The year was nineteen eighty-eight, and moviegoers were captivated by a heartwarming and whimsical tale of a young boy’s wish come true. The film, of course, was “Big,” a story about a thirteen-year-old named Josh Baskin who, after making a wish on an antique carnival fortune teller machine, wakes up the next morning in the body of an adult. This sudden transformation leads him on an adventure of self-discovery, navigating the complexities of adulthood while still retaining the innocence and wonder of a child. At the heart of this enchanting narrative was Tom Hanks, the actor who flawlessly brought the “big” Josh Baskin to life. But how old was Tom Hanks in “Big,” and how did his age contribute to the film’s enduring appeal and his iconic performance?
This article delves into the age of Tom Hanks during the filming of “Big,” exploring how his maturity and experience, coupled with his remarkable ability to tap into his own inner child, created a truly unforgettable cinematic experience. We will examine the challenges he faced in portraying a thirteen-year-old trapped in a grown man’s body, the physicality he embodied, and the delicate balance he struck between childlike innocence and adult understanding. Prepare to uncover the magic behind the boyish charm that made Tom Hanks’ performance in “Big” so special.
A Glance Back at “Big”
Released in nineteen eighty-eight, “Big” quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Directed by Penny Marshall, the film tells the story of Josh Baskin, a young boy who is frustrated by his adolescence. After being turned away from a carnival ride for being too short, he encounters a mysterious “Zoltar” machine that grants his wish to be “big.” He wakes up the next morning as a thirty-year-old man, played by Tom Hanks. Suddenly thrust into the adult world, Josh must find a way to navigate the challenges of a grown-up life while still retaining the heart and mind of a child.
The film follows Josh as he gets a job at a toy company, where his childlike enthusiasm and genuine understanding of what kids want quickly make him a rising star. He befriends his colleague, Susan Lawrence, played by Elizabeth Perkins, and the two develop a romantic relationship complicated by the fact that Josh is, in reality, still a child. “Big” resonated with audiences of all ages, striking a chord with its universal themes of growing up, innocence, and the importance of staying true to oneself. The film was a box office success, grossing over one hundred fifty million dollars worldwide, and garnered critical acclaim, earning nominations for Academy Awards including Best Original Screenplay and Best Actor for Tom Hanks. Its success solidified Tom Hanks’ status as a leading man and cemented its place as a beloved classic.
Tom Hanks’ Age During Filming
To understand the brilliance of Tom Hanks’ performance, it’s crucial to consider his age during the filming of “Big.” Born on July ninth, nineteen fifty-six, Tom Hanks was approximately thirty-one to thirty-two years old during the late nineteen eighty-seven and early nineteen eighty-eight filming period. This age is significant because it meant that he was portraying a character nearly twenty years younger than himself. While many actors have played roles that are significantly different from their actual age, the unique challenge in “Big” was capturing the specific essence of a thirteen-year-old’s mind and emotions while inhabiting a grown man’s body.
(Include a picture from the movie Big here. Caption: Tom Hanks as Josh Baskin in “Big”)
The Challenge of Playing a “Big” Kid
Playing Josh Baskin presented Tom Hanks with a unique set of challenges. It wasn’t merely about mimicking childish behavior; it was about understanding and embodying the emotional and psychological state of a thirteen-year-old boy. Hanks had to convincingly portray the innocence, curiosity, and vulnerability of a young teenager while simultaneously navigating the complexities of the adult world. This required a delicate balance of physical comedy, emotional depth, and subtle nuances.
One of the biggest challenges was capturing the right physicality. Hanks had to move and behave in a way that suggested a child trapped in an adult’s body. He adopted a slightly awkward gait, a wide-eyed expression, and a tendency to fidget and play with his surroundings. He also had to convey a sense of physical discomfort and unfamiliarity with his new, larger body.
Beyond the physical, Hanks had to convincingly portray the emotional range of a thirteen-year-old. He had to capture the joy and wonder of discovering new experiences, the fear and confusion of navigating the adult world, and the longing for the simple comforts of childhood. He had to convincingly portray Josh’s innocence and naivete without resorting to caricature or condescension.
The contrast between Hanks’ real age and the age of the character he was playing was a crucial element of his performance. He had to be aware of his own maturity and experience while simultaneously suppressing those qualities to embody the mindset of a young boy. This required a deep understanding of the character’s motivations and a willingness to fully immerse himself in the role.
There are few direct quotes from Tom Hanks specifically about the “Big” challenges, but he has commented in other interviews about the importance of empathy in acting, and how he connects with his characters on a emotional level. Those traits were on full display in “Big.”
How Hanks’ Age Contributed to the Performance
While it might seem counterintuitive, Tom Hanks’ age and experience were actually crucial to the success of his performance in “Big.” A younger actor might have been able to physically resemble a thirteen-year-old more closely, but it’s unlikely they would have possessed the emotional depth and nuanced understanding necessary to fully capture the character’s complexity.
Hanks’ maturity as an actor allowed him to bring a level of nuance and depth to the role that a younger actor might not have been able to achieve. He was able to draw upon his own memories of childhood, both the joys and the struggles, to create a relatable and believable portrayal of Josh Baskin. He understood the importance of staying true to the character’s emotional core, even in the midst of comedic situations.
His ability to tap into his own experiences made the character resonate with audiences. Viewers of all ages could relate to Josh’s feelings of confusion, excitement, and longing for connection. Hanks’ performance was not just a caricature of a child; it was a genuine and heartfelt portrayal of a young person struggling to find his place in the world.
Tom Hanks struck the perfect balance between childlike innocence and adult understanding. He was able to convey the wonder and curiosity of a child while also hinting at the deeper emotions and complexities that lie beneath the surface. He never treated the character as a joke or a stereotype. Instead, he approached Josh with empathy and respect, creating a character that was both funny and deeply human.
Other Actors and “Big”
It’s important to acknowledge the casting of David Moscow as young Josh. His performance in the opening scenes of the film is vital to establishing the character’s personality and setting the stage for Tom Hanks’ portrayal. The filmmakers sought an actor who could convincingly embody the energy and spirit of a typical thirteen-year-old boy. Moscow’s performance laid the foundation for the character that Tom Hanks would later bring to life in a “big” way.
The role of Mr. MacMillan, played by Robert Loggia, was also crucial. The dynamic between Hanks and Loggia, particularly the iconic piano scene, is a highlight of the film. Their ability to connect on screen, showcasing the joy and shared enthusiasm of two individuals bonding over something as simple as a toy piano, added layers of depth to the storyline.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the question “how old was Tom Hanks in ‘Big’?” might seem like a simple piece of trivia, the answer reveals a deeper understanding of the actor’s brilliance and the film’s enduring appeal. Tom Hanks was approximately thirty-one or thirty-two years old when he embodied the character of Josh Baskin, a thirteen-year-old boy trapped in an adult’s body.
His age and experience, far from being a hindrance, were actually crucial to the success of his performance. He was able to draw upon his own memories of childhood, his understanding of human emotion, and his remarkable talent for physical comedy to create a character that was both hilarious and deeply moving.
Tom Hanks’ portrayal of Josh Baskin in “Big” is a testament to the power of acting to transcend age and physical appearance. He created a character that resonated with audiences of all ages, reminding us of the importance of staying true to ourselves, embracing our inner child, and finding joy in the simple things in life. The lasting impact of “Big” is a reminder that great stories can transcend time, and the right actor can bring those stories to life in a way that will forever captivate audiences. So, the next time you watch “Big”, remember that behind the boyish charm, the playful antics, and the unforgettable scenes, there was a seasoned actor at the peak of his powers, using his maturity and experience to create a character that would become a part of cinematic history. It is this combination of skill, empathy and experience that truly makes Tom Hanks’ portrayal in “Big” so special.
