Life is Like a Box of Chocolates: An Ode to Tom Hanks
If someone was asked to identify a famous phrase made by Tom Hanks, they would most likely be able to recall “Life is like a box of chocolates.” This iconic line comes from the 1994 movie Forrest Gump, where Hanks plays the titular character. It has since become a byword for the unpredictable nature of life. This article will explore the different reasons why this phrase has resonated so much with people as well as pay homage to arguably the most beloved man in cinema history: Tom Hanks.
The Legacy of the Quote
While Forrest Gump may not have been a box office smash from day one, it has since become a timeless classic. This is partially because it captured much of the zeitgeist of that era and tackled many relevant topics ranging from patriotism, to racism, and the Vietnam War. Moreover, this movie was rife with memorable impressions, phrases, and characters, including Hanks’ iconic portrayal of the titular character.
One of the movie’s most iconic quotes occurs when Gump is giving a speech at his old high school, and trying to make sense of the chaotic world around him. In this moment, he declares, “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get.” This simple analogy has since become a popular phrase and has been used to describe the unpredictability of life.
The Tom Hanks Effect
Tom Hanks, however, is the real reason why ‘Life is like a box of chocolates’ has become such an endearing quote. Through his acting career, Hanks has established himself as an actor and person who oozes kindness and good humor. This extends all the way from his acting career itself, which has spanned several decades and a wide array of iconic roles. Whether he is playing a space traveler in Apollo 13, a Disney movie hero 2 in Splash, or a real-life war hero in Saving Private Ryan, Hanks exudes the same warm, charming, and compassionate demeanor.
Moreover, Hanks has become known for his work outside of Hollywood, where continues to give back to the world and is dedicated to helping others. From many of his altruistic initiatives, including creating a template for Coronavirus crisis relief, he has become one of the most beloved people in entertainment history.
The Leading Man
It is this kind-hearted spirit, combined with incredible acting abilities, that have earned Hanks the title of the world’s leading man. He has been nominated for more than ten Academy Awards, snagging two of them, and has accumulated an incredible number of accolades over the years, including multiple Golden Globes and American Cinema Awards.
What separates him from his peers, however, is not just the sheer number of his awards, but the respect he has earned from his fans over the years. This has helped him to stay relevant, nearly 40 years after he made his big-screen debut in the 1980 movie, He Knows You’re Alone.
Tom Hanks has become an iconic actor in Hollywood over the past several decades. He has a sterling reputation for being kind and generous, which has made him one of the most beloved people in entertainment history. One of his most iconic quotes is “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get.” This sweet analogy not only conveys the unpredictability of life, but it also serves as a reminder of the Tom Hanks effect, which has helped him to remain one of the world’s leading men.
