Tom Hanks’ Son, Chet Hanks, Says He Felt ‘Completely F—ing Worthless’ Growing Up

Actors Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson‘s son, Chet Hanks, did not find childhood with his famous parents easy. In a recent appearance on the reality TV show Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets, he revealed his struggles with the public’s perception of him.

Chet candidly shared that he often felt “completely f—ing worthless” despite being the child of a superstar. He explained that strangers had preconceived notions about him. “People treated me like, ‘You must think you’re better than me’ when I didn’t. I just wanted to be friends with everybody and be treated like everybody else. But what am I supposed to do? Walk through the doors and be all meek and timid? That was a mind f— for me to deal with.”

Chet continued, “If you do walk in through the door and you’re like, ‘Here I am mother f—er,’ then it’s like, ‘Oh look at you arrogant son of a b—-.'”

This constant struggle to find his identity and not be defined by his famous parents weighed heavily on Chet mentally and emotionally. He admitted he “internalized all that negativity” and regularly questioned his worth.

However, Chet’s parents, Hanks and Wilson, have supported his decision to open up about these experiences on the reality show. Chet explained that The Surreal Life is a different kind of show. It’s not messy and negative. It’s more about personal growth and relationships with people and vulnerability.”

Chet, 33, revealed that his life has become “extremely easy” since he achieved sobriety almost three years ago. He emphasized that living alcohol-free has been the key to his personal growth and success.

He explained, “None of this would be possible without sobriety. It’s not difficult at all. What’s difficult is when you’re trying to manage your life, and you’re not sober, that’s what’s difficult. When you just commit and decide and stick to it, it’s not even something you negotiate with. It’s just a non-negotiable. And life becomes extremely easy.”

With his newfound clarity, Chet is excited to make a comeback in the entertainment industry. He has a new role in a Netflix comedy, Running Point, opposite Kate Hudson and is also prepared to release some new music. Chet is determined to show the world that his famous lineage does not define him.