The iconic film “Forrest Gump” premiered 30 years ago, with strong ties to Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama. The character was created by Winston Groom, a big fan of the Crimson Tide, who wrote the novel on which the movie was based. Despite the film’s success at the Oscars, Groom was not acknowledged for his contribution. The movie earned $678 million during its initial release, but Groom experienced legal disputes with Paramount Pictures over profits.
The University of Alabama declined to allow filming on campus due to perceived historical inaccuracies in the script. Even though the film was set in Alabama, it was mainly shot in other states. Groom tried unsuccessfully to make filmmakers understand the importance of UA’s legacy. The fictional character of Forrest Gump, who is portrayed as a football player for the university, does not appear in any historical records.
In recent years, a jogger resembling Tom Hanks’s portrayal of Forrest Gump has been seen around Tuscaloosa on game days. The appearance of this Forrest look-alike pays tribute to Groom and has become a symbol of spirit and nostalgia for fans. The “Running of the Gumps” was an informal event where fans interacted with the character during UA Fan Days. The presence of this jogging Forrest serves as a reminder of the film’s enduring impact on the city and its residents.
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