Tom Hanks and Eddie Murphy are extremely talented actors, with both exceptional in their respective genres in Hollywood. Hanks is known for featuring in drama films that require him to showcase all the ranges of emotions that his character goes through, with some examples of his projects being Forrest Gump, The Terminal, You’ve Got Mail, and Sleepless in Seattle.
On the other hand, Murphy is known for his quick-witted humor, having some of the most hilarious films thanks to his talents as a comedian. Some of his well-known projects are the Coming to America films, Beverly Hills Cop, Shrek, and Trading Places.
It is quite a common practice for actors to play multiple roles in one project. While it is usually seen in the instance of someone playing twins or triplets, there are also cases when the same person voices and plays many completely different characters in one movie.
Considering how talented Murphy and Hanks are, it is no surprise that both have also done exactly this, in the past. However, it is impressive that they both hold the astonishing distinction of playing seven characters in a film.
Tom Hanks Played Seven Roles In Polar Express
Tom Hanks is one of the most skilled actors in the film industry. His talents allow him to play some very versatile characters, those who are completely different from each other. Hence, it is no shock that he can play multiple different characters in one film, as he did in the 2004 film, Polar Express. It is, however, surprising to know that the Sleepless in Seattle actor played, or voiced, seven different characters in the movie.
Not only did he voice seven characters, he portrayed some of the most important characters in the movie. Hanks played the role of The Hero Boy, The Hero Boy’s father, The Conductor of the Polar Express, and The Hobo who rides the Polar Express for free. He also voices the Ebenezer Scrooge puppet who shows up in a nightmare sequence, Santa Claus. Finally, the actor also played the role of the Narrator of the movie.
Eddie Murphy Played Seven Roles In The Nutty Professor
While voicing seven characters is certainly no easy task, it is safe to say that playing seven characters in live-action would be a lot more challenging. This is exactly what Eddie Murphy did in his 1996 film, The Nutty Professor. Murphy had previously played three characters in the film Coming to America. However, jumping to seven would still have proven to be a challenge.
The actor played the two protagonists, Professor Sherman Klump and his alter ego, Buddy Love. Along with these, he also portrayed the entire Klump family, including Papa Klump, Sherman’s brother, Ernie Klump, and television fitness instructor Lance Perkins.
Murphy also played female characters like Mama Klump and Grandma Klump, putting on make-up and wigs to fit the part. It is safe to say that this would not have been something easy, as Murphy has voiced in the past just how difficult playing multiple characters is, not only for him but for production as well.
