The famous line: ” I just put one foot in front of the other. When I get tired I sleep. When I get hungry I eat. When I have to go to the bathroom I go” was a real line quoted by a 16-year-old boy who ran from New Jersey to San Francisco to support the American Cancer Society. The 16-year-old, named Louis Michael Figueroa ran across America on foot while in his sophomore year of high school in New Jersey.
He had promised a 10-year old boy with cancer that he would run across America for him, in order to give him hope. The run took him 60 days and crowned him the fastest and youngest person to run across America. Fourteen years later, Louis once again took off running, this time inspired by his brother who was diagnosed with AIDS. During this run, he himself was battling Leukemia.
Ice Cube As Bubb?
Rumors have it that Ice Cube and Dave Chappelle turned down the opportunity to act as Bubba, Gump’s friend in the film. Apparently, the rapper and arguably the most celebrated lyricist, Ice Cube, passed on the role because he didn’t want to portray a dumb character. The legendary comic, Dave Chappelle, also said no to the role but later did costar with Hanks in You’ve Got Mail.
Mykelti Williamson accepted the role, and the rejectors subsequently regretted turning it down, thinking that the film wasn’t going to be that successful. While they may have expressed some soreness over the missed opportunity, both Ice Cube and Chappelle have both led incredibly successful careers. You can't do it all!
Thank You Very Much
Thought Elvis Presley’s voice sounded like Presely himself? Turns out it the killer impression was recorded by Kurt Russell in the film. According to some people, he didn’t receive credit for his work. Still, he was clearly noticed. There was a reason why Russel was picked for this part.
The actor starred in the 1979 TV film, Elvis, playing the part of the king of rock and roll and later earning an Emmy nomination for his performance. So, although Russell didn’t receive credit for the film, we can safely assume it was him considering that long resume of Elvis experience.
A Long Day
During the scene in which Robin (as Jenny) performed in a nightclub, she was feeling very ill. She powered through the scene which took about 24 hours of filming. On the plus side? She was able to perform her own song. On the downside, she was naked and holding a guitar for hours on end.
The result? A heart-beaking moment showing how Jenny's career didn't quite turn out the way she wanted it to. Heckled by brutes in the audience, Gump steps up shows them who's boss. Jenny is sadly humiliated by the whole thing.
Running With A Cold
Sometimes you just have to call in sick. Not Tom Hanks though. The actor was suffering from a bout of flu when he shot the football running scene, but chose to pass on the bed rest. Well, we are sure he tried but unfortunately, due to scheduling issues, for Tom Hanks, this wasn't an option. He still managed to shoot this iconic scene like the professional he is.
Pity his brother wasn't available for this shot though. Guess it was too much of a full-on, seeing it all type of shot that Jim just couldn't help him this time. Let's hand it to Tom, he did a swell job.