Forrest Gump child star looks unrecognisable 29 years after the film was released – as he reveals he joined the army just like his character
Forrest Gump actor Michael Humphreys, who played the young version of the titular character, looks unrecognisable 29 years on from the film’s release.
Michael, now 39, was just eight-years-old when he was picked from obscurity to play Tom Hanks’ younger self in the 1994 blockbuster.
The one-time star revealed he decided that Hollywood stardom wasn’t for him and he went on to enlist in the US Army, during an interview with The Sun.
Following his landmark turn as young Forrest, the actor shunned Hollywood, as he didn’t think that ‘Hollywood is a healthy lifestyle for kids.’
Opting instead for a career in the military, much like his character in the hit movie, and where he was given the nickname Gump.
Forrest Gump child star looks unrecognisable 29 years after the film was released – as he reveals he joined the army just like his character
Grown up! Forrest Gump actor Michael Humphreys, was just eight-years-old when he was picked from obscurity to play Tom Hanks’ younger self in the 1994 blockbuster
But that isn’t the only connection Michael has to his role, as he has also competed in marathons and even has a link to Elvis Presley after serving in the same army camp in Germany as the musician.
‘It’s funny how many connections to Forrest’s life have popped up in mine. Is it destiny? Something kept making those coincidences happen,’ he admitted.
Forrest Gump depicts several decades in the life of it’s lead character, a slow-witted and naive, but good-hearted and athletically prodigious, man from Alabama who witnesses, and in some cases influences, some of the defining events of the latter half of the 20th century in the United States.
The actor served four years in the U.S. Army as an infantry soldier, which included an 18 month tour of duty in Iraq.
Speaking about his experience with MailOnline in 2015, Michael said: ‘When I joined the military I did my best to avoid being recognised or word getting out about the movie, but I think that lasted about two weeks before somebody figured it out.
‘I definitely got a lot of it in the ear after that and the drill sergeants would really mess with me about it.
‘It got aggravating there for a little while, but in a lot of ways it was all part of the basic training and definitely got me to where they want you to be.’
While Michael took a step back from the limelight to lead a normal life and even serve in the military, he did that he’d be happy to make a comeback as 007.
Following his path: The one-time star revealed he decided that Hollywood stardom wasn’t for him and he went on to enlist in the US Army, during an interview with The Sun
Military man: While in the military, Michael was given the nickname Gump in reference to his character (pictured), he served four years in the U.S. Army as an infantry soldier
Similarities: Following his turn as young Forrest, the actor shunned Hollywood, as he didn’t think that ‘Hollywood is a healthy lifestyle for kids’ and served in the military like the character
He revealed his dream role to The Sun in 2019, as he said: ‘Some people think I look like Tom Hiddleston, and he is tipped to be the new Bond.
‘That could be interesting. I am wide open for most things.’
Having graduated with a degree in International Relations, Michael claimed that he’d love to work ‘in a spy genre’ film, and even envisioned himself as a Bond villain.
Run, Forrest, Run: But that isn’t the only connection Michael has to his role, as he has also competed in marathons
That’s life: ‘It’s funny how many connections to Forrest’s life have popped up in mine. Is it destiny? Something kept making those coincidences happen,’ Michael admitted
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