Tom Hanks, known affectionately as "America's Dad," has had a remarkable career, but behind the scenes, his life hasn't always been smooth sailing. The 67-year-old actor has faced challenges with his middle son, Chet Hanks, who's now 33. Chet has battled addiction and dealt with controversies, even going so far as to label his upbringing with Tom and mom Rita Wilson as "toxic." Despite the struggles, both father and son have worked hard to mend their relationship, and Chet has found his way toward recovery. Tom, who's also dad to Truman (29), Colin (47), and Elizabeth (42) from previous relationships, reflects on his role as a parent with humility and grace.
In a candid moment with The New York Times, Tom opened up about his parenting philosophy. "At some point, I realized that the only real thing a parent can do is say, 'I love you, no matter what you do, you can't hurt me, I hope you'll forgive me sometimes, and what do you need from me?' It's about creating a space where they know they're loved unconditionally," he explained. This mindset has guided him through the ups and downs of raising his children, especially during Chet's turbulent years.
It hasn’t been an easy road, but Tom and Chet have come a long way. In a recent, eye-opening interview, Chet opened up about his struggles with addiction, a traumatic experience in his teenage years, and his complex relationship with his famous father. "Dad was there for me," Chet told Bradley Martyn on the "Raw Talk" podcast. "But the truth is, he understands what it's like to be him. He doesn't get what it's like to be me—and you can't expect someone to understand unless they've walked in your shoes." These words highlight the unique challenges that come with growing up in the shadow of a Hollywood legend.
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Chet Hanks' Turbulent Teen Years
Growing up in a world of wealth and fame wasn’t all it seemed for Chet. On the surface, he had an "ideal childhood," filled with opportunities many kids could only dream of. Chet made his acting debut in the 2007 film Bratz, appeared in hit shows like Shameless and Empire, and pursued music under the stage name Chet Haze. Yet, beneath the glamour, self-doubt and resentment began to creep in. "I started feeling like I was living in a bubble," he admitted. "I wanted to experience things outside of that bubble—things that felt real to me."
This desire led Chet down a dangerous path. He experimented with drugs and alcohol, which alarmed his parents. At just 15, he was caught smoking pot and drinking underage, prompting Tom and Rita to send him to a wilderness therapy program followed by a therapeutic school in Utah. "I went from being this innocent kid to suddenly rebelling," Chet recalled. "It was like I vanished overnight, and my parents didn’t know what to do." What neither Chet nor his parents realized at the time was that the school employed questionable tactics to manage its students, tactics that were later exposed as harmful. The school eventually closed in 2017, but the scars it left on Chet and his family remained.
Though Chet was initially angry with his parents for sending him away, time has brought perspective. "I don’t blame them anymore," he confessed. "They were misled by the system, just like so many other parents. It's only now, years later, that these industries are being exposed for what they truly are." Learning about the abusive conditions Chet endured broke Tom's heart. "He thought he was helping his son, but it turned out to be the opposite," an insider revealed. "It’s a painful realization for any parent."
Chet Hanks' Journey to Sobriety
Despite the therapy program, Chet’s struggles didn’t end there. "It didn’t make me want to be a good boy," he admitted. Instead, cocaine became his "drug of choice," fueling a downward spiral that culminated in a stint in rehab in 2015. That same year, life took a positive turn when Chet welcomed his daughter, Michaiah, with ex-partner Tiffany Miles. Parenthood became a turning point for him. "Having a daughter changed everything," he said. "I couldn’t abandon her the way I abandoned myself before." Alongside his renewed faith in Jesus, Chet credits Michaiah for helping him achieve and maintain sobriety.
Becoming a father himself also deepened Chet’s understanding of his own parents’ struggles. "It was hard on everyone—the whole family," an insider shared. "Chet’s siblings, Truman, Colin, and Elizabeth, were deeply affected by his addiction. There were moments of resentment, but ultimately, they supported him through it all." Now, Chet says he’s put his past behind him. "What happened is water under the bridge," he reflected. "Dad loves me, and he always did, even when I was at my worst. He never stopped trying to help me, and I’m proud of myself for taking control of my life."
