Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson banned son Chet from starring on reality TV… before troubled star signed up to show his ‘personal growth’ on MTV’s The Surreal Life

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson banned son Chet from starring on reality TV... before troubled star signed up to show his 'personal growth' on MTV's The Surreal Life

As a devoted fan of Chet Hanks, I’ve been following his journey with great interest, and I must say, his latest decision to join the cast of “The Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets” on MTV is both intriguing and exciting!


Chet Hanks confessed that his well-known parents, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, had forbidden him from appearing on reality TV programs. However, he shared that they were okay with his participation in MTV’s The Surreal Life.

In the latest installment of the reality TV show, the debated 33-year-old figures prominently, sharing a Colombian villa with notables such as Kim Zolciak from Real Housewives of Atlanta, Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir, and singer Macy Gray.

Before the new season began, Chet spoke exclusively with DailyMail.com. He shared that he needed his family’s blessing before deciding to participate in the famous reality show.

The rapper expressed his certainty that they had declined participation in standard reality TV shows. When this prospect arose, we held a discussion, and everyone concurred that it presented an excellent opportunity for me, making it a perfect fit.

‘They were really supportive. I was excited and everybody was.’

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson banned son Chet from starring on reality TV... before troubled star signed up to show his 'personal growth' on MTV's The Surreal Life
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson banned son Chet from starring on reality TV... before troubled star signed up to show his 'personal growth' on MTV's The Surreal Life

Tom and Rita, both aged 68 and 67 respectively, are the proud parents of Chet, their eldest son, who is 27 years old, and Truman, their younger child. Tom has previously won an Academy Award.

Tom also has Colin and Elizabeth, with his late ex-wife Samantha Lewes.

In the past, I received invitations to participate in reality shows, but I declined them. As a father of one, I have chosen to keep a low profile in front of the cameras.

I’ve consistently declined invitations as all the programs that approached me focused solely on conflict, arguments, and negativity – not my cup of tea.

He added: “This is the initial reality show that deviates from the typical format. Instead, it focuses on building genuine connections, displaying an authentic version of oneself, and fostering individual development through openness and vulnerability.”

For a long time, Chet has been linked with controversy due to his unpredictable actions connected to substance abuse, resulting in numerous news reports over the years.

A former girlfriend has made allegations against him of domestic violence, and he has faced criticism for lengthy periods of time adopting a Jamaican accent, which some consider an instance of “cultural appropriation.”

Last year, Chet attracted media attention by stating that his father, a well-known and respected Hollywood actor and philanthropist, wasn’t the “typical strong male role model” in his upbringing.

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson banned son Chet from starring on reality TV... before troubled star signed up to show his 'personal growth' on MTV's The Surreal Life
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson banned son Chet from starring on reality TV... before troubled star signed up to show his 'personal growth' on MTV's The Surreal Life

Recently, he shocked fans by openly discussing the grave extent of his previous drug problem. He revealed that even hardcore users advised him to tone down his usage.

Chet shared his expectations about how he would be viewed following his appearance on the show, expressing hope that people would get to know a new aspect of him: “People will see a fresh side of Chet Hanks, and I believe they will.”

In the preview for the new reality series, it’s shown that Chet is seen developing a close relationship with former Real Housewives of Atlanta star, Kim.

In a confession, Chet admits that Kim is often described as a “mature, attractive woman” by others.

In the promotional video, he is next seen entering a room with the mother of two. A black-and-white night vision camera then captures him making his way into her bed.

‘That’s gonna look so terrible,’ Kim is heard saying in her own confessional.

The “Celebrity Surveillance” series debuted on the WB network in 2003, then shifted to VH1 for its third term between 2003 and 2022, and was later brought back to life by MTV.

In addition to Tyler Posey, the musical artist Ally Brooke, rapper OT Genasis, and model Josie Canseco are part of the show’s talented ensemble.

Scandal-plagued Chet is just the latest Hanks-Wilson family member to appear on reality TV. 

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson banned son Chet from starring on reality TV... before troubled star signed up to show his 'personal growth' on MTV's The Surreal Life
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson banned son Chet from starring on reality TV... before troubled star signed up to show his 'personal growth' on MTV's The Surreal Life
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson banned son Chet from starring on reality TV... before troubled star signed up to show his 'personal growth' on MTV's The Surreal Life
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson banned son Chet from starring on reality TV... before troubled star signed up to show his 'personal growth' on MTV's The Surreal Life

In June, Carly Reeves, the niece of Tom and Rita, gained significant online attention after experiencing a major emotional outburst during filming for the ABC show Claim to Fame.

After finding out she was removed from the show in the initial episode, she had an unexpectedly strong reaction, which was captured on camera.

She began screaming insults at other contestants and sobbed over not getting ‘more camera time.’

In the face of criticism, Carly asserted to TMZ that her uncle not only approved of her actions but also believed her anger was genuine.

The Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets premieres July 23 at 9pm ET on MTV. 

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2024-07-21 15:33

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