TV - Movies
The Iconic Role
That Made
Tom Hanks
Physically Ill
By JENNIFER MASHUGA
Tom Hanks has proven his dedication to acting time and time again. He lost 26 pounds for his role in “Philadelphia,” or worked tirelessly to perfect his role in “Forrest Gump,” but it was his preparation for one specific role that really took a toll on his health.
While making "Cast Away," Tom Hanks spent virtually every day by himself and had to carry out monotonous tasks such as building fires, opening coconuts, etc. without even knowing where the camera was or if it was filming. Not only did he lose touch with reality, but Hanks almost died after cutting his leg while crawling around in the sand.
Hanks didn't think anything of it until he ended up in the hospital. He recounted the ordeal in an interview, stating, "I was there for three days with something that, believe it or not, almost killed me. I got an infection from a cut and it was eating its way through my leg. I didn't know it, I just thought I had a sore."