Bruce Dern Says He Gave Tom Hanks Advice on Long-Distance Running While Hanks Trained for “Forrest Gump”

**Bruce Dern Reflects on Running Advice to Tom Hanks in New Documentary ‘Dernsie’**

Veteran actor Bruce Dern, aged 89, is gaining attention for his candid recollections about his time with Tom Hanks during the 1989 filming of *The ‘Burbs*. In a new documentary titled *Dernsie: The Amazing Life of Bruce Dern*, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20, Dern reveals the valuable advice he shared with Hanks as the latter prepared for his iconic role in the 1994 film *Forrest Gump*.

During the course of filming *The ‘Burbs*, Dern and Hanks would often train together, running on the nearby Coast Highway. Dern noted that they were neighbours, with Hanks living just four doors down the street. In the documentary, Dern recounts their running sessions, saying, “Several days he and I went on the Coast Highway to take a run.” His fondness for running is well documented, as he has dedicated a significant portion of his life to the sport.

Laura Dern, Bruce’s daughter, also makes an appearance in the documentary, reflecting on her father’s lifelong dedication to running. She mentions that he has been known to run between 10 to 12 miles a day, underscoring his prowess and passion for the activity. During one of their runs, however, Bruce noticed that Hanks was struggling and momentarily out of breath after just half a mile. This prompted Bruce to question Hanks about his running experience.

“I got in a little argument with [Tom] one time because we’d gone just over a half mile and he was out of breath and had to stop,” Bruce reminisces. “I said, ‘Hold on a second. Have you ever run this far?’” Hanks responded, “Yeah, I run. I’m training for this movie.” Their conversation then shifted focus to the demands of Hanks’s character in *Forrest Gump*, whose journey involves running vast distances across the United States.

Dern recalls advising Hanks to slow down, explaining, “Just slow down. It’s about hanging in there and forwardly moving constantly without stopping.” This advice, it turned out, was not just helpful for Hanks but also echoed the essence of Gump’s character, who is portrayed as a relentless runner, breaking world records and inspiring those around him.

*Forrest Gump* ultimately contributed significantly to Hanks’s acting career, earning him a second successive Academy Award for Best Actor, following his win for *Philadelphia* in 1993. The film is renowned for its memorable narrative and iconic scenes, particularly those featuring Hanks’s character running across America.

In the broader context of Dern’s life, running has always played a pivotal role, distinguishing him not only as an actor but as a dedicated athlete. He has participated in hundreds of marathons, meticulously tracking his times since childhood. Laura boasts, “Honestly, I think my dad is a runner first and then an actor.” This admiration for his work ethic is evident as she describes how he maintained such impressive running routines, despite lengthy breaks in his acting career.

As *Dernsie* explores Dern’s multifaceted life, it celebrates not only his successes as an actor but also his unwavering commitment to the sport of running. The documentary serves as a testimony to the rich experiences Dern has had throughout his life, including his personal influence on one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors.

With its blend of personal anecdotes and reflections on the art of performance, *Dernsie* offers unique insights into both Bruce Dern and Tom Hanks, showcasing how their paths intertwined during pivotal moments in their careers. Through this documentary, audiences are invited to appreciate the importance of mentorship, the strength of friendship, and the rewarding nature of physical endurance in the pursuit of one’s artistic goals.