RGR Collection / Alamy Ross Malinger, who played Jonah inSleepless in Seattle, reflected on his special bond with Tom Hanks Hanks and Malinger were close on set, and the elder actor invited Malinger to a few of his movies' premieres in the following years "Tom and I worked together in harmony, and ultimately that is what I believe made this film a classic," Malinger toldEntertainment Weekly Ross Malinger is looking back on his bond with Tom Hanks. Malinger was 8 years old when he starred inSleepless in Seattleas Jonah, the son of protagonist Sam (Hanks), who set his father up with Annie (Meg Ryan). Now at 42, Malinger is reflecting on his lasting friendship with Hanks, 69. "We genuinely cared about each other," Malinger toldEntertainment Weekly. "That natural chemistry allowed me to really bring a lot of intensity and emotion to Jonah's character." Bruce Mcbroom/Tri-Star/Kobal/Shutterstock While filmingSleepless in Seattle,Hanks was "always joking around and making me laugh," Malinger said. He recalled one off-screen moment at the fish market where Hanks kept grabbing fish, moving their mouths and "making them say goofy things." Once the filming and press run had concluded, Hanks invited Malinger to two other premieres — his 1993 filmPhiladelphiaand his 1996 filmThat Thing You Do. AfterSleepless in Seattle, Malinger landed over 20 roles in TV and film before leaving Hollywood behind.He had a recurring role on CBS'sGood Adviceand Warner Brothers'Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher,plus shorter appearances onParty of Five, Seinfeld, The Simple LifeandTouched by an Angel.His last on-screen role was in a 2006 episode ofWithout a Trace. Malinger has since tried on a number of hats, including classic-car restorer, computer repair business owner and finance manager for a car dealership. Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer. Still, with his acting days largely behind him, Malinger holds dear his time onSleepless in Seattleand his special bond with Hanks. "Tom and I worked together in harmony, and ultimately that is what I believe made this film a classic," Malinger told the outlet. Read the original article onPeople
