Thirty-five years ago, before Oscars and accolades and Hollywood romances, there was a fanciful little movie called “Splash.” It made stars out of two Malibu locals. Daryl Hannah plays an out-of-water, on-the-beach blonde babe of a mermaid who falls in love with a young budding TV actor who happened to be a guy named Tom Hanks.
Before they were big stars, Ron Howard directed them from fledgling actors to household names. It seemed like an unlikely pairing with Hanks playing boyish everyman Allen Bauer against Hannah’s all-washed-up-on-the-beach Madison.
Today, the trio is celebrating a milestone. It’s been 35 years since the 1984 film hit box office gold and Tom and Daryl went on to leading man and leading lady status.
Tom landed the part after just a few seasons on the television sitcom “Bosom Buddies.” Daryl acquired a few credits in “Summer Lovers” and “Blade Runner.”
Who knew Daryl would go from the little comedy that could to have high profile romances with John F. Kennedy Jr. and famed acoustic musician Jackson Browne. She has now reportedly fallen for rock icon and “Heart of Gold” singer Neil Young. Hanks went on to superstardom in acclaimed award-winning dramatic roles like “Philadelphia.”
He also collaborated with Ron Howard and Malibu producer Brian Grazer on numerous other famous film favorites.
In addition to “Philadelphia,” the impressive roster includes “Apollo 13” and “Forrest Gump.”
In addition to Oscar gold, “Splash” only cemented Hanks’ well-earned reputation as one of the nicest guys in Hollywood. So take a dip into memory lane and ride the wave.
NOSTALGIA IN THE CANYON
April 6 marks a special date at a special place in Topanga Canyon. So save the date for the Re-PETE Seeger Centennial at Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum.
Local music lovers will gather at the magical outdoor theater to sing along at a tribute to the late singer/songwriter and activist Pete Seeger to mark his 100th birthday.
The program will feature Geer family singers Peter Alsop, Ellen Geer, Melora Marshall and Marshall McDaniel with special guests Emma’s Revolution, Ross Altman, Michele Brourman, Matt Cartsonis, Earnestine Phillips, Gerald C. Rivers, Elizabeth Tobias and friends. With all the rain we have been having, the hillside location should be in full bloom and the theater should be more beautiful than ever. So, tune up those vocal chords, get ready for a blast to the past and sing along!