The man behind the voice of Woody and the inspiration for Forrest Gump

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: James Mathew Hanks has built a career in the shadow of his famous older brother, Tom. While he is best known for his vocal work as Sheriff Woody in Toy Story merchandise and video games, his influence on Hollywood history extends to the iconic mannerisms of Forrest Gump.

Born in Shasta County, California, in 1961, Jim Hanks followed a path into acting that began after he moved to Los Angeles in 1992. Despite his striking physical and vocal resemblance to his brother Tom, Jim initially sought to establish himself independently. When auditioning for his first lead role as Jeeter Buford in the 1993 film Buford's Beach Bunnies, he used the name Jim Matthews to ensure he was judged solely on his own comedic and acting merits. It was only after he secured the part that his familial connection was disclosed.

This connection proved significant for cinematic history. In 1995, it was revealed that the distinctive mannerisms Tom Hanks used for Forrest Gump, including the character's famous jerky run, were originally developed by Jim for his role as Jeeter. Jim’s physical likeness also allowed him to serve as a body double for his brother in Forrest Gump. Beyond his work with Tom, Jim has cultivated a diverse career, appearing in stage productions like Of Mice and Men, guest-starring on television shows such as Scrubs, and providing the voice for iconic commercial characters like Geoffrey the Giraffe for Toys "R" Us.

Today, Jim continues to work in the industry through his production company, Feet First Films, which supports short film projects and actor demos. His professional life remains a blend of high-profile voice work and independent creative pursuits. Whether he is stepping in to voice Sheriff Woody for spin-offs or playing a town gossip in an O. Henry adaptation, he maintains a career defined by versatility and a unique, albeit closely linked, presence in the entertainment world.

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