Tom Hanks has delivered countless memorable moments on the big screen, with one of the most unforgettable being his performance of “Chopsticks” on a giant floor piano in the 1988 film Big. During an episode of The Jonathan Ross Show, the celebrated actor was welcomed as a guest, and host Jonathan Ross eagerly encouraged Hanks to revisit this beloved scene. This time, instead of sharing the piano with Robert Loggia as in the original film, Hanks was joined by the talented Sandra Bullock, who performed impressively while wearing six-inch heels.
Ross added an element of surprise by concealing the oversized floor piano under a mat at the start. Hanks, however, quickly embraced the moment, diving into a lively rendition of “Heart and Soul,” the iconic theme from Big. As shown in the clip below, he seamlessly transitioned to “Chopsticks,” the second song featured in the movie’s famous piano sequence.
For their first performance, Ross showcased his musical skills by taking on the higher melody of “Chopsticks,” while Hanks handled the bass notes with ease. Despite a minor challenge with his dress pants shifting during the playful routine, Hanks performed admirably, mastering a song he hadn’t played in years. After some lighthearted fun on the piano, Ross welcomed Sandra Bullock to join Hanks for a duet.
Ever courteous, Hanks suggested Bullock might want to remove her towering six-inch heels for comfort, but she confidently declined, determined to perform flawlessly. Bullock proved her skill, delivering a near-perfect rendition of “Chopsticks” alongside Hanks. She opted out of the final chord, which required a wide stretch that risked a wardrobe mishap, but her performance was captivating nonetheless. You can view the original Big scene featuring Hanks and Loggia below for comparison.
The Walking Piano, originally designed by Remo Saraceni in 1982, featured a single octave. For the iconic Big scene, the film’s director commissioned a three-octave version to enable a duet. Ross ensured the same three-octave piano was ready for his segment with Hanks and Bullock, creating a nostalgic and entertaining moment for all.
