Tom Hanks’ son Chet Hanks reveals it was a ‘mindf***’ growing up with famous parents because he felt ‘worthless’ as he joins Surreal Life

Tom Hanks' son Chet Hanks reveals it was a 'mindf***' growing up with famous parents because he felt 'worthless' as he joins Surreal Life

As a dedicated follower of Chet Hanks’ journey, I can’t help but feel deeply moved by his raw and honest accounts of growing up with famous parents. His experiences are far from the glamorous picture that many might imagine. Instead, he shares how he felt worthless and misunderstood, constantly dealing with strangers’ preconceived notions of who he was supposed to be.


Chet Hanks did not have an easy time growing up with very famous parents.

Tom Hanks, an Oscar-winning actor famed for “Forrest Gump” and “Sleepless in Seattle,” is his father. His mother’s identity: She’s an actress and singer, known as Rita Wilson.

I, as a devoted fan of Chet’s, have learned from his latest program, Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets, that he experienced unease regarding the public’s response towards his background as a child of a renowned celebrity.

In my past, I’d often hear people assume that growing up as Tom Hanks’ son would make me feel extraordinarily important or privileged. However, that wasn’t exactly how it was for me.

‘I actually grew up feeling completely f***ing worthless.’

From my perspective as a lifestyle expert, I’d like to clarify that Tom and Rita weren’t to blame for the misconceptions people held about them. Instead, it was outsiders who brought their own biased expectations to the table.

Tom Hanks' son Chet Hanks reveals it was a 'mindf***' growing up with famous parents because he felt 'worthless' as he joins Surreal Life

Tom Hanks' son Chet Hanks reveals it was a 'mindf***' growing up with famous parents because he felt 'worthless' as he joins Surreal Life

He shared with his co-stars, Kim Zolciak Biermann, Josie Canseco, and O.T. Genasis, that others had made him feel as if he thought I was superior, but I didn’t hold such thoughts. I merely aimed to befriend everyone and receive equal treatment as others.

I can understand how overwhelming it feels when we’re faced with situations that challenge our confidence and expected behavior. For me, encountering a situation where I’m supposed to “walk through the doors” and be meek and timid was a real mind bender. Growing up, I was always known for my boldness and assertiveness. This request felt like a direct assault on my identity and self-worth. It took me some time to process and figure out how to navigate this new expectation while staying true to myself.

Chet went on, “Should you enter with an air of arrogance, declaring, ‘Here I am,’ it might be met with a response along the lines of, ‘What confidence you have, young sir.'”

‘I did internalize all that negativity. Maybe I am f***ing worthless, you know what I’m saying?’

For me, stepping outdoors and engaging with others was an immense struggle, both mentally and emotionally. I found it challenging to muster the courage to greet people with a simple “Hello, I’m Chet.” as I worked on building my acting career.

His parents have supported him venting on the reality TV show, 

He clarified to UsWeekly that “The Surreal Life” is unlike other shows, without the chaos and negativity.

Tom Hanks' son Chet Hanks reveals it was a 'mindf***' growing up with famous parents because he felt 'worthless' as he joins Surreal Life
Tom Hanks' son Chet Hanks reveals it was a 'mindf***' growing up with famous parents because he felt 'worthless' as he joins Surreal Life

I believe that this type of reality TV is all about personal development and building genuine connections with others. It’s a far cry from the typical, superficial shows we’re used to. Based on my own experience, I was given the freedom and support to explore my own growth and form meaningful relationships with people. The vulnerability required in this kind of production is not for the faint-hearted, but it’s an incredibly rewarding journey that goes beyond just entertainment.

Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets airs Tuesday nights on MTV at 9 p.m. ET.

He also said that life has become ‘extremely easy’ since he achieved sobriety.

Three years ago, at the age of 33, I made a pivotal decision in my life that drastically changed things for me. Before that point, I struggled with addiction and found living to be quite challenging. But after committing to living alcohol-free, the world began to open up in new ways for me. Now, as I embark on this new reality show, I want to share with the audience that beneath the surface of being an actor, I’m just a regular guy who made a choice to transform his life.

In his own words to the public, he expressed, “I want you all to know that I’m just an ordinary person. To show this side of me, I joined ‘Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets’.”

The experience was genuinely among the top-notch ones I’ve ever had, and I truly mean it. I enjoyed every moment of it, and if given the chance, I would gladly repeat it.

‘There was a little drama, but not much!

Tom Hanks' son Chet Hanks reveals it was a 'mindf***' growing up with famous parents because he felt 'worthless' as he joins Surreal Life

I can assure you from my personal experience, making sobriety a priority in my life has been the key to achieving what was once seemingly impossible. The struggle isn’t in committing and sticking to it; instead, it lies in attempting to manage my life while under the influence. Once I made the decision to be sober, it became non-negotiable. There’s no bargaining or second-guessing involved. Life, in turn, has become remarkably easier as a result.

The actor previously known for his role in the Empire series is excited about acting again, as he prepares to work with Kate Hudson on Netflix’s Running Point, and plans to share new tunes soon.

He announced that he’s taking on a significant new role in an upcoming Netflix production featuring Kate Hudson, set for release around January.

In this production, I’m playing an exceptional character with an engaging role. It’s classified as a comedy, so anticipate plenty of laughter and opportunities for me to be comically expressive. Additionally, I’ve recently secured a recording contract and am preparing to share fresh music – a departure from anything I’ve previously released.

Read More

2024-07-24 17:18

Previous post FC Barcelona unveils Barca Games, a gaming platform now available on Android and iOS
Next post First trailer for Timothée Chalamet’s new movie A Complete Unknown