Ron Howard Says Tom Hanks’ Impression of Him Is So Good He Sometimes Imitates It Himself (Exclusive)

Exclusive: Ron Howard Reveals Tom Hanks’ Impression is so Spot-On, He Mimics it Himself

In a recent exclusive interview with PEOPLE, legendary director Ron Howard opened up about the uncanny impression his close friend and frequent collaborator, Tom Hanks, does of him. The 71-year-old director shared that the impression originated during a David Letterman appearance and has since become a favourite amongst their circle. Howard explained, “Now, I get kind of excited on a set, and I don’t always finish my sentences completely. I’m pretty energised and I talk with my hands.”

He further mentioned, “So Tom does this — I don’t think it’s a very accurate impression. But it’s me saying, ‘Alright now. Okay, that’s good. Alright, that’s good. But now the next time you try it, how about if you were upside down? What if we just flipped it?’ He goes even crazier. But now sometimes I find that when I’m even directing Tom, I wind up doing his version of me directing him, instead of just being me. I don’t know what that’s all about.”

The key element to nailing the Ron Howard impression, according to Hanks, is to repeat phrases like ‘Okay! Okay! That’s good! That’s good…’ This playful dynamic between the two Hollywood icons has been a part of their friendship which has spanned over four decades. Their collaborations include popular films like Apollo 13, Splash, and The Da Vinci Code trilogy.

As Howard’s latest project, ‘Eden’, hits the screens, a true-life survival thriller set in the 1930s on a remote island in the Galapagos, his passion for storytelling shines through. Hanks shared, “Ron gathers us all to work on the script, the beats, the characters and the theme of the story, then shoots! shoots! shoots! It’s an intensive approach to getting every shot and angle and moment possible.”

Despite their long-standing professional relationship, the playful banter doesn’t stop with Hanks impersonating Howard. The director joked, “I just… ‘Mmm, so let me get this straight.’ He gets this imperious kind of a look and then he is, ‘Fine, fine, fine, whatever you want. Roll it. Here we go.’ He’s great to direct.”

For more insights into Ron Howard’s illustrious career and fascinating anecdotes, grab a copy of this week’s PEOPLE magazine. The camaraderie between Ron Howard and Tom Hanks is a testament to a friendship that transcends the silver screen, showcasing a bond that is as enduring as it is entertaining.

Howard’s immersive storytelling and Hanks’ versatile acting have not only produced cinematic gems but also inspired generations of film enthusiasts. Their collaborative spirit continues to captivate audiences worldwide, making them a formidable duo in the realm of cinema.