Entertainment
GRAND OLE OPRY CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF ACADEMY AWARD-WINNING CLASSIC FORREST GUMP WITH SOLD-OUT SUNDAY NIGHT SHOW
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 29, 2024) –The Grand Ole Opry, the home of America’s music, celebrated the 30thanniversary of Paramount Pictures’ beloved classic Forrest Gump on a special sold-out Sunday Night Opry at the Grand Ole Opry House and the Opry debut of award-winning actor & humanitarian Gary Sinise & The Lt. Dan Band, who was introduced to the stage by a heartfelt video message from Tom Hanks. Additionally, the movie’s producer, Academy Award-winner Wendy Finerman, actor Mykelti Williamson, who portrayed the iconic character Bubba in the film, and Michael Conner Humphreys, who portrayed Forrest Gump as a young boy, each appeared as guest hosts.
The special Opry also featured Mandy Barnett, Madeline Edwards, The Gatlin Brothers, Scotty Hasting, Jamey Johnson, Gary LeVox, Scotty McCreery, and Stolen Silver performing songs from the 12X platinum-selling movie soundtrack. Additonally, the live audience was treated to clips of the Academy Award® winning movie for Best Picture throughout the show.
A sold-out post-show event was held in the Opry House’s Studio A and featured a Q&A discussion of 30 years of Forrest Gump with Gary Sinise (Lt. Dan), Mykelti Williamson (Bubba), Michael Conner Humphreys (young Forrest Gump) and producer Wendy Finerman as well as photo ops on the iconic park bench seen in numerous scenes from the film. The proceeds will benefit the Gary Sinise Foundation (GSF), which was established in 2011 to support our Nation’s military, veterans, first responders, and families of fallen heroes. The character of Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump made an enduring connection with veterans and service members and amplified Sinise’s tireless crusade to support those who have bravely served our country, along with their families.
Forrest Gump premiered on July 6, 1994 and became not only a global blockbuster, but a true cultural touchstone, ultimately winning six Academy Awards including Best Picture. The movie’s soundtrack featured some of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed American music of the 20th century including songs popularized by the likes of The Byrds, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Willie Nelson, and Elvis Presley, among many others.
