‘Sleepless in Seattle’: Ross Malinger recalls chemistry with Tom Hanks
Ross Malinger says he has natural chemistry with Tom Hanks as father-son duo in 90s movie
Former American actor Ross Malinger reflected on his bond with Tom Hanks during his breakout role in the 1990s classic Sleepless in Seattle.
Malinger starred as Jonah, the son of protagonist Sam (Hanks), who famously tried to set his father up with Annie, played by Meg Ryan.
Now 42, Malinger looked back on his on-screen chemistry with Hanks in a recent conversation with Entertainment Weekly.
"We genuinely cared about each other," Malinger said. "That natural chemistry allowed me to really bring a lot of intensity and emotion to Jonah’s character."
Recalling their time on set, he added that Hanks was "always joking around and making me laugh." One vivid memory was a day at the fish market, where Hanks amused him by grabbing fish and moving their mouths to "make them say goofy things."
After wrapping up Sleepless in Seattle promotions, Hanks kept in touch with his young co-star, even inviting him to the premieres of Philadelphia in 1993 and That Thing You Do in 1996.
Malinger went on to collect more than 20 acting credits across television and film before eventually leaving Hollywood behind.
"Tom and I worked together in harmony, and ultimately, that is what I believe made this film a classic," Malinger reflected.
