Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep paid a visit to Ellen this morning (Jan. 9) in promotion of the new investigative film The Post, which opens on Friday (Jan. 12).
The two spoke with Ellen about the importance of the film among other things, as well as a potential Oprah Winfrey presidency. The shining moment of the visit, however, came when Ellen challenged them to attempt to act as a character that the other has played in the past. Hanks and Streep showed just why they are among Hollywood’s greatest talents, as they smashed the challenge in a dazzling display of acting.
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After the two responded to Ellen’s question asking what are their favorite roles from each their respective long catalogs of brilliant films, Streep was given the task of reenacting a scene from Hanks’ classic Forrest Gump. Quoting the famous “Life is like a box of chocolates” scene, Streep hit it right on the head, mimicking Hanks’ mannerisms and all.
Following this up, Hanks was required to reprise a quote from Streep’s character Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada. In a magical and hilarious moment of acting, Hanks delivered a performance that drew a breathless “That IS my character” response, in between laughs. Meanwhile, Ellen couldn’t contain her excitement, visibly enjoying the challenge.
The host took then took the challenge a step further, as she dished out props to the two, giving Streep a Woody hat from Toy Story. Streep went on to nail a reenactment of Hanks in Toy Story, while Hanks, equipped with a fluffy brown wig, came back with a roaring display as Margret Thatcher in The Iron Lady,
Afterwards, Ellen presented Streep with a seat in the crowd with her name on it. Hanks, who already has a seat in the crowd under has name, joked, “So Meryl’s seat is in front of my seat. So she has a better seat. Can I just point out that behind every successful woman, sits a loudmouthed, wisecracking guy.”
Check out the clip below!