Date: 17th December 2000

Tom Hankers After Hardship


Even after two Oscars and a string of hit movies, TOM HANKS is still searching for new challenges.

The FORREST GUMP star, who stars in ROBERT ZEMECKIS' new film CAST AWAY - about a man stranded on a desert island - had to lose over 40 pounds (18 kilograms), grow his hair and undergo days of discomfort and hardship to make the movie - but he says it's all worth it.

Hanks, who admits he gets thousands of scripts for far-less physically and mentally demanding shoots, says he doesn't believe in taking on a role because it's easy. "What would be the point otherwise?", he says. "Just to skate along and do all the stuff that's easy? All I've got to do is cut my hair and I can get almost any movie I want. "But the reason to do this is that I'm in a position where I get to pursue my interests and what could be better?"

And Hanks admits, deep down, the more difficult the challenge, the more he wants to do it. He says, "
There's just something infectious about being given the chance to do something like this. I can't believe they let me do it. They're insane." (LE/LADN/CPT)

Source: WENN