Has it really been two decades since we laughed, cheered and cried along with Andy (John Morris), Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) in Toy Story, the groundbreaking Disney-Pixar movie about the secret lives of toys?
Here are five fun facts you might not know:
- Toy Story was the first feature-length film made entirely using computer animation.
- The Odd Couple, The Defiant Ones and other “buddy” movies were studied as prototypes for Toy Story’s Buzz and Woody.
- The movie almost didn’t get made because the characters—Woody especially—were considered too harsh.
- Buzz Lightyear’s original name was Lunar Larry.
- Billy Crystal turned down the chance to voice Buzz Lightyear, a decision he regrets.
Click “launch gallery” to learn more about the actors behind your favorite Toy Story characters and see where they are now.
Tom Hanks—Woody
Fresh off Oscar wins for Philadelphia and Forrest Gump, Tom Hanks was a rising star when he signed on to voice Woody in the Pixar full-length animated movie Toy Story. The now-classic film was just a step along his award-winning career. Since the first Toy Story in 1995, Hanks has kept himself extremely busy, starring in and producing dozens of films since the animated franchise began. He’s taken on roles in everything from Saving Private Ryan and Catch Me if You Can to Cast Away and Saving Mr. Banks. He’s been nominated for Oscars, Golden Globes, Emmys and BAFTAs (and won quite a few). His most recent big-screen project was Bridge of Spies and he’ll reprise his beloved role as Woody in Toy Story 4 in 2018.
Tim Allen—Buzz Lightyear
Best known for his roles as Tim “The Toolman” Taylor in eight seasons of Home Improvement, and Scott Calvin aka Santa in The Santa Clause. Tim Allen has taken roles in both movies and television shows, reprising his popular portrayal of Santa in The Santa Clause 2 and 3, as well as stepping into parts in Wild Hogs and The Shaggy Dog. He’s gone to infinity and beyond as Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story sequels, television specials and shorts over the years and will also be in the fourth installment in 2018. Most recently, he starred in the ABC comedy series Last Man Standing.
Jim Varney—Slinky Dog
The actor best known as Ernest P. Worrell, the not-too-bright star of the Ernest movies died at age 50 in 2000, shortly after the second Toy Story film premiered. His last few roles included a voice the animated film Atlantis, Hazel Montgomery in Daddy and Them and and Carl Banks in Treehouse Hostage. Blake Clark took over the role in the third film of the franchise.
Wallace Shawn—Rex
The oft-quoted Princess Bride actor kept himself extremely busy between Toy Story films and has found his way into movies and television shows alike. Possibly known better by his voice and looks than by name, Shawn provided a voice for the series spin-off of Kung Fu Panda, played Queen Bee Blair’s stepfather in Gossip Girl and had guest spots on Crossing Jordan and The L Word. He’s also added myriad movies to his resume that includes more than 150 credits.
Annie Potts—Bo Peep
The straight-talking Mary Jo Shively on Designing Women made Potts a household name in the late 1980s. People may also recognize Potts’ voice from her other roles in other series Dangerous Minds, Any Day Now and Joan of Arcadia, plus a few TV movies and films. She’ll also reprise her role in the upcoming female-led Ghostbusters and was recently in episodes of NCIS: New Orleans and Chicago Med.
John Morris—Andy
The beloved boy that brought all the toys together in the first film won’t be appearing in the fourth film but has instead passed the mantle on to a new child who should love Buzz, Woody and all their friends like he did. Since the first film, Morris (now 31 years old) attended UCLA and earned a B.A. in theater arts. His voice will be heard again in a 2018 film, Medusa, produced by Sony.
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