Actor Mykelti Williamson recalled the instant connection he had when he screen tested with Tom Hanks before officially getting the role in “Forrest Gump.”
While Hanks played the titular role in the film, Williamson played Forrestâs friend Benjamin Buford “Bubba” Blue.
The 68-year-old spoke with Steve Kmetko on the June 2 episode of “Still Here Hollywood Podcast.” He talked about the chemistry read he did with Hanks and how it was instantaneous.
Williamson said while doing the reading, Hanks was kicking him under the table because he was excited about the pairing. “He was just âDude, you’re killing it,ââ the actor recalled.
âFinally, after we were done, he looked at me. He says, âOh my gosh,’ â Williamson recalled. âThat was it. I got the job, and thank God I was persistent.â
Williamson compared the two to being “kindred spirits.”
âWe had found each other,â Williamson said. âHe could see the value in both of us and what that exchange was going to be⦠I think we both learned a tremendous amount from each other.â
Williamson added that he previously met Hanks as he was on the TV series “Midnight Caller” with Hanks’ wife Rita Wilson.
Williamson Praised Hanks for Being ‘the Real Deal’
The “Fences” actor said Hanks is the same on screen as off. Williamson began, “He’s as kind as you think he is.”
“He’s not faking it in front of the camera, he’s the same and maybe that would surprise people,” he continued.
He noted that people might “expect him to be a you know like a phony like a slice of baloney kind of dude, but he’s not.”
Williamson added that Hanks is “the real deal.”
Williamson Has Never Been to a Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant
The actor also shockingly revealed he has never been to a Bubba Gump Shrimp restaurant.
In the film “Forrest Gump,” his character Bubba is obsessed with shrimp and wanted to go into the shrimp business after he gets out of the Army. He dies while at war, and Forrest goes on the create the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company.
The wildly popular film sparked the creation of the now chain restaurant in 1996.
While the name is based off of Williamson’s character, he said, âI’ve never been. You’re speaking of the restaurant? I’ve never been to one in my life.âÂ
He said he never felt as though he was “properly invited.”
âThe only reason I’ve never been was because I don’t feel I was properly invited. Sometimes, when you invite someone somewhere, it should be ⦠highly considerate of what the possibilities could be with a union,” he told the host.
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