The Graham Norton Show never fails to deliver laughter, entertainment, and incredible celebrity moments. The recent episode featuring Tom Hanks was no exception. As one of the most successful actors in Hollywood, Tom Hanks‘ box office numbers are in the millions, with his movies grossing over eight billion dollars.
During the interview, Tom Hanks reflected on his career, highlighting some of his most beloved roles. When asked if there was a particular film he was happy to have said yes to, he mentioned “Apollo 13.” It was the first time he found himself acting alongside only two other actors for most of the movie. He amusingly revealed that when a group of guys makes a movie together, the jokes become increasingly filthy as the days go by. He recalled his time on “Apollo 13” and “Band of Brothers,” where he, Kevin Bacon, and Bill Paxton, who were in the capsule with him, engaged in a competition to come up with the foulest joke. The camaraderie and banter that formed between them made for unforgettable behind-the-scenes moments.
Of course, the conversation couldn’t go without mentioning Tom Hanks‘ role as Woody in the beloved “Toy Story” franchise. He humorously recalled countless elevator rides where children and their mothers recognized him as Woody. However, the children didn’t understand that Woody’s voice was recorded by him, leading to confusion when they expected to see a cowboy-hat wearing, tall figure instead. To ease their confusion, Tom Hanks would encourage the kids to close their eyes, allowing them to imagine Woody. It’s heartwarming to know that even after so many years, “Toy Story” continues to captivate young minds.
As the interview progressed, fellow actor Tim Allen made a surprise appearance, reminding everyone that he is the voice of Buzz Lightyear. The interaction between the two actors was filled with genuine warmth and fond memories. Tom Hanks humorously recalled the time when Tim Allen presented him with an Oscar, which further emphasized how deeply loved the “Toy Story” characters are.
The conversation then took a hilarious turn as Tom Hanks reminisced about his role as Forrest Gump. He shared how his wife often asks him to rewatch the scene where he runs away from the camera, as she admires his “firm as tend hams” buttocks. The audience erupted into laughter, fully appreciating Tom Hanks‘ playful and self-deprecating humor.
The camaraderie continued as fellow guest Mo Farah, the world-renowned runner, joined the discussion. Graham Norton couldn’t resist the opportunity to recreate a famous meme of Mo Farah running away from various situations, including a bear and even Forrest Gump himself. The lightheartedness and laughter illuminated the set, showcasing the genuine connection between all the guests.
The interview also touched upon Tom Hanks‘ book, which he personally sent to Graham Norton. Admittedly, Tom Hanks assumed that Graham Norton wouldn’t bother reading it, envisioning it being piled up with other unopened books. However, Graham Norton surprised him by genuinely reading it and even incorporating a message in the book to test if Tom Hanks would notice. It was a delightful moment, highlighting the friendship and mutual respect between the two.
Tom Hanks also couldn’t resist sharing behind-the-scenes stories from recording his iconic character, Woody. He revealed that his recording sessions spanned four years, with breaks every eight months. The last session was particularly emotional for him, as it marked the end of an era. Tom Hanks humorously recounted his final day in the recording studio and how it felt like the end credits were rolling on his own life.
As the interview drew to a close, Tom Hanks shared some exciting news about his upcoming project. He’s currently working on Baz Luhrmann’s film about Elvis Presley. To accurately portray Colonel Tom Parker, Tom Hanks humorously revealed his peculiar and unflattering haircut, earning laughter and applause from the audience.
Tom Hanks‘ appearance on The Graham Norton Show truly showcased why he is a beloved figure in the entertainment world. His charisma, humility, and genuine nature continue to captivate audiences, whether onscreen or during interviews. The chemistry between Tom Hanks, Graham Norton, and the other guests made for a truly memorable episode of this iconic talk show.
