Tom Hanks is globally known for his roles in films such as Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan, and even Toy Story, but his German co-star in the movie News of the World has no idea who he is. Helena Zengel from Berlin starred alongside Hanks in the post-Civil War American drama.
As a budding young star, Zengel’s debut in Hollywood is definitely a dream come true. She has so much potential and more opportunities to star alongside other A-list actors that she has yet to meet in the future.
Tom Hanks’ Young Co-Star Does Not Know Any Of His Films
In his interview via The Graham Norton Show’s New Year’s Eve special, Tom Hanks recalled how his co-star Helena Zengel does not recognize any of his movies. He would also mention the names of other veteran stars, and she would only give a puzzled response. Hanks said via Today:
“I don’t think so. I think she is too young to have seen any of my films. I would test her every now and again and she would shake her head and say, ‘That means nothing to me.’ I’d say, ‘When I worked with Clint Eastwood…’ and she’d say, ‘Who is Clint Eastwood?’”
News of the World is Hanks’ first stint in a Western film, but he assured fans his character was more than just a stereotype cowboy:
“I’m not doing the whole rootin’-tootin’ gun kind of thing, but I ride a horse, and I drive a wagon. I’m not a rider per se, but I did learn and got to know a fabulous horse called Wimpy. I know horses would much rather live in a world without humans, they sort of look at you and then decide if they are going to put up with you.”
When asked what Hanks thinks of his co-star Zengel, he only had positive things to say about the young actress via The Wrap:
“I can’t think of Helena as a child actor — it doesn’t do her justice. We didn’t work on the set together as much as we inhabited a life together. The day would go by, we would talk, ride the horses, and laugh, during which the film was made. I’ve been an actor for a long time and found myself yearning for Helena’s ease and simplicity.”
News of the World is directed by Paul Greengrass and distributed by Netflix and Universal Pictures. It grossed over $12.7 million and earned several accolades, such as Academy Award nominations for Best Original Score, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, and Best Sound.
Helena Zengel Bagged Several Awards For Her Role In Tom Hanks’ News of the World
At the tender age of 12, Helena Zengel received Golden Globe, Critics Choice, and SAG nominations for her role as 10-year-old Johanna in News of the World. Speaking with Variety, the actress shared how she found out:
“I found out I had been nominated for the Golden Globe while I was out getting carrots for my horse. My mom was on the phone with my agency, and it was already 3 p.m. here. I hadn’t heard anything and thought, ‘Well, that’s that then.’ And then I found out. I started screaming, laughing, and crying.”
She also shared her favorite moments from the movie, which included the shootout and the campfire scenes with Tom Hanks.
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