Chet Hanks: Biography, Age, Career, Movies, Music, Family and Net Worth

Chet Hanks is an American actor and musician who has built a career in entertainment while growing up as the son of two highly recognizable figures, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson. Born Chester Marlon Hanks on August 4, 1990, in Los Angeles, California, he has worked across movies, television and music since his teenage years. His career includes roles in films such as Project X, Fantastic Four and Greyhound, as well as television appearances in Empire, Shameless, Your Honor and Running Point. Although his family background has naturally attracted attention, Chet Hanks has continued to pursue his own interests in acting and music while developing a public identity separate from his parents.

Chet Hanks Biography and Early Life

Chet Hanks grew up in Los Angeles as the first child of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson. His father was already becoming one of Hollywood’s most successful actors, while his mother had established herself as an actress and later developed careers in film production and music. Chet therefore grew up around the entertainment industry from an early age. His family also includes his younger brother Truman Hanks and his older half-siblings Colin Hanks and Elizabeth Hanks from Tom Hanks’ previous marriage.

His childhood was not simply a typical Hollywood upbringing. Chet has spoken publicly about experiencing pressure while growing up in a famous family and about struggling with the expectations connected to his parents’ success. During his teenage years, he attended a wilderness therapy program and later a therapeutic boarding school. Those experiences became part of a complicated period in his younger life, but he eventually continued his education and pursued entertainment professionally.

Chet Hanks Quick Facts

• Full name: Chester Marlon Hanks
• Known professionally as: Chet Hanks
• Date of birth: August 4, 1990
• Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
• Age: 36 in 2026
• Parents: Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson
• Younger brother: Truman Hanks
• Half-brother: Colin Hanks
• Half-sister: Elizabeth Hanks
• Daughter: Michaiah Hanks
• Professions: Actor and musician
• Music names: Chet Haze and Chet Hanx

Chet Hanks Age and Birthday

Chet Hanks was born on August 4, 1990, making him 36 years old in 2026. His birthday has become one of the commonly searched facts about him because readers often want basic biographical information before exploring his career. He was born in Los Angeles, a city that would later become the center of his professional life. His childhood in the city also placed him close to the entertainment industry in which his parents worked.

Chet Hanks age is particularly interesting when considered alongside the careers of his parents. When he was growing up, Tom Hanks was already an established Hollywood star, while Rita Wilson was developing her own acting and producing career. Chet entered adulthood with a very recognizable family name but chose to develop his own career through acting and music. His professional path has therefore been different from the traditional career associated with his father.

Chet Hanks Family Background

Chet Hanks is the third child of Tom Hanks and the first child Tom had with Rita Wilson. Tom Hanks previously had two children, Colin and Elizabeth, with his first wife, Samantha Lewes. After Tom married Rita Wilson, the couple had Chet in 1990 and Truman in 1995. This makes Chet the younger half-brother of Colin and Elizabeth and the older brother of Truman.

His family connections have naturally been a major part of public interest in his life. Tom Hanks is known for movies such as Forrest Gump, Philadelphia, Saving Private Ryan and Toy Story, while Rita Wilson has built a career as an actress, producer, singer and songwriter. Chet has therefore grown up in a family where several members have worked professionally in entertainment. At the same time, his career has developed in its own direction, particularly through his combination of acting and music.

Chet Hanks Education and Early Interests

Chet Hanks attended Northwestern University, where he studied theater and graduated in 2013. His decision to study theater provided formal training for the acting career he was already beginning to pursue. College also became an important period for his music interests, as he began releasing music under the name Chet Haze. His education and creative work therefore developed alongside each other.

His time at Northwestern also gave him an opportunity to establish interests outside the immediate influence of Hollywood. He became involved with university life and began experimenting with music while continuing to work toward an acting career. The combination of theater education and early music projects eventually became a foundation for his professional life. Rather than choosing only one creative field, Chet continued exploring both.

Chet Hanks’ Acting Career

Chet Hanks began appearing in movies while he was still young. One of his early credits was Bratz in 2007, followed by a small appearance in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull in 2008. He later appeared in Larry Crowne in 2011 and Project X in 2012. These early roles gave him experience in different types of productions and helped him begin establishing his own filmography.

His early movie career did not immediately make him a leading Hollywood actor. Instead, he gradually accumulated roles and moved between films and television projects. This approach allowed him to gain experience while developing his identity as a performer. Over time, television became an increasingly important part of his career.

Chet Hanks Movies

Some notable Chet Hanks movies and film credits include:

• Bratz
• Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
• Larry Crowne
• Project X
• Fantastic Four
• Greyhound
• Dead Wrong
• Ed

His filmography includes both smaller roles and appearances in larger productions. One of the most interesting aspects of his film career is that it includes opportunities to work with his father. Larry Crowne and Greyhound are particularly notable because Tom Hanks was also involved in those productions.

Chet Hanks in Project X

Project X was one of Chet Hanks’ more recognizable early movie appearances. The 2012 comedy focused on a high school party that becomes increasingly chaotic, and Chet appeared as a partygoer. The film became particularly well known among younger audiences and gave Chet another recognizable credit early in his career.

Although Project X was not a leading role for Chet, it helped expand his filmography during a period when he was experimenting with different types of entertainment work. Around the same period, he was also developing his interest in music. His career was therefore beginning to move in two directions rather than remaining focused exclusively on acting.

Chet Hanks and Fantastic Four

In 2015, Chet appeared in Fantastic Four as Jimmy Grimm. The superhero movie featured Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Mara and Jamie Bell and represented one of the larger studio productions in his film career. Although the film received mixed reviews, it remains an identifiable part of Chet Hanks movies and his overall acting history.

The role also showed that Chet was continuing to pursue mainstream film opportunities. Rather than relying on one particular type of character, he continued taking roles in different genres. His later television work would give him more opportunities to develop substantial characters.

Chet Hanks and Greyhound

Greyhound is especially interesting because it brought Chet Hanks together professionally with his father. The 2020 war film starred Tom Hanks and was based on C. S. Forester’s novel The Good Shepherd. Chet appeared in the movie as Bushnell, giving father and son another opportunity to work within the same production.

Their shared appearance is an important detail for readers interested in Chet Hanks and Tom Hanks. However, it is also useful to show that Chet’s career includes many projects that do not involve his father. His work in television, music and independent projects has given him opportunities to develop a professional identity of his own.

Chet Hanks on Television

Television eventually became one of the strongest parts of Chet Hanks’ acting career. He appeared in shows such as Maron, Shameless, Empire, NCIS: New Orleans, Atlanta and Your Honor. These projects allowed him to work in comedy, drama and crime-related stories. His television career also gave him the opportunity to play recurring characters instead of relying mainly on short movie appearances.

His work on television became particularly noticeable when he joined shows with established audiences. Empire and Shameless introduced him to viewers who may not have followed his earlier movie roles. Your Honor later gave him another opportunity to work in a serious dramatic setting. These projects helped demonstrate that he could move between different types of characters.

Chet Hanks in Shameless

Chet Hanks appeared as Charlie in Shameless between 2016 and 2018. The role was part of the long-running Showtime comedy-drama, which had a large and established audience. His appearance on the show became one of the more recognizable television credits from this stage of his career.

Shameless also helped place Chet in a television environment where character development was more important than a single movie appearance. His work on the show was followed by other television opportunities, including Empire and Your Honor. The progression shows how his career gradually moved toward more substantial television roles.

Chet Hanks in Empire

Chet Hanks played Blake Sterling in the Fox musical drama Empire. His character was connected to the show’s music-centered story, making the role particularly relevant to Chet’s own interest in music. He appeared across multiple episodes and became part of a series that focused heavily on the entertainment industry.

Empire was an interesting fit for Chet because it allowed him to combine two sides of his professional interests. He was working as an actor while appearing in a series built around musicians, recording companies and the business of entertainment. The experience also added another major television credit to his career.

Chet Hanks in Your Honor

Chet later played Joey Maldini in Your Honor, a serious legal and crime drama. His role appeared across several episodes between 2020 and 2023. The series gave him another opportunity to work within a dramatic environment that was very different from the comedy and music-focused projects he had previously taken.

His work on Your Honor showed that his television career was continuing to develop into different genres. It also helped establish a bridge between his earlier recurring roles and his later work on Running Point. Television has remained an important part of Chet Hanks career as he has moved through his thirties.

Chet Hanks and Running Point

Running Point has become one of the most important recent projects in Chet Hanks’ acting career. The Netflix comedy series stars Kate Hudson and follows the world of professional basketball. Chet plays Travis Bugg, a professional basketball player and part-time rapper who becomes one of the show’s recurring personalities.

The role has an interesting connection to Chet’s real interests because Travis is involved in both basketball and music. Chet has described elements of the character as being close to his own personality, although the fictional character is an exaggerated version. He also worked with a private basketball coach to prepare for the role, showing that he took the physical side of the character seriously.

Running Point and Chet Hanks’ Recent Career

Running Point gave Chet an opportunity to appear in a prominent Netflix production while combining comedy, sports and music. The role also helped introduce him to viewers who may not have seen his earlier television work. His performance has become an important part of discussions about his more recent career. For an article published in 2026, Running Point should therefore receive more attention than some of his older supporting roles.

Netflix has also renewed Running Point for a third season. The renewal gives Chet another opportunity to continue playing Travis Bugg, although details such as a specific release date should only be included when officially confirmed. The continued series gives his acting career a current direction rather than leaving the biography focused on older projects.

Chet Hanks’ Music Career

Acting is only one part of Chet Hanks career. He has also pursued music for many years, initially using the stage name Chet Haze. His early music work developed while he was attending Northwestern University, showing that his interest in performing was not limited to acting.

In 2011, he released White and Purple, a rap track inspired by Wiz Khalifa’s Black and Yellow and adapted around Northwestern University. His music career later expanded through additional songs and collaborations. He has used different names and musical projects as he experimented with his style.

Chet Haze and Chet Hanx

Chet has been associated with the names Chet Haze and Chet Hanx during his music career. The different names reflect different periods of his musical development and online presence. Readers searching for Chet Haze are therefore often looking for the same person as Chet Hanks.

His music has included hip-hop influences, contemporary sounds and collaborative projects. Rather than becoming a traditional mainstream recording artist, he has built a more independent musical identity alongside his acting career. This combination of music and acting is one of the most distinctive parts of his professional story.

Chet Hanks and FTRZ

Chet Hanks also formed a musical duo with Drew Arthur. The project was initially known as FTRZ, and the pair released songs and the Ocean Park EP. They later worked under the name Something Out West and continued releasing music together.

This part of Chet’s career is easy to overlook because most celebrity biographies concentrate on his family and acting work. However, his musical collaborations demonstrate that his interest in music has been consistent for years. His later attempts to develop music in Nashville represent another stage in that progression.

Chet Hanks and White Boy Summer

White Boy Summer became one of the most recognizable phrases connected to Chet Hanks. He introduced the phrase online in 2021 and later released music connected with the name. The phrase became widely discussed across social media and became part of his public image.

The phrase also attracted controversy after some groups attempted to use it for purposes that were unrelated to Chet’s original intention. Chet publicly rejected those uses and said that his concept was meant to be playful and inclusive rather than connected to hate or discrimination. This is an important distinction to make in a biography because it provides context without exaggerating the controversy.

Chet Hanks and Rita Wilson

Chet Hanks has maintained a connection to his mother’s creative career as well. Rita Wilson is an actress, producer, singer and songwriter, and Chet has participated in her music. He contributed to her 2018 song Heart He Handed Down, creating a direct connection between their musical interests.

The family connection is particularly interesting because Rita Wilson’s music career became increasingly important in later years. Chet’s own music interests therefore developed alongside his mother’s work rather than existing completely separately. Wilson has also expressed interest in collaborating with Chet again, showing that music remains a shared creative area within the family.

Chet Hanks and Tom Hanks

Chet Hanks’ relationship with Tom Hanks is one of the most searched aspects of his biography. Tom Hanks is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actors, so growing up as his son inevitably created expectations around Chet’s own career. Chet has acknowledged that the family name brought both opportunities and pressure.

The two have also worked together professionally. Their appearance in Greyhound is one example, while Chet also appeared in Larry Crowne. These collaborations are notable because they allow audiences to see father and son working within the same entertainment industry while following different career paths.

Chet has nevertheless spent much of his career working without his father. His roles in Empire, Shameless, Your Honor and Running Point have developed independently of Tom Hanks. His music career has also given him a separate creative outlet that is different from his father’s acting legacy.

Chet Hanks’ Daughter and Family Life

Chet Hanks has one daughter, Michaiah Hanks, who was born in 2016. He shares her with former partner Tiffany Miles and has generally kept his daughter’s life away from excessive public attention. He has spoken about becoming a father and the responsibilities that come with raising a child while maintaining a career.

Family remains an important part of Chet’s life, but he has not made every aspect of it public. His relationship with his daughter is therefore best discussed using confirmed information rather than speculation. The same approach is useful when discussing his parents and siblings, particularly because the Hanks family attracts considerable public interest.

Chet Hanks’ Personal Growth and Sobriety

Chet Hanks has also spoken publicly about personal struggles and sobriety. In recent interviews, he has discussed reaching a sustained period of sobriety and described this stage as part of a broader effort to change his life. His decision to speak about personal growth has added another dimension to his public image.

These experiences should not overshadow his professional achievements. They are relevant because they help explain the changes in his career and outlook, but they are only one part of his story. In recent years, Chet has increasingly presented himself as someone trying to build a more stable and independent life while continuing to work in entertainment.

What Is Chet Hanks Doing Now?

Chet Hanks remains active as an actor in 2026, with Running Point serving as one of his most visible recent projects. The show’s renewal for a third season gives him another opportunity to continue developing the character of Travis Bugg. His current career also includes other acting projects and continued interest in music.

Music remains another important part of his plans. Chet has explored a new chapter connected to Nashville and has continued working on music outside his television career. This combination of acting and music is likely to remain central to his professional identity as he moves forward.

Chet Hanks Movies and TV Shows

Chet Hanks has built a varied filmography across movies and television. His early movie appearances helped him enter Hollywood, while television eventually provided him with more recurring and developed characters. His work has covered comedy, drama, action and music-centered stories.

Some notable Chet Hanks movies and TV shows include:

• Bratz
• Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
• Larry Crowne
• Project X
• Fantastic Four
• Greyhound
• Shameless
• Empire
• Your Honor
• Atlanta
• Running Point
• The Surreal Life

His recent projects show that his career remains active rather than being limited to the roles he played earlier in his life. Running Point has added a prominent current television credit, while his music work continues alongside acting. His filmography therefore reflects a performer who has continued experimenting with different forms of entertainment.

Chet Hanks Net Worth

Chet Hanks net worth is a commonly searched topic, but an exact current figure should be treated carefully. Celebrity wealth estimates published online are often based on incomplete information and may not account for private assets, taxes, investments, contracts or other financial details. For that reason, it is more responsible to discuss his potential sources of income than to present an unverified number as fact.

Chet’s professional income has come from acting, television appearances, music and other entertainment projects. His continued work on television provides one source of professional income, while music represents another area of his career. His long-term financial position is therefore connected to several different entertainment activities rather than one single project.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chet Hanks

1. Who is Chet Hanks?

Chet Hanks is an American actor and musician best known for his work in movies and television. He is the son of actors Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson and has appeared in projects including Project X, Fantastic Four, Greyhound, Shameless, Empire, Your Honor and Running Point. He has also pursued music under names including Chet Haze and Chet Hanx.

2. How old is Chet Hanks?

Chet Hanks was born on August 4, 1990, in Los Angeles, California. He is 36 years old in 2026. His career began when he was young and has since included acting, television and music.

3. Who are Chet Hanks’ parents?

Chet Hanks’ parents are actor Tom Hanks and actress, producer and singer Rita Wilson. He is their first child together and was born in 1990. His younger brother is Truman Hanks, while Colin Hanks and Elizabeth Hanks are his half-siblings through Tom Hanks.

4. What movies and TV shows has Chet Hanks been in?

Chet Hanks has appeared in movies including Bratz, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Larry Crowne, Project X, Fantastic Four and Greyhound. His television credits include Shameless, Empire, Your Honor, Atlanta and Running Point. His role as Travis Bugg in Running Point is among his more recent prominent television performances.

5. Does Chet Hanks make music?

Yes, Chet Hanks has pursued music alongside his acting career. He has released music under names including Chet Haze and Chet Hanx and has been involved in projects such as FTRZ and Something Out West. His music includes White Boy Summer and other independent releases.

Conclusion

Chet Hanks has built a career that combines acting, music and a continuing effort to establish his own identity outside the shadow of his famous parents. His early movie roles led to television work in shows such as Shameless, Empire and Your Honor, while later projects such as Running Point have given him new opportunities to reach wider audiences. His music career has followed a separate path through Chet Haze, Chet Hanx and collaborative projects, making him more than simply another member of the Hanks acting family.

His connection to Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson will always be an important part of his biography, but it does not tell the entire story. Chet has faced the pressures that come with being raised by famous parents while continuing to explore acting and music on his own terms. With Running Point continuing into another season and music remaining part of his plans, Chet Hanks is still developing the next stage of his career. His story is therefore best understood not only through his famous family, but through the different creative choices he has made throughout his life.