Writer Winston Groom, whose novel Forrest Gump was made into the hugely successful Oscar-winning 1994 film starring Tom Hanks, has died aged 77.
The book, about the childlike optimism of a slow-thinking but kind-hearted man, won six Oscars including best film and actor, plus three Golden Globes.
Directed by Robert Zemeckis and also starring Sally Field and Robin Wright, it made US $683 million.
Groom's death was confirmed by Alabama governor Kay Ivey.
[Source: BBC]
