Bob Penny, who had roles in Forrest Gump,Sweet Home, Alabama, dies at 87

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Bob Penny, an actor who appeared in films such as “Forrest Gump,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” and “My Cousin Vinny,” passed away on Sunday in Huntsville, Alabama.

Penny was born in Anniston, Alabama, and began his professional acting career after 30 years as an English professor at the University of Alabama.

Penny told AL.com in 2008 that when he left his teaching position at the university to pursue a career in acting, “then the movies started to flow.”

“I was really lucky. I had these very small roles, but they sure helped pay the mortgage.”

Penny is listed as having roles in movies such as “Fried Green Tomatoes,” “The Legend of Bagger Vance,” and “Chill Factor,” according to imdb.com.

In addition, he had guest appearances on episodes of the television programs “In the Heat of the Night” and “Devious Maids.” Penny was identified as a “crony” in “Forrest Gump,” and he portrayed lawyer Wallace Buford with Reese Witherspoon in “Sweet Home Alabama.”

According to the obituary that was published online, he is survived by his brother, his sister, and a number of nieces and nephews.