Chet Hanks is expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with his father, Academy Award-winning actor Tom Hanks, on a music video themed around the iconic film “Forrest Gump.” Chet Hanks, a member of the country music duo Something Out West alongside Drew Arthur, shared his excitement during an interview on TODAY, aired June 24. He humorously referred to his father as “the most easygoing dude ever,” while jokingly calling him a “prima donna” as they worked together on the video for their song “You Better Run,” which was released in March.
In the music video, Chet re-enacts scenes from “Forrest Gump,” culminating in a heartwarming moment where Tom appears beside him on a bench, reminiscent of a classic scene from the film. Drew Arthur recounted the surreal experience of filming with Tom Hanks, noting the unique dynamic of sharing the set with the legendary actor.
Chet Hanks, who is the third of four children that Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson have, is transitioning into a new musical direction with the release of their EP “Leaving Hollywood.” This marks a shift from his previous work as a rapper. He explained that changing genres was a necessary step in his life, especially after achieving sobriety and wanting to distance himself from past associations.
Alongside his music career, Chet has also returned to acting, recently portraying Travis Bugg, a fictional point guard, in the Netflix sports comedy “Running Point.” He shared his feelings of gratitude reflecting on his journey in the entertainment industry.
The collaboration between Chet and Tom Hanks not only showcases their family bond but also highlights a transformative time in Chet’s life, characterized by growth and creativity. Chet’s commitment to sobriety and his determination to forge a new path in music and acting serve as an inspiring example of resilience and familial support.