Chet Hanks, son of Hollywood legends Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks, received some valuable basketball tips from fellow actor Woody Harrelson before taking on his role as point guard Travis Bugg in the Netflix series Running Point. The 34-year-old actor shared this interesting anecdote during his debut on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on March 12. He revealed that he had initially reached out to Matthew McConaughey in an attempt to get in touch with Harrelson for some advice. However, it took a while before he finally received a response from the elusive Harrelson, who apparently does not use a phone.
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Harrelson, known for his portrayal of former college basketball player Billy Hoyle in the 1992 film White Men Can’t Jump, does not believe in being readily available and prefers to live a phone-free life in Hawaii. Hanks expressed his respect for Harrelson’s lifestyle choice and was surprised when Harrelson eventually reached out to him through an obscure email. This unconventional communication method led to a conversation where Harrelson shared some insightful basketball pointers with Hanks.
Despite admitting that he is not particularly skilled at basketball, Hanks valued the advice given by the experienced Harrelson. The son of two Hollywood icons found Harrelson to be genuinely helpful and knowledgeable about the sport. He jokingly mentioned that he tried to incorporate Harrelson’s advice by carrying a basketball with him during his daily routines for a few days leading up to filming Running Point.
Running Point, a Netflix series inspired by Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, follows the story of Isla Gordon, played by Kate Hudson, as she takes over her family’s basketball team, the Los Angeles Waves. The show, which features a star-studded cast including Brenda Song, Drew Tarver, and Jay Ellis, portrays Gordon’s journey as she aims to prove herself in a male-dominated industry. Created by Elaine Ko, Mindy Kaling, Ike Barinholtz, and David Stassen, Running Point has been praised for its engaging storyline and diverse characters.
Hanks’ appearance on the Tonight Show also marked a reunion with Jimmy Fallon, whom he had met years ago on the set of the 2001 war drama Band of Brothers. Recalling his lack of basketball prowess, Hanks humorously admitted to Fallon that he struggles with the sport and was not confident about his abilities on the court. However, his dedication to the role and the guidance he received from Harrelson helped him portray the character of Travis Bugg convincingly.
Running Point, now available for streaming on Netflix, has received positive reviews from viewers and critics alike. The series not only entertains audiences with its basketball-themed drama but also sheds light on important themes such as gender equality and perseverance in the face of challenges. With its talented cast and engaging plotline, Running Point continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
In conclusion, Chet Hanks’ experience seeking advice from Woody Harrelson for his role in Running Point highlights the camaraderie and support among actors in the industry. The exchange of tips and insights between the two performers showcases the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the dedication required to bring a character to life on screen. As Running Point gains popularity on Netflix, audiences can appreciate the hard work and preparation that went into creating this compelling and dynamic series.