Chet Hanks
Chester Marlon Hanks
Born: August 4, 1990
Birth name: Chester Marlon Hanks
Origin: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres: Hip hop
Occupation: Actor, rapper
Years active: 2007–present
Parents: Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson
Wiggification Period: 2011–present
Introduction
Chester Marlon Hanks (born August 4, 1990), known professionally as Chet Hanks, is an American actor and rapper. He is the son of actors Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson. Hanks has gained attention both for his acting roles and his controversial adoption of hip-hop culture and Jamaican patois.
Early Life and Background
Born in Los Angeles to Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks and actress Rita Wilson, Chet Hanks grew up in the entertainment industry. He attended Northwestern University, where he studied theater. Despite his privileged upbringing, Hanks has been open about his struggles with substance abuse in his youth.
Acting Career
Hanks has appeared in several television series and films, including recurring roles on Empire (2015) and Shameless (2016-2017). He has also appeared in films such as Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008), Larry Crowne (2011), and Fantastic Four (2015).
Music Career
Under the stage name Chet Haze (later Chet Hanx), he has pursued a rap career, releasing several singles and mixtapes. His music career has been marked by controversy due to his adoption of hip-hop culture and use of African American Vernacular English, drawing criticism from various quarters, though he's still been chasing that skrilla.
Controversies
Hanks has been a controversial figure, particularly for his use of Jamaican patois in Instagram videos (which he called "White Boy Summer"), his defense of his right to say the n-word, and various public incidents. He has also been open about his recovery from cocaine addiction.
Personal Life
Hanks has one daughter, Michaiah, born in 2016. He has been vocal about his journey to sobriety and has discussed his complicated relationship with his famous family background in various interviews.
Categories: American actors | American rappers | Children of actors | Northwestern University alumni
This page was last edited on November 16, 2025