It has been confirmed today that Winston Groom, the author of the renowned novel, Forrest Gump, has sadly passed away.
Here's what we know...
The world has lost a tremendous writer.
via: Instagram
At the age of seventy-seven, Winston Groom has tragically passed away.Groom lived one hell of a life.
via: Instagram
The talented writer grew up in Mobile, Alabama, and graduated from the University of Alabama in 1965.But, before he could focus on his career as an author...
Groom served some time in the military. According to the university, he served in the Army's Fourth Infantry Division from 1965 to 1969, which included a tour in Vietnam.Upon his return from the war, Groom threw himself into his writing...
via: Instagram
With his primary success laying within his critically-acclaimed 1986 novel, Forrest Gump, which was later adapted into a film starring Tom Hanks.The movie catapulted the tale of Forrest to unprecedented levels of fame...
And went on to win 6 Oscars.However, many argue that Groom's novel was a better and "richer" version of the tale.
via: Instagram
Don Noble, University of Alabama professor and 40-year friend of Groom's, told The Tuscaloosa News that the novel was 'darker' and 'richer' than the movie. He said: "You can make a lot of money as a comic writer, but you can't get no respect. But Forrest Gump is really actually quite a fine novel. It's more subtle and more complicated... Richer than the movie."Fast forward to today, Forrest Gump remains as one of the most successful movies of all time...
So it comes with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of the man behind the story.Since the news broke, tributes to Groom have been flooding in...
We are saddened to learn of the passing of one of our Legends, Winston Groom. A 1965 UA graduate, Groom authored 16… https://t.co/key84T1YMC— The Univ. of Alabama (@The Univ. of Alabama)1600377363.0
@AP Great writer gone ! Very very sad! We still love you for spreading for showing life is only about being simple and good.— Jaggi (@Jaggi)1600395628.0
@AP That movie made so many of our lives joyful and emotional every time we watch it. We should be thankful to him and for his book— Navid 🇺🇸 🗽 (@Navid 🇺🇸 🗽)1600399047.0
We are saddened to hear that Alabama author Winston Groom has passed away today. A longtime contributor to G&G, Gro… https://t.co/jB0py5ongJ— Garden & Gun (@Garden & Gun)1600377192.0
Sorry to hear this. Groom's books were different from the classic film, even though I preferred the cinematic take… https://t.co/Dps1uPXgP2— Greg Brian (@Greg Brian)1600404955.0
Thank you Sir Winston Groom for a wonderful story Rest in Peace #ForrestGump https://t.co/iw0z3dLvLA— Prendre 27 (@Prendre 27)1600417985.0
@BreakingNews What an incredible talent! R.I.P. Winston Groom 🙏— Donna Johnson (@Donna Johnson)1600410297.0
2020 continues to be hard on us. Another legend who gave us Forrest Gump is gone. Winston Groom, the writer whose… https://t.co/jgYxqg0TnD— Rema Rajeshwari IPS (@Rema Rajeshwari IPS)1600415246.0
The writer of my favourite movie“ Forrest Gump”, Winston Groom has departed. #RIP https://t.co/vs7YZtX8Bh— Aalia Rasheed (@Aalia Rasheed)1600416237.0
@cnnbrk What a wonderful story! May this masterful story teller Rest In Peace. Thank you for the words where you sp… https://t.co/779GqpDiZ9— Terry (@Terry)1600388665.0