While the world is constantly engaging in nepo baby discourse, we can’t deny that it’s fun to see the children of famous actors and actresses shine alongside their famous mothers and fathers from time to time. Margaret Qualley showed her stuff alongside her mom Andie MacDowell in Maid, Dan Levy made us laugh season after season in Schitt’s Creek next to his dad Eugene Levy, Leslie Mann has shared the screen with her daughter and fellow actress Maude Apatow a few times and just recently, Tom Hanks and his son Chet joined this list. Chet Hanks, the 34-year-old actor and musician, has been making headlines for years, and in the last few weeks, he’s been celebrated for his role in the Netflix hit Running Point, where he’s shown his stuff alongside Kate Hudson. However, when he isn’t busy in front of the camera, he’s in the studio working as a musician, and his latest video for his song “You Better Run” features a cameo from a familiar face: his dad, Tom Hanks.
Watch Chet Hanks honor ‘Forrest Gump’ in his new music video
Chet makes up half of the country music duo Something Out West alongside Drew Arthur, and after releasing their first song as a duo, “Leaving Hollywood,” earlier in the year, many were excited to hear their latest song, “You Better Run.” However, it was the accompanying video that really got people talking. Right off the bat, the video is a clear homage to one of Chet’s father’s most exciting roles, Forrest Gump. In the music video, Chet is sporting a suit similar to the one his dad wore in the film, sitting on a park bench with a box of chocolates and even pursuing his very own Jenny.
The country tune continues over various scenes that reference the 1994 film, and about halfway through, none other than Tom Hanks appears with an exciting cameo no one saw coming!
In addition to supporting his son’s music career, Chet recently opened up on The Drew Barrymore Show about the support his parents have shown him on his sobriety journey, having faced struggles with addiction in the past. “Always have been. Always been super supportive of me,” he shared on the talk show. “And I don’t take it for granted. I’m really, really grateful for both my parents.” Chet continued, “They’ve stuck with me through thick and thin, and I’m really just grateful for where we’re all at, the things I got going in my life, all the beautiful people in my life, my relationships, my loved ones. I’ve gotten to the point where I fully understand that those are the most important things, by far. And everything else is like a bonus.”
Chet Hanks’s music career
Something Out West is not Hanks’s first musical endeavor, but it’s one that has some special meaning. “Something Out West was born in California when bandmates Chet and Drew became roommates at a pivotal time—both embarking on a journey to sobriety that sparked a deep friendship and creative partnership,” says their website. “Their move to Nashville refined their sound, blending distinctive vocals, timeless storytelling, and contemporary influences that honor the genre’s roots while pushing it forward.” Their debut EP, Leaving Hollywood, releases on June 20.
