Tom Hanks revealed that his type-2 diabetes might have been the result of him rapidly gaining and losing weight for his roles. The actor has gone to extreme lengths to give a memorable performance in films like Cast Away and Philadelphia, including changing his physical appearance for the role.
Hanks mentioned that the continuous weight changes may have affected his health. He said that he had spoken to other actors who had gone through similar issues due to their extreme commitments. He mentioned that he would avoid such roles in the future.
Tom Hanks Attributed His Diabetes To His Acting Roles
Actor Tom Hanks has given some of the best performances of the past few decades. In films such as Saving Private Ryan, Forrest Gump, Sully, Captain Philips, and more, the actor has portrayed extremely tested individuals who would emerge victorious against all odds.
In a filmography filled with a wide range of roles, Hanks had his most physically demanding parts in Philadelphia, in which he played an AIDS patient, and in Cast Away, where he was stranded on an island for a long time. The actor reportedly had many weight fluctuations while preparing for these roles.
A few years ago, the Toy Story star revealed that he was diagnosed with type-2 diabetes and the cause may be his weight fluctuations for his roles. He said to Daily Mail,
The gaining and the losing of weight may have had something to do with it because you eat so much bad food and you don’t get any exercise when you’re heavy…But I think I was genetically inclined to get it and I think it goes back to a lifestyle that I have been leading ever since I was seven years old, as opposed to 36.
Hanks also mentioned that he was fine now and that he was maintaining his health with the right amount of diet and exercise.
Tom Hanks Refused To Take On Any Physically Transformative Roles After The Diagnosis
Few actors have put themselves through rigorous physical transformations for the role they play. Actors such as Christian Bale and Jared Leto have previously gained and lost immense weight to fit the character in films like Vice, The Machinist, Dallas Buyers Club, and Chapter 27.
Tom Hanks too has done his fair share of physical transformations in films like Philadelphia and Cast Away. However, after his diabetes diagnosis, he mentioned that he would not choose more roles in that vein again. He said,
I’ve talked to a number of actors who have gained weight for roles and just out of the sheer physical toll on one’s knees and shoulders, no one wants to do it again. I think that’s more or less a young man’s game. I’m 57 and I don’t think I’m going to take on a job, or even go on vacation again, and see to it that I can gain 30 pounds.
Even Christian Bale, who is known for completely changing his body for his roles mentioned that he would not do it again as it had taken a massive toll on his health (via E! News).
Cast Away is available to stream on Hulu.
