Pranks

Denzel Washington graced a recent episode of The Graham Norton Show, where he discussed his experience filming Philadelphia with his co-star Tom Hanks. Both actors appeared in the movie over three decades ago, making it their only collaboration and Tom’s first Academy Award-winning role for Best Actor. Denzel admitted to being quite the menace on set as he would play pranks on Tom, whose part required him to lose weight drastically. Regardless of the naughtiness from Denzel, Tom acknowledged him during his Oscar acceptance speech, calling him a force to reckon with. What did Denzel Washington do to prank Tom Hanks on the set of ‘Philadelphia?’ PHILADELPHIA, Denzel Washington, Tom Hanks, 1993 Tom lost about 60 pounds to play Andrew Beckett and had to survive on 800 calories per day to maintain his weight loss during filming. Denzel, on the other hand, needed to gain weight and would often eat chocolate, candy, and almond joys in Tom’s presence to tease him. He would also have pizza delivered just in time for Tom’s presence. Dealing with Denzel’s pranks was difficult for Tom, but it created an interesting dynamic between them that fostered a good relationship. Hank considered his encounter with Denzel a career-defining experience that helped him hone his craft better. PHILADELPHIA, from left, Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, 1993, ©TriStar Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection Tom Hanks was grateful to Denzel Washington Tom once told the Irish Times that he got acting masterclasses while working with Denzel on the courtroom trial scenes. He had no dialogue, but his co-star challenged him to improvise quickly and in the moment. Tom related the 69-year-old’s talent to that of Hollywood icons like Brando, Nicholson, and Olivier, adding that he had a no-nonsense approach to work. PHILADELPHIA, Denzel Washington, Tom Hanks, Mary Steenburgen, Jason Robards, 1993. ©TriStar Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection Tom’s well-deserved Oscar was not only an acknowledgment of his lead role as Andrew, who gets in trouble with his employers for being gay and HIV/AIDS-positive, but also his survival of temptations created by Denzel, teaching him the discipline to work amid distractions.