gump trot,” he added, capturing the light-hearted difficulty of his role.

Tom Hanks received widespread acclaim for his performance in Forrest Gump, ultimately winning his second Oscar for Best Actor. While Jim’s contributions have been behind the scenes, he has also experienced his own acting journey, including a role as Jeeter Buford in the 1993 film Buford’s Beach Bunnies, under the stage name Jim Matthews. Additionally, he runs a production company called Feet First Films, highlighting his multifaceted career in the industry.

The Hanks family is not just defined by its Hollywood connections; Jim and Tom share a brother, Larry, who has made a name for himself as an entomology professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, earning accolades for his work in the field. Their sister, Sandra, has explored various careers, including writing and hosting a radio show, and she has resided in Italy since at least 2020.

As Jim Hanks continues to embrace his involvement with Woody and his various acting ventures, his contributions remind audiences that there are often untold stories behind the scenes of beloved films. While Tom may be the household name, Jim has certainly added his own layer to the Hanks legacy, forever linked to the beloved character of Woody.