Forrest Gump (1994) frequently appears on lists of the greatest films ever made, celebrated for its compelling story, memorable soundtrack, and unforgettable characters. With so many intricate details, each rewatch reveals something new. Among its beloved characters is the bitter and combative Lt. Dan Taylor, whose fascinating backstory mirrors the depth of others in the film.
Lt. Dan is a tough-as-nails military leader, descended from a long line of soldiers who died in every American war. This lineage convinced him that his own fate was to perish in combat as well. However, after being gravely injured, Forrest Gump defies orders to save him. Following the incident, Taylor loses both legs and harbors resentment toward Gump for robbing him of what he believes was his destiny. Despite this, the two eventually forge a lifelong friendship.
Gary Sinise, who portrays Lt. Dan, experienced a profound transformation through the role. Although already familiar with the U.S. military, preparing for the character connected him with many real-life veterans, inspiring his dedication to supporting them. Sinise founded The Gary Sinise Foundation, which provides programs, services, and events for wounded veterans, raising around $194 million from 2011 to 2019.
Here are some intriguing facts you may not know about Lt. Dan Taylor.
Nod to Midnight Cowboy (1969)
In one scene of Forrest Gump, Lt. Dan Taylor and Forrest Gump are almost hit by a taxi while crossing a busy street in New York City. An enraged Taylor shouts, “Hey, are you blind?! I’m walkin’ here! I’m walkin’ here!”
While this doesn’t seem out of character for the short-tempered lieutenant, it’s actually a line spoken by Dustin Hoffman in 1969’s Midnight Cowboy. Director Robert Zemeckis included Enrico “Ratso” Rizzo’s line and the track “Everybody’s Talkin’” (also from Midnight Cowboy) to cement the joke.
US Marine Corps veteran Dale Dye pushed the actors
Dale Dye transitioned into the movie industry in the 1980s after retiring from the U.S. military. As a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps with service in Vietnam, he brought his first-hand experience to the screen, both as an on-camera actor and as a military technical advisor for major films.
Dye subjected the actors to a demanding four-day outdoor training course intentionally designed to simulate the chaos of combat. In one memorable scene from Forrest Gump, Lt. Dan Taylor, injured in Vietnam, is dragged to safety by Forrest while firing aimlessly into the jungle. During a take, Gary Sinise‘s weapon jammed, prompting Dye to firmly call him out. Sinise pushed back, leading to a heated exchange between the two.
Despite the clash, Sinise later stated that there were no lingering hard feelings between them.
Lt. Dan’s rosary beads were from a real Vietnam War veteran
In Forrest Gump, Lt. Dan Taylor’s dog tags dangle from a rosary bead necklace.
Originally, the character was meant to wear standard dog tags. Gary Sinise’s brother-in-law, Jack Treese, was a combat medic in Vietnam and made his own rosary beads for his dog tags. Treese wasn’t a Catholic, but thought he should take any help he could to get through the war. His actual set of rosary beads was used in the movie.
Gary Sinise read Fortunate Son to prepare for the role of Lt. Dan
Fortunate Son: The Healing of a Vietnam Vet is the moving Pulitzer Prize-winning autobiography by Lewis B. Puller, Jr., son of World War II hero Chesty Puller, the most decorated US Marine in history.
Puller, Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the US Marine Corps, which saw him serve in Vietnam. He lost both of his legs, his left hand and parts of his right hand after he was struck by a booby trap bomb while deployed. When the elder Puller saw his son’s condition, he broke down in tears.
As a man who’d suffered from similar ailments as Lt. Dan Taylor, Gary Sinise used Puller, Jr.’s autobiography to understand the difficulties faced by real veterans in these circumstances. Sadly, he took his own life in May 1994, just two months before Forrest Gump was released.
How did they remove Gary Sinise’s legs in Forrest Gump (1994)?
Forest Gump was made before green screens and computer-generated imagery (CGI) were commonplace in the movie industry. The special effects team had the tough job of editing out Gary Sinise’s legs after Lt. Dan Taylor’s injuries in Vietnam.
To do this, they used a variety of methods, which often depended on the scene. Where possible, Sinise’s legs were simply hidden from sight. When he’s sat on a hospital bed, the lower portions of his legs were placed in holes cut into the bed.
More from us: Facts About ‘Das Boot’ – The Most Realistic Submarine Movie Ever Released
Want to become a trivia master? Sign up for our War History Fact of the Day newsletter!
In other scenes, Sinise wore blue stockings on the lower portions of his legs. After shooting, the special effects crew painted in the background behind the stockings, frame by frame.
Leave a Comment