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Few actors can boast a career as illustrious and extensive as Tom Hanks. The acclaimed star of Cast Away has graced the silver screen in a multitude of beloved films, earning two Best Actor Oscars for his outstanding performances in Philadelphia and Forrest Gump. While he is renowned for his remarkable work ethic and dedication to his craft, Tom is equally passionate about his family life. He shares two children with his first wife, Samantha Lewes (who passed away in 2002), before their divorce in 1987, and has two additional children with his current spouse, Rita Wilson, whom he has been married to since 1988.
In 2023, Tom had the unique opportunity to collaborate with one of his children on-screen. His youngest son, Truman, portrays a younger version of Tom’s character in the film A Man Called Otto. This project sparked conversations about nepotism in Hollywood, to which Tom remarked, “I think my kids are all like Renaissance artists, you know? They are good at whatever they choose to be.” He emphasized the importance of passion and dedication in their pursuits, stating, “You’ve got to have a passion, you’ve got to have a drive. And yeah, our household has existed in the company town that is Los Angeles.”
Tom revealed that the film’s director suggested Truman take on the role of the younger version of his character due to their striking resemblance. However, he emphasized that the decision ultimately rested with Truman, as “the person has to show up on the day and hit the marks, and tell the truth. Only he can make that decision.” Tom has previously commented on the nature of Hollywood as a “family business,” likening it to how a family involved in a plumbing-supply business would all contribute in some way, even if it was just taking stock at year-end, according to PEOPLE.
With that in mind, explore all four of Tom Hanks’ children and their various artistic endeavors in detail here!
Colin Hanks: Following in Father’s Footsteps
Tom and Samantha welcomed their son Colin in 1977, shortly before tying the knot in 1978. Colin is often described as the spitting image of his father and has forged his own path in the entertainment industry as a successful actor. He made his debut in the 1996 musical comedy That Thing You Do, a film that his father wrote and directed. Colin has appeared in notable films such as King Kong and Orange County. More recently, he starred in the comedy How It Ends, sharing the screen with comedic talents like Whitney Cummings and Nick Kroll. In addition to his acting career, Colin has also established a family of his own, making Tom a proud grandfather. He has been married to publicist Samantha Bryant since 2010, and together they have two daughters: Olivia and Charlotte.
Despite having an impressive career of his own, Colin has rarely collaborated with his father on screen. The two shared the screen in the 2006 comedy The Great Buck Howard as a father-son duo, but Colin has generally chosen to pursue projects independent of his father’s influence. Nevertheless, it is evident that Tom has been a significant role model for Colin. In an August interview with HollywoodLife, Colin shared the best advice his father imparted: “I think if there was anything, it’s that while it may seem to go fast in the rearview mirror and it may feel like it’s gone too quickly—or sometimes painfully slow—life is long, and there’s plenty of time to pursue your dreams and fulfill your obligations.”
Elizabeth Hanks: The Writer in the Family
Tom’s only daughter, Elizabeth, was born in 1982. She made several appearances in her father’s acclaimed films during her childhood, notably in Forrest Gump and That Thing You Do, as documented on IMDb. However, Elizabeth charted a different artistic course, opting for a career in writing. She earned her English degree from Vassar College and has since published her work under the name E.A. Hanks. Her upcoming book, The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road, is set to be released in 2025. Additionally, Elizabeth has contributed to journalism for esteemed publications such as Vanity Fair and The Huffington Post. Her Twitter bio boasts bylines from prestigious outlets like Time, The Guardian, and The New York Times.
Chet Hanks: A Musical Journey
Tom’s eldest son, born to Rita, is Chet, who entered the world in 1990. Chet has embarked on his own unique journey in the entertainment industry, launching a music career in April 2021 with his debut single, “White Boy Summer,” released under the name “Chet Hanx.” He followed up with his second track, “Damn,” in June. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, when his parents tested positive, Chet kept his followers informed and expressed confidence in their recovery.
While his parents were among the first major celebrities to contract COVID-19, Chet has recently drawn attention for his controversial stance on vaccinations. In an Instagram video posted in August, he ridiculed the COVID vaccine, stating, “I never had COVID. They ain’t sticking me with that mothafking needle. It’s the mothafking flu.” His public remarks regarding the vaccine have raised eyebrows, but they are not the only controversies surrounding Chet. His ex-girlfriend, Kiana Parker, filed a civil lawsuit against him in April 2021, alleging assault, battery, and infliction of emotional distress.
Truman Hanks: The Rising Star Behind the Camera
Rita gave birth to her younger son, Truman, in December 1995. Like his older half-brother Colin, Truman bears a striking resemblance to his father in his youth. He attended Stanford University, as reported by Page Six. Following in the family tradition, Truman has also pursued a career in film, appearing in the recent production A Man Called Otto and in the 2020 film News Of The World, although he primarily works behind the scenes.
He has held various positions in the camera and electrical departments on several major films, as detailed on his IMDb profile. Some of the notable projects he has contributed to include Wrath of Man, Black Widow, and the highly anticipated remake of West Side Story. Additionally, he has worked as a production assistant on Charlie’s Angels and The Cloverfield Paradox, and he served as the cinematographer for a short film titled The Ice Queen Society.
