Character actor Harold Herthum, who played the doctor in “Forrest Gump,” died of a heart attack July 4 at his home in Baton Rouge. He was 69.
Herthum found success as an actor late in life, having spent most of his days as a small-business owner in his native Baton Rouge. After being cast locally in a number of independent films, Herthum went on to roles in such major pics as “JFK,” “Blaze,” “Cobb” and “Tin Cup,” and he appeared in the film “Favorite Son,” which he produced with nephew Louis Herthum. He also played a variety of minor roles in TV shows and commercials.
He is survived by his wife, Thelma, a son and daughter, two grandchildren, a brother and sister, and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a favorite charity or to St. Luke’s Episcopal Educational Endowment, 8833 Goodwood Blvd., Baton Rouge, La. 70806.
