The Magic of ‘Big’
The year was 1988. The world was introduced to a heartwarming and hilarious tale of a young boy who makes a wish and wakes up in the body of a grown man. That movie was “Big,” and it catapulted Tom Hanks into the realm of A-list stardom. The film resonated with audiences of all ages, becoming a cultural phenomenon that continues to be cherished today. But behind the magic of “Big,” many wonder about the man who so convincingly portrayed a child trapped in an adult’s physique. This article delves into the fascinating details of the production and, most importantly, answers the question on everyone’s mind: How old was Tom Hanks during the filming of “Big”?
Released in June of 1988, “Big” tells the story of Josh Baskin, a twelve-year-old boy frustrated by his age. After being denied a ride at a carnival due to his height, he stumbles upon an antique Zoltar Speaks fortune-telling machine. In a moment of youthful rebellion, he wishes to be “big.” The next morning, Josh wakes up in the body of a fully grown man. Scared and confused, he seeks out his best friend, Billy Kopeche, who helps him navigate this strange new reality.
The film’s charm lies in its ability to capture the wonder and innocence of childhood, juxtaposed with the complexities and responsibilities of adulthood. Josh’s naivete and genuine reactions to adult situations are both comical and touching.
“Big” wasn’t just a feel-good movie; it was a critical and commercial triumph. It garnered widespread acclaim for its original concept, witty script, and, of course, Tom Hanks’ stellar performance. The film grossed over $151 million worldwide, solidifying its place as a box office success. Critics praised the movie’s ability to appeal to a wide range of audiences, and it received numerous award nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. The film showcased a narrative of childlike wonder colliding with the confusing world of adulthood, it demonstrated a certain quality rarely seen at the time.
The role of Josh Baskin required an actor who could convincingly portray both the physical presence of an adult and the emotional maturity of a child. Tom Hanks proved to be the perfect choice. His inherent likability, combined with his ability to convey both humor and vulnerability, made him the ideal candidate to bring this unique character to life. The film showcased his incredible talent and cemented his status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and beloved actors.
Tom Hanks: A Rising Star
Born on July 9, 1956, in Concord, California, Tom Hanks began his acting career in the late 1970s, primarily in television. Before landing the role in “Big,” he had already established himself as a comedic actor with roles in popular sitcoms like “Bosom Buddies” and films like “Splash” and “Bachelor Party.” While these roles showcased his comedic timing and charm, they didn’t fully demonstrate the breadth of his acting abilities.
Leading up to “Big,” Hanks took on roles that hinted at his potential for greater dramatic depth. In “Every Time We Say Goodbye,” he played a gentile man courting a Sephardic Jewish woman. While this was not a major hit, it demonstrated his capacity to go beyond light comedy. Similarly, “Nothing in Common” allowed him to explore more complex character dynamics. These roles, while varied, laid the groundwork for the transformative performance he would deliver in “Big.” It was with “Big” that the world saw the full spectrum of Hanks’ talent, solidifying his position as a leading man capable of handling both comedic and dramatic roles.
Decoding the Timeline: Hanks’ Age During Filming
To pinpoint Tom Hanks’ age during the filming of “Big,” it’s crucial to establish the production timeline. While exact dates can vary depending on sources, principal photography for “Big” took place roughly between the fall of 1987 and the early months of 1988. Considering Hanks’ birthdate, it’s clear that he was between the ages of thirty-one and thirty-two years old during the making of the movie.
Therefore, Tom Hanks was between thirty-one and thirty-two years old during the time he was bringing the character of Josh Baskin to life. This fact is particularly interesting when considering the premise of the film. The idea of a man in his early thirties convincingly portraying a young boy is a testament to Hanks’ acting prowess and ability to embody characters from all walks of life.
Age Versus Character: The Illusion of Youth
Josh Baskin, in his twelve-year-old form, is a child longing to escape the constraints of adolescence. When he transforms into an adult, he retains the innocence and naivety of his younger self, creating a fascinating contrast with his grown-up body. Tom Hanks, in his early thirties, brought a unique perspective to the role. His age, while significantly older than the character’s original age, allowed him to tap into a sense of nostalgia and longing for the simplicity of childhood.
Hanks’ age added a layer of believability to the character. An older actor might have struggled to capture the childlike wonder and innocence required for the role. A younger actor, on the other hand, might have lacked the maturity and experience to convincingly portray an adult, even one with the mind of a child. Hanks’ age, therefore, was the perfect sweet spot, allowing him to bring both authenticity and vulnerability to the character.
‘Big’ Impact on a Growing Career
“Big” served as a pivotal moment in Tom Hanks’ career. Prior to the film, he was primarily known for his comedic roles. However, “Big” demonstrated his ability to handle more complex and nuanced characters. The film allowed him to showcase his dramatic range, proving that he was more than just a comedic actor.
The success of “Big” opened doors for Hanks to explore a wider variety of roles. In the years that followed, he starred in films like “Philadelphia,” “Forrest Gump,” and “Saving Private Ryan,” solidifying his status as one of Hollywood’s most respected and versatile actors. “Big” was the springboard that launched him into the stratosphere of acting acclaim.
“Big” garnered Hanks his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, marking a significant milestone in his career. While he didn’t win the award that year, the nomination served as recognition of his talent and the impact of his performance. The film also won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, cementing its place as a critical and commercial success.
Behind the Scenes: Trivia and Tidbits
The famous FAO Schwarz piano scene in “Big” was largely improvised. Tom Hanks and Robert Loggia rehearsed the scene extensively, but much of the playful interaction and choreography was spontaneous. This improvisation added to the scene’s authenticity and charm, making it one of the most memorable moments in the film.
Initially, the role of Josh Baskin was offered to other actors before Tom Hanks was cast. However, the director Penny Marshall felt that Hanks possessed the right combination of comedic timing and emotional depth to bring the character to life. Her intuition proved to be correct, as Hanks’ performance became synonymous with the film itself.
Elizabeth Perkins, who played Susan Lawrence, brought a sophisticated, and often witty, counterpoint to Hank’s wide-eyed innocence. Their chemistry was critical to making the romance feel genuine. Similarly, Robert Loggia as Mr. MacMillan, was an ideal “straight man” allowing Hank’s energy to shine.
In Conclusion: ‘Big’ and its Lasting Legacy
In summary, Tom Hanks was between thirty-one and thirty-two years old during the filming of “Big,” a fact that underscores his remarkable ability to embody the character of Josh Baskin, a young boy in a grown man’s body. The film played a crucial role in shaping his career trajectory, paving the way for him to become one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors.
“Big” remains a timeless classic, cherished for its heartwarming story, witty script, and, of course, Tom Hanks’ unforgettable performance. It’s a film that reminds us of the importance of embracing our inner child and finding joy in the simple things in life. The movie’s success showed that audiences craved a story with heart, and the film gave that to the world in spades. “Big” will forever be remembered as a film that not only entertained but also touched the hearts of audiences worldwide. Tom Hanks’ performance, forever intertwined with the movie, stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of believing in the extraordinary. It’s a film that continues to resonate with new generations, ensuring its place in cinematic history.
