How Old Was Tom Hanks When He Did Big

So, you're wondering, "How old was Tom Hanks when he did Big?" Well, buckle up, 'cause we're about to dive into a time machine, circa 1988, and find out together. Grab your suspenders, 'cause it's gonna be a wild ride!

Let's Set the Stage

Imagine it's 1988. Ronald Reagan is still in the White House, the Berlin Wall is still standing, and hair is still very much a 'big' deal. Tom Hanks, our leading man, is a fresh face in Hollywood, having made a name for himself in TV shows like Bosom Buddies and films like The Money Pit. He's not yet the two-time Oscar winner we know and love today, but he's certainly on his way.

Now, picture this: a young, ambitious director named Penny Marshall wants to make a movie about a 12-year-old boy who wishes to be 'big' and ends up in the body of a 30-something man. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, right? Wrong! It's a recipe for Big success!

Enter Tom Hanks

So, how old was Tom Hanks when he took on the role of Josh Baskin, the boy trapped in a man's body? Well, let's do some math. Tom Hanks was born on July 9, 1956. The movie Big was released on June 3, 1988. Let's break out the abacus...

Tom Hanks was 21 years, 11 months, and 24 days old when he started filming Big. Now, that's not your average 12-year-old, but hey, Hollywood magic, right?

But wait, you might be thinking, "That's not so bad. I've seen 12-year-olds who look older than that!" Well, hold onto your hats, because here's where it gets interesting.

Wanting to be Big: how Tom Hanks's supersized comedy became a modern

Age is Just a Number... Right?

You see, Tom Hanks wasn't just playing a 12-year-old boy in a man's body. No, no, no. He was playing a 12-year-old boy in a man's body who acted like a 12-year-old boy. And that, my friends, is where the real challenge lies.

Think about it. Have you ever tried to act like a 12-year-old? It's not easy. You've got to channel your inner Peter Pan, remember what it was like to be that carefree, that innocent, that... young. And Tom Hanks had to do it while looking like a fully grown man!

But here's the kicker: Tom Hanks nailed it. He played Josh Baskin with such charm, such humor, such heart, that we couldn't help but root for him. And that, my friends, is the mark of a true actor.

Growing Up (Sort Of)

Now, you might be wondering, "What happened to Tom Hanks after Big?" Well, let me tell you, he didn't stay a 'big' kid forever. Oh no, he grew up. He grew up big time!

The Untold Truth Of Big

He went on to star in films like Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan, and Cast Away. He won two Oscars, became a beloved Hollywood icon, and even became a real-life 'big' kid again when he played Walt Disney in Saving Mr. Banks.

And as for the real-life 12-year-old boy who inspired the role of Josh Baskin? Well, he grew up too. And he probably looks a lot like Tom Hanks now. I mean, think about it. If you were a 12-year-old boy who wished to be 'big,' wouldn't you want to grow up to be Tom Hanks?

So, How Old Was Tom Hanks?

Alright, alright, I'll tell you. Tom Hanks was 21 years, 11 months, and 24 days old when he played Josh Baskin in Big. But who's counting, right? Because in the world of Hollywood, age is just a number. And Tom Hanks proved that with his unforgettable performance.

So, the next time you watch Big, remember this: Tom Hanks was just a young whippersnapper when he played that 'big' kid. And isn't that just the most 'big' thing you've ever heard?