What Happened to Chester Marlon "Chet" Hanks?
Chet Hanks, son of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, has carved out his own path in entertainment, transitioning from hip-hop to country music with his band Something Out West, and establishing himself as an actor on Netflix's 'Running Point'. He has openly discussed his journey to sobriety and recently relocated to Nashville, embracing a unique lifestyle in a trailer park to focus on his music career.
Quick Answer
Chet Hanks has recently pivoted his career towards country music, forming the duo 'Something Out West' and signing with Big Machine Records in 2025. He also holds a recurring acting role as Travis Bugg in the Netflix series 'Running Point', with its second season premiering in April 2026. As of May 2026, Hanks has moved to a trailer park in Nashville to immerse himself in the country music scene, while maintaining over four years of sobriety.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
Born to Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson
Chester Marlon Hanks is born, the third child of Tom Hanks and first with Rita Wilson.
Initial Sobriety Journey
Hanks begins his journey to sobriety, a struggle he would later discuss publicly.
Daughter Born & Forms Musical Duo
His daughter, Michaiah, is born. He also forms the musical duo FTRZ (later Something Out West) with Drew Arthur.
Granted Greek Citizenship & Social Media Controversies
Hanks, along with his parents, is granted Greek citizenship. He also makes headlines for social media posts, including support for Black Lives Matter and later a hiatus due to 'pro-Trump conspiracy theorists' targeting his family.
Legal Issues with Former Partner
A temporary protective order is granted against Hanks by his former girlfriend, Kiana Parker, who alleged abuse. Hanks subsequently filed a lawsuit against Parker.
"White Boy Summer" Video Release
Hanks posts a video declaring a "White Boy Summer," which precedes a music video and merchandise release, generating significant public discussion.
COVID-19 Vaccine Rant
Hanks posts a video initially urging vaccination, then reveals it as a joke and denies being vaccinated, drawing backlash.
Announces Two Years Sober
In an interview, Hanks states he is two years sober, indicating a sobriety date around October 2021.
Cast in Netflix's 'Running Point'
Hanks is cast in the Netflix series 'Running Point' as Travis Bugg, a role he describes as an exaggerated version of himself.
'Running Point' Season 1 Premieres
The first season of Netflix's 'Running Point', featuring Chet Hanks in a recurring role, premieres.
Something Out West Signs Record Deal & Releases Debut Single
His country-rock duo, Something Out West, signs with Big Machine Records and releases their debut single, 'Leaving Hollywood.'
"You Better Run" Music Video with Tom Hanks
Something Out West releases the music video for "You Better Run," featuring a cameo from Tom Hanks in a 'Forrest Gump'-inspired scene.
Colombia Travel Incident
Hanks experiences temporary travel issues in Colombia while attempting to re-enter the U.S. using his Greek passport.
'Running Point' Season 2 Premieres
The second season of 'Running Point' is released on Netflix, continuing Hanks' role as Travis Bugg.
Performs at Stagecoach Festival
Chet Hanks and Something Out West perform at the Stagecoach Music Festival, with his father, Tom Hanks, in attendance.
Reveals Move to Nashville Trailer Park
On 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,' Hanks reveals he has moved to a trailer park in Nashville to focus on his country music career.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Chester Marlon Hanks, known as Chet, has navigated a complex public persona, evolving from early struggles with substance abuse and controversial social media moments to a focused pursuit of acting and music. Born to Hollywood icons Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, Chet initially dabbled in hip-hop under the name Chet Haze, but has since embraced a new artistic direction.
A significant turning point in Hanks' life was his commitment to sobriety, which he has openly discussed. After years of battling addiction, he stated in October 2023 that he was two years sober, indicating a sobriety date around late 2021. This personal transformation coincided with a professional pivot. In 2024, he landed a recurring role as Travis Bugg in the Netflix comedy 'Running Point', a character he has described as an exaggerated version of himself, dealing with on- and off-court drama and a struggling rap career. The show's first season premiered in February 2025, and its second season followed in April 2026, receiving improved critical reception.
Concurrently, Hanks has dedicated himself to country music. In 2016, he formed the musical duo FTRZ, later renamed Something Out West, with Drew Arthur. The duo signed with Big Machine Records in early 2025 and released their debut single, 'Leaving Hollywood,' in March 2025, followed by 'You Better Run,' which notably featured his father, Tom Hanks, in a 'Forrest Gump'-inspired music video. This move to country-rock was a deliberate shift, with Hanks embracing the genre's storytelling.
As of early 2026, Hanks has fully committed to his country music career by relocating to Nashville, Tennessee. In a surprising move, he revealed on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' in April 2026 that he is living in a trailer park, preferring this minimalist lifestyle over an apartment to focus on his music. His band, Something Out West, performed at the 2026 Stagecoach Music Festival in April, with his father, Tom Hanks, in attendance to show support. Hanks has also mentioned receiving mentorship from country artist Jelly Roll, further solidifying his immersion in the Nashville scene.
Despite a minor travel issue in February 2026 where he was temporarily stranded in Colombia due to passport complications while using his Greek citizenship, Hanks quickly returned to the U.S., attending a pre-Oscars party with his mother in March 2026. His current status reflects a period of stability and dedicated artistic pursuit, balancing his acting commitments with a burgeoning country music career and a sober lifestyle.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Chester Marlon "Chet" Hanks made different choices?