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The breakthrough 1980s role Tom Hanks was told he had “no chance in hell” of getting
Tom Hanks secured his breakthrough film role as Allen Bauer in the 1984 romantic comedy Splash despite Disney initially resisting Ron Howard’s proposal to cast him. The success of the film helped move Hanks beyond television sitcom work and began the rise that led to his status as a major Hollywood actor.
At the time, Hanks was best known for Bosom Buddies and had only appeared in one previous film. Michael Keaton, Bill Murray, John Travolta and Chevy Chase were among the better-known actors considered, but Hanks impressed at audition; Splash became a critical and commercial success, while Big brought him his first Oscar nomination four years later.
In short
- Hanks won Splash’s lead role despite Disney’s doubts.
- The film launched his transition from television to film.
- Big confirmed his emergence as a major star.
Explained simply
In 1984, Tom Hanks was best known for the television sitcom Bosom Buddies and had appeared in only one film. He was not yet the established film actor he later became.
Splash was a romantic comedy directed by Ron Howard, about a man who falls in love with a mermaid. Its lead role went to Hanks after auditions that also involved better-known actors; the film’s success helped shift his career from television towards cinema.
Hanks went on to become a major Hollywood actor, and the 1988 film Big brought him his first Academy Award nomination. Splash is often seen as an early turning point in that career.