Tom Hanks Says Mormon Supporters of Proposition 8 'Un-American'

www.foxnews.com ^

[Mind Freed]

Tom Hanks, Executive Producer for HBO’s controversial polygamist series “Big Love,” made his feelings toward the Mormon Church’s involvement in California's Prop 8 (which prohibits gay marriage) very clear at the show’s premiere party on Wednesday night.

[cassadysm]

I am a Mormon. I am a conservative. I’m a male. I’m a nurse. I’m a navy veteran. I’m a husband and a father. Does my belonging to any of these groups invalidate my ability to perform the duties of any of the others? Why should I-as a member of the mormon church or any religious group-be banned from declaring my convictions against gay marriage? Can I not voice my convictions? I am an American and it is both my right and duty to uphold the constitution and to take part in the political process. Liberals espouse separation of church and state when the forefathers simply wanted to eliminate a state sponsored religion. My religious convictions should impact how I think politically, morally, etc. Otherwise, I’m a hypocrite. Saying you are going to strip my faith of it’s tax exempt status because the church-or its members-speak out on a matter that is doctrinal AND secular is un-American. Such bigotry should be opposed by all Americans.

[x]

I wouldn’t go as far as you in saying he’s not a good actor, but I don’t think he’s that great of an actor. It depends on the movie, I thought he did alright in Apollo 13 for example. Like you, I judge the entertainers on their merits, not their politics. I think Morgan Freeman is excellent for example, even though I’m pretty sure he is left-leaning.

Given a level playing field, I don't think Tom's that memorable.

He got one Oscar for playing someone with AIDS and another for playing someone with mental deficiencies (even so, his Gump didn't match Dustin Hoffman's Rain Man). Playing characters without diseases or disabilities, Hanks isn't much to write home about.

Maybe, like earlier film actors, he's more or less just playing himself in many of his films, like those romcoms with Meg Ryan. But Tom Hanks doesn't have the presence those earlier stars had.

[fproy2222]

the truth is a lot of Mormons gave a lot of money to the church to make Prop-8 happen,” he told Tarts.
+++
“money to the church”
someone else spreading lies by using half-truths.

[Texan Tory]

“Given a level playing field, I don’t think Tom’s that memorable...he’s more or less just playing himself in many of his films, like those romcoms with Meg Ryan. But Tom Hanks doesn’t have the presence those earlier stars had.”

Agree, you really nailed it. Some actors can play themselves, and be very memorable; Jimmy Stewart was able to do this for example. One of Jimmy Stewart’s director’s said that he didn’t really act at all, he was just himself on camera, to a very entertaining effect.

[LifeComesFirst]

Stick to the acting, Hanks.

[SunkenCiv]

Note: this topic is from 1/16/2009. Thanks Mind Freed.