Two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks could receive a double Oscar nomination this year for his upcoming roles as Captain Phillips in “Captain Phillips” and Walt Disney in the making-of “Mary Poppins” movie “Saving Mr. Banks”. He also just ended his Tony-nominated run on Broadway in the play “Lucky Guy”.
This past weekend I was able to see one of Hanks’ final performances – and really became a “lucky guy” after the show. Getting to go backstage following a Broadway play is always a thrill. Thanks to a friend I was able to meet and talk with actor Courtney B. Vance, who won a Tony this year for his fantastic work in the play. He shared with me that it took a while for the chemistry between all the actors in this very fast-moving and complicated production to perfectly mesh. By the end they certainly had it all worked out.
Following that conversation and getting reading to head out into the street I hear a familiar voice. And coming down the stairs is none other than Mr. Tom Hanks himself. He was saying goodbye to some of his VIP guests and turning to head into another room where longtime friend Peter Scolari (who’s also in the cast) had some visitors. But first, he spotted me, walked over with hand held out and, with a wide smile, asked, “Who are you?”
After introducing myself I told him what a great job he did in the show. “Lucky Guy” was written by the late Nora Ephron (“When Harry Met Sally”, “Julie & Julia”). She also wrote the screenplays for the Hanks-Meg Ryan collaborations “Sleepless in Seattle” and “You’ve Got Mail”. Ephron’s play is fast-paced, funny, fascinating and consistently emotional. The set design is also incredible.
The following is how I best recall the remainder of our conversation. But please bare with me because, afterall, I was having an unexpected conversation with Tom “freakin'” Hanks, so I may not be completely accurate with every word:
LCJ: You’ve got two big movies coming out.
TH: I do!
Now, much like I had the dream to sing part of the soliloquy from “Les Miserables” with Hugh Jackman (and got to at the Critics Choice Awards) there was something I told myself I needed to ask Tom Hanks if I ever had the chance:
There’s a scene towards the beginning of “Monsters University” in which young Mike goes through one of the doors at Monsters, Inc. and encounters a human child. When he hears the child’s parents come in, Mike hides. As the parents open the door, the mother makes a comment, and then so does the father. And, to me, the dad character sounded like it could have been Hanks. He’s not credited at all but everyone know how Pixar loves to add special, surprises touches to their films. And since Hanks has been the voice of iconic star Woody in all the “Toy Story” films, shorts, and upcoming TV specials I didn’t think it was too big of a stretch. So I asked him:
LCJ: I’ve got a quick question for you.
TH: Sure.
LCJ: Do you have a cameo in “Monsters University”?
TH: No. I don’t think so. Why?
LCJ: I swear I heard your voice in the movie.
TH: (pauses and leans up against the wall) Wait a minute. I might have. They (Pixar) call you up to these things…
LCJ: Right.
TH: So I might’ve gone in one day and they might’ve said, “Hey could you do this line?” Now I’ll have to go see the movie and find out!”
I’ve done much longer interviews and more important interviews but this surprise, two-minute Q&A with Tom Hanks ranks up right up there with the most exciting I’ve ever been a part of. And I plan on following-up with him in January at the Critics Choice Awards (chances are good he’ll be there for one of his major roles) to see if he found out if that is actually is his voice in “Monsters University”.