Winston Groom dead – Forrest Gump author whose famous novel was turned into Hollywood blockbuster passes away aged 77
FORREST Gump author Winston Groom has died aged 77.
Groom's famous novel was turned into a Hollywood blockbuster starring Tom Hanks in 1994.
Groom's death was announced on Facebook yesterday by Karin Wilson, the mayor of Fairhope, Alabama.
She wrote: "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."
Ms Wilson shared a picture of Groom taken by his daughter, Carolina.
A local funeral home said arrangements were set to get underway, reported.
He was born in 1943 and grew up in Mobile, Alabama, before attending the University of Alabama - who described Groom as "one of our legends" in tribute.
Groom served in Vietnam from July 1966 to September 1967, reaching the rank of Captain.
He was married to wife Anne-Clinton and the couple shared daughter Carolina.
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His book 'Forrest Gump' - telling the titular character's incredible life story as he bumbles his way through American history in the hope of being reunited with childhood sweetheart, Jenny - was published in 1986, and sold millions of copies in the US and worldwide.
Groom wrote a sequel to the novel titled 'Gump & Co.', as well as a number of non-fiction books about history.
The movie 'Forrest Gump' won six Oscars, including Best Actor for Tom Hanks, Best Director for Robert Zemeckis and Best Picture.
