Rita Wilson, the wife of actor Tom Hanks, disclosed that the renowned Hollywood star was presented with the film opportunity but declined it.
In a recent episode of “Table for Two with Bruce Bozzi” podcast, Rita Wilson shared an interesting tidbit about the iconic 1989 film “When Harry Met Sally”. Wilson revealed that her husband, the acclaimed superstar, had been offered the opportunity to star in the movie but ultimately decided to decline the role. Had circumstances played out differently, Hanks could have been cast alongside Meg Ryan instead of Billy Crystal in this beloved romantic comedy.
The 1989’s “When Harry Met Sally” is a cinematic masterpiece that has stood the test of time, enchanting audiences for over three decades. Directed by the talented Rob Reiner and written by Nora Ephron, this beloved film weaves a tale of chance encounters, comedic banter, and the age-old question of whether men and women can truly be friends.
With its unforgettable performances, razor-sharp dialogue, and heartfelt moments, “When Harry Met Sally” has earned its place as a beloved classic, reminding us that sometimes, the best love stories are the ones we least expect.
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Why did Tom Hanks step down from the movie?
Wilson disclosed the reason behind Hanks’ decision to decline the movie offer. If Hanks had accepted the role, his character Harry would have experienced a divorce and ultimately ended up marrying the lead actress character, Sally. However, Hanks wasn’t fond of the concept because he was personally going through a divorce during that period and was content with his current state of happiness.
“People probably don’t know this, but Tom was offered ‘When Harry Met Sally’, and he turned it down because he was going through a divorce, and he was very happy to be not married”, Wilson shared.
The role of Harry Burns, which was initially offered to Tom Hanks, ultimately landed in the capable hands of Billy Crystal. Crystal, alongside Meg Rayan, brought to life the captivating tale of two dear friends contemplating the possibility of remaining strictly platonic in the beloved 1989 film.
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Hanks was married to Samantha Lewes in 1978, and their marriage lasted until 1987. During their time together, they became parents to two children, their son, actor Colin Hanks, and daughter Elizabeth Hanks. Following his divorce from Lewes, Hanks tied the knot with Rita Wilson in 1988. Together, Hanks and Wilson have two sons named Chet and Truman.
How the movie would have been if Tom was Harry?
Although we have no doubt that Tom Hanks would have delivered a remarkable performance as Harry had he accepted the role, it is undeniable that the character, and possibly the entire film, would have taken on a distinctively different tone.
It is difficult to imagine Hanks capturing the same level of wit and impeccable comedic timing that Billy Crystal brought to the character, which undoubtedly contributed to the movie’s enduring charm and success. When it came to romantic comedies of the 1990s, Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, and Nora Ephron formed an ideal trifecta.
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Tears were shed by many when Annie and Sam, portrayed by Tom and Meg, finally reunited atop the iconic Empire State Building in the 1993 film “Sleepless in Seattle”. This cinematic gem, co-written and directed by Nora Ephron, left a lasting impact on audiences.
Similarly, “When Harry Met Sally,” also penned by Nora featuring Meg, became another timeless classic. One can only imagine the magic that would have transpired if Tom Hanks had joined the cast, once again uniting this trio to deliver another cherished and unforgettable masterpiece.
