A family that acts together, stays together, and Chet and Tom Hanks are doing just that! On a recent appearance on TODAY, Chet revealed he was thankful to get to work with his father on his new music video, which was themed to resemble “Forrest Gump.”
The 34-year-old isn’t just “Tom Hanks’ son” anymore. The actor and musician, also known by his rap alias “Chet Hanx,” has officially swerved into a new lane
As one half of the duo Something Out West, alongside longtime friend and collaborator Drew Arthur, Hanks is riding a creative high with the release of their latest single, “You Better Run.”
But the real viral moment came in March when the song’s music video dropped, featuring not just Chet dressed up as Forrest Gump, complete with shrimping boat and cross-country run, but a surprise cameo from the original Gump himself: his dad. “Oh, man, he’s a real prima donna,” Chet joked with Jenna Bush Hager and guest host Niecy Nash-Betts. “I’m just kidding. He’s the most easygoing dude ever. Love you, Dad.”
The hilarious dig was all in good fun, and Chet couldn’t hide his appreciation for the chance to collaborate with his famous father.
Tom Hanks Waits His Turn on Set
In the music video, the a-list star appears, taking a seat next to his son on the famous bench that’s become synonymous with “Forrest Gump.” The unexpected father-son moment left fans buzzing.
“It was funny because I had to do a scene before him, and he’s just standing there,” Arthur recalled. “And I was like, ‘Tom was waiting for me.'”
While Chet recreates his dad’s iconic character in a series of heartfelt (and slightly goofy) scenes. And in case you’re wondering, yes, there’s even a shrimping boat named Jenny. But it’s Tom’s silent cameo that steals the show. The video ends with the two “Hankses” embracing, a sweet moment that felt both nostalgic and deeply personal, especially considering their public history.
As expected, fans online went crazy after the cameo, with one fan commenting on Instagram, “Got pops in the vibe 🔥😎”
Another one noted, “Absolute 🔥🔥🔥🔥 love the song love the video. So happy to see so much success for you!!!”
Clean Slate, But New Sound for Chet Hanks
The new track is part of Something Out West’s latest EP, “Leaving Hollywood,” and marks a sharp turn from Chet’s earlier rap career. Hello, country, Chet!
“I think it was necessary,” he said about the genre shift. “Not that I don’t love rap still because I do, but when I got sober I had to switch it up. There was too much association with my old [life].”
Both Hanks and Arthur have opened up about their sobriety journeys, crediting each other with helping stay grounded. “We’ve been having each other’s back,” Arthur said.
Their music blends classic country storytelling with modern sounds, influenced by their move to Nashville and a desire to pay tribute to the genre’s roots while bringing something fresh.
“I’ve been working on this music for a long time,” Chet told Esquire in February. “I would like to be touring and finally letting the world hear it.”
Back on Screen With Kate Hudson!
Chet isn’t leaving acting behind either. He recently starred in Netflix’s sports comedy “Running Point” as point guard Travis Bugg, appearing alongside Kate Hudson and Brenda Song. The show has officially been renewed for Season 2 thanks to its success.
“It’s about time,” he told TODAY. “It’s been a long road. I’m grateful for everything that’s happened and where I’m at.”
That gratitude, and a little bit of goofiness, shines through in every frame of the “You Better Run” video. Forrest Gump may have said life is like a box of chocolates, but for Chet, it looks like life right now is sweet, funny, and finally running in the right direction.
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Tom Hanks Makes Surprise Cameo in Son’s Music Video