Forrest Gump Author, Winston Groom, Has Died

Winston Groom, the author of Forrest Gump has passed away aged 77.

Karin Wilson, mayor of the novelist's hometown of Fairhope, Alabama, told CNN that Groom's family shared the news of the death with her office.

She said: "I don't have any details right now, but he did die (Wednesday) night. We are extremely sad to hear this. He is definitely an icon here."

Shutterstock/Anders Krusberg

Taking to Facebook, Mayor Wilson added: "It is with great sadness that I share the passing of our dear friend Winston Groom. The City of Fairhope has lost an iconic author today. Please keep his friends and family in your thoughts and prayers."

Governor of Alabama, Kay Ivey, said in a statement: "While he will be remembered for creating Forrest Gump, Winston Groom was a talented journalist & noted author of American history. Our hearts & prayers are extended to his family."

Jim Noles

@ByJimNoles

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#RIP, Winston Groom. Sad to hear of your passing for multiple reasons, to include the fact that now no one else will get to experience, for the first time, your warm graciousness to "the little guys" -- like me.

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Jeffrey Buntin Jr.

@JeffreyBuntinJr

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RIP #winstongroom Had only a few encounters/visits with him but always very entertaining. And smart. And entertaining.

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The University of Alabama

@UofAlabama

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We are saddened to learn of the passing of one of our Legends, Winston Groom. A 1965 UA graduate, Groom authored 16 books, including Forrest Gump. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time. Bio: bit.ly/2ZOQxkP #WhereLegendsAreMade

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Forrest Gump was the best known book by Groom, who grew up in Mobile, Alabama, and graduated from the University of Alabama in 1965.

The book was later adapted into a film starring Tom Hanks in the iconic role of Gump, as well as Sally Field and Gary Sinise - that earned him widespread fame and some financial success.

According to the university, he served in the Army's Fourth Infantry Division from 1965 to 1969 which included a tour in Vietnam - any FG fans will know that's one of the settings for the film.

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."

RIP, Winston Groom.

Topics: Entertainment, TV and Film

Rebecca Shepherd

I'm Becky - a journalist at LADbible. I graduated with a First Class BA in Journalism before going on to cover criminal court cases, medical tribunals and breaking news for the national media - which inevitably and eventually became as glum as it sounds. Can often be found rocking a bag for life - which I made a 'thing' way before Rihanna. You can contact me at [email protected]

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