Tom Hanks names the cardinal sin of acting
Since the 1980s, Tom Hanks has been one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, starring in countless critical and commercial hits. He was practically unavoidable in the 1990s, bagging leading roles in many of the decade’s biggest hitters.
He started out modestly, appearing in a slasher called He Knows You’re Alone in 1980, before appearing in classics like Splash, Big, and Turner and Hooch. However, it was the ‘90s that allowed Hanks to truly flourish. With these early roles, he established himself as a charming figure, appearing in roles that were rather easy-going and family-friendly, but in the following decade, he pushed the boat about and appeared in a much more diverse range of films.
He starred in Philadelphia in 1993, which earned him an Oscar. His role as Andrew, a man with AIDs who attempts to sue his workplace for discrimination, was lauded by critics. It was a more dramatic role for Hanks, who imbued the part with plenty of emotional depth.
He then went on to star in the comedy-drama Forrest Gump, winning himself another Oscar. The movie is one of the most beloved in American cinema, and many of us grew up watching the film, which saw Hanks play the kind-hearted protagonist who constantly involves himself in key historical moments.
The film is now viewed much more critically than it once was, but it hasn’t stopped people from still viewing Hanks as a Hollywood icon and a household name. The actor then appeared in films like Saving Private Ryan, the Toy Story series, The Green Mile and Apollo 13.
His career has still thrived throughout the 21st century, but it seems like he’ll never top the illustrious run of film he appeared in during the 1990s. His dominance as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars was due to his charming screen persona, suited well to big blockbuster roles. Yet, he also had the ability to channel darker and more troubled characters, making him a diverse star.
Another reason for his success might be due to the fact that he knows the unwritten rules of being an actor in the industry, which is notoriously hard to navigate. He once outlined the “cardinal sin” of acting, which is actually rather simple to avoid.
Talking to the Guardian, he explained that when he was just starting out he learned something he has taken with him for the rest of his career. “You don’t have to like the people you’re working with, but you do have to have professional respect for them. We don’t have to sing round a camp fire or go to dinner every night, but you do have to extend the professional courtesy that allows them to work the way they need to work.”
He continued, “And I have worked with some people who didn’t necessarily do that for the other person which I think is something of a cardinal sin.” Certainly, there are many stories of actors disrespecting their co-stars or getting a little too into character while off camera, and Hanks can’t understand why people can’t just treat their coworkers with respect.
