Tom Hanks His Oscar nomination was for Big. Hanks’s 1988 comedy was pivotal to his rise to stardom. Much of the success of this film, and therefore arguably Hanks’s whole career, comes from the mind of Paula Abdul. Here’s how she helped launch Hanks into superstardom.
Two Stars on The Rise
Before BigHanks spent nearly a decade trying hard to get it big. Hanks was awarded the lead role in Bosom BuddiesAnd subsequently, he was offered a spot as a guest on Happy Days. Ron Howard, who had Hanks in, was turned against him by these programs. Splash1984. In 1984. The Money Pit Dragnet.
Abdul was also starting her career in Los Angeles. Abdul, a talented dancer, was chosen out of college to be one of the coveted Laker Girls. She soon became the squad’s head choreographer before moving into the music video game.
Abdul became friends with the Jacksons through her connection to the Los Angeles Lakers and soon began choreography for the entire Jackson family. She laid out the dance moves for The Jackson’s huge Victory tour in 1984, and for smash hits like Janet Jackson’s “Nasty” and “Control.”
A Famous Scene
Abdul and Hanks’ paths crossed in Big. Abdul choreographed the famous giant keyboard dance routine with Hanks, Robert Loggia. Even if you haven’t seen the film, the scene made an indelible mark in popular culture. Homer Simpson and Peter Griffen would recreate this scene over the years.
Abdul was given a lot of credit by Hanks. He told her, “My biggest claim to fame…is that you once choreographed me.” Considering Hanks was already racking up Academy Awards he said this, that is some high praise.
History is Rest
The Penny Marshall-directed film, which had a $18m budget, went on to gross more than $151 million. Hanks would win his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor for the film, but Dustin Hoffman would win it. Rain Man. No bother, as Hanks would pick up back-to-back statues in 1993 1994 for Philadelphia and Forrest GumpNot to mention the three additional nominations that followed his wins. It all worked out well for him.
Abdul’s life only got better. Abdul passed away in the space of a year. BigShe had three number one hits. A decade later, she was a star judge at the behemoth known for its infamous “Star Judges”. American Idol. You have to believe that everything really began to look up for Abdul as well as Hanks right at the same moment.
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