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Key Points

Mykelti Williamson's journey to becoming Bubba Blue in Forrest Gump is a testament to perseverance in Hollywood. After his acting students failed to secure the role, Williamson took matters into his own hands and pursued the audition with determination. During his screen test with Tom Hanks, he impressed the legendary actor who enthusiastically supported his casting. The role became a defining moment in Williamson's career, contributing to one of the most beloved films in cinema history.

Key Points: Mykelti Williamson's Bubba Blue Audition with Tom Hanks

  • Williamson auditioned after his acting students failed to get callbacks
  • Tom Hanks immediately recognized his talent during the screen test
  • Forrest Gump became a massive box office and critical success
  • Williamson's persistence led to his breakthrough role
2 min read

Mykelti Williamson recalls working with Tom Hanks in 'Forrest Gump'

How Mykelti Williamson landed his iconic Forrest Gump role through persistence and an unforgettable audition with Tom Hanks

"If I can't get in on this and two scrubs can - Mykelti Williamson"

Washington, June 4

Actor and director Mykelti Williamson shared his shooting experience with Tom Hanks in the 1994 comedy-drama film 'Forrest Gump', directed by Robert Zemeckis.

Williamson revealed that first heard about his eventual role as Forrest's friend Benjamin Buford "Bubba" Blue when two of his acting students went in to audition for it, reported People.

"I coached each of them," he said, and neither got a callback. But Williamson thought he could play the part, so he asked his agent to set him up with an audition for the movie.

Williamson told his agent, "If I can't get in on this and two scrubs can," that he had no "choice" but to get a new agent. He got called to go in on a Saturday, but was warned that he probably wouldn't be "taken seriously" and the agency was just trying to keep him as a client. "When you go in there, kill them," his agent said, reported People.

Williamson finally shot a video audition with a casting assistant. "The next thing I hear is Mr. Robert Zemeckis would like to match you up with Tom Hanks," recalled Williamson.

"So we go in. They match me up with Hanks," said Williamson, adding, "And Tommy's sitting across the table from me, and he's kicking me under the table like how much he liked it. He was just 'Dude, you're killing it.' "

"Finally, after we were done, he looked at me. He says, 'Oh my gosh,' " shared Williamson. "That was it. I got the job, and thank God I was persistent."

Mykelti Williamson is known for his roles in the films 12 Angry Men (1997), Con Air, and Ali, as well as the TV shows Boomtown, 24, and Justified.

Williamson's other notable roles include Free Willy, Heat, Lucky Number Slevin, Three Kings, Black Dynamite, The Final Destination, ATL, Species II, and The Purge: Election Year.

Since Forrest Gump went on to make over USD 670 million at the box office and won six Oscars, including Best Picture, Williamson also starred in 2016's Fences with Viola Davis and Denzel Washington, reprising his role from the 2010 Broadway revival. He stars in the new film The Last Rodeo, released this May, reported People.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What an inspiring story of persistence! Williamson's journey from coaching others to landing the iconic Bubba role shows how self-belief matters. "Forrest Gump" remains one of my all-time favorite Hollywood films - the emotional depth and simplicity is unmatched. 🎬
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Priya M.
Interesting to know the behind-the-scenes stories! Though I wonder if calling his students "scrubs" was necessary - talent can come from anywhere. Still, his chemistry with Tom Hanks was magical. "I wanna go home" scene still makes me cry every time!
A
Arjun S.
Forrest Gump was my introduction to American cinema during college days. Williamson's performance as Bubba was so authentic - especially the shrimp boat dialogues! Hollywood should make more such meaningful films instead of just superhero franchises.
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Shalini D.
Tom Hanks kicking him under the table - what a sweet gesture! Shows how great actors support each other. Makes me remember that scene where Bubba talks about all the ways to cook shrimp 😂 That part was both funny and heartbreaking later.
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Vikram J.
The article mentions his Broadway work too - wish we got to see more of such versatile actors in Bollywood. Our industry tends to typecast too much. Williamson's range from Bubba to Fences is remarkable! More power to him 👏

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