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NY Post
Page Six
4 Jul 2023


NextImg:‘Forrest Gump’ child star Michael Humphreys is unrecognizable all grown up

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Michael Humphreys, the child star who played young Forrest in the blockbuster film “Forrest Gump,” is all grown up.

Now 38, the Memphis-born actor has been providing fans with updates on his Instagram, where he’s shown off his various hair styles and changing looks — as well as as “interesting requests” for his autograph.

Nearly three decades since delighting audiences with his leg brace-shattering sprint, Humphreys now lives a quiet life in Portland, Ore.

And just like the eponymous film character, who memorably joined the army and served in Vietnam, Humphreys also enlisted in the US Army.

When Humphreys was 8 years old, he was taken to an open casting call in Memphis where producers were searching for a young Tom Hanks with a “quirky disposition.”

Humphreys never pursued a career in Hollywood.
michaelconnerhumphreys/Instagram

A scene from "Forrest Gump."

Humphreys was discovered in an open casting call.
Capital Pictures

The casting team was reportedly enamored by Humphreys’ thick Southern accent and he was cast in the movie adaption of Winston Groom’s 1996 novel.

Hanks later said in interviews that he copied Humphreys’ drawl for his own character.

With exception to a school production and an uncredited role in the 2003 television adaption of John Grisham’s “A Painted House,” Humphreys did not pursue a career in acting.

Michael Humphreys in "Forrest Gump."

The casting team was reportedly taken with Humphreys’ thick Southern drawl.
Capital Pictures

After high school, Humphreys was stationed in the 1st Battalion 36th Infantry Regiment and completed an 18-month deployment in Iraq. He completed his 4-year service in 2008.

In a 2019 interview with the Sun, Humphreys sounded relieved that he didn’t become a child star.

“I’m not sure I would have wanted to be a child star — it doesn’t always seem to turn out that well for a lot of them,” he shared. “I reckon I am right, looking at some of them today.”

Michael Humphreys in the army.

After high school, Humphreys enlisted in the army.
Licensed Through Humphreys to JDMC / SplashNews.com

Michael Humphreys in the army.

Humphreys served four years, including a stint in Iraq.
Licensed Through Humphreys to JDMC / SplashNews.com

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“I don’t think Hollywood is a healthy lifestyle for kids and you do not have a childhood or mature quickly. I was much better off going the route I did,” he added.

Humphries explained that his parents never pushed him.

Michael Humphreys and Sally Field in 2019.

Humphreys met up with his on-screen mom, Sally Field, in 2019.

“Back then, my parents just let me decide for myself what I wanted to do next and they never pushed me to pursue other acting roles,” he said. “I honestly think that was a good thing, as I never thought of Hollywood as anything glamorous or fame as something I wanted to chase. It was the opposite.

“I loved my home and was just interested in having fun and playing with my friends, especially as I liked school.”

Although it’s been decades since the beloved film was released, Humpheys is still asked to sign memorabilia and in 2019 met up with his on-screen mom, Sally Field, after 25 years.