From acting and writing to music and behind-the-camera work, Tom Hanks’ kids—Colin, Elizabeth, Chet, and Truman—have each carved their own path in and around the entertainment industry.
April 6, 2025 : Tom Hanks is more than just a beloved two-time Oscar-winning actor—he’s also a proud father of four. Over the years, Hanks has opened up about being a family man, raising two children with his late ex-wife, Samantha Lewes, and two more with his wife of nearly four decades, actress and singer Rita Wilson.
Though each of his children has taken a different path, all four have dipped their toes into creative fields—from acting and music to journalism and filmmaking. Here’s a closer look at each of them.
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Colin Hanks
Born in 1977 to Tom and Samantha Lewes, Colin Hanks is perhaps the most publicly known of the Hanks children. A talented actor in his own right, Colin made his debut in his father’s 1996 film That Thing You Do! and has since starred in King Kong, Orange County, and How It Ends. He has also become a successful TV actor and documentary filmmaker.
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While he and his father have shared the screen only once—The Great Buck Howard in 2006—Colin credits Tom as a guiding force in his life. In a 2023 interview, he recalled one of his dad’s best pieces of advice: “Life is long… there’s time to do what you want and need.”
Colin is also a family man. He’s been married to publicist Samantha Bryant since 2010 and is the father of two daughters, Olivia and Charlotte.
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Elizabeth Hanks
Tom’s only daughter, Elizabeth, was born in 1982. Though she made childhood appearances in Forrest Gump and That Thing You Do!, Elizabeth chose a different path—writing. She earned an English degree from Vassar College and writes under the name E.A. Hanks.
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Her memoir The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road released in 2025, explores themes of family and personal growth. She’s also written for publications including Vanity Fair, The Guardian, and The New York Times.
Chet Hanks
Chet, born in 1990 to Tom and Rita Wilson, is known both for his music and his polarizing presence in the media. Performing under the name “Chet Hanx,” he released music in 2021 including viral singles like “White Boy Summer” and “Damn.”
Chet made headlines during the COVID-19 pandemic, first for reassuring fans when his parents contracted the virus in 2020, and later for his anti-vax stance, mocking vaccines in an Instagram video. In 2021, he was sued by ex-girlfriend Kiana Parker for alleged abuse, adding to a string of controversies.
Truman Hanks
The youngest of the Hanks children, Truman was born in 1995 and graduated from Stanford University. He’s a budding figure in film—both on and off-screen. In 2023, he portrayed a younger version of his father’s character in A Man Called Otto, marking a rare father-son on-screen collaboration.
Beyond acting, Truman has worked extensively behind the scenes in the camera and electrical departments of films such as Black Widow, Wrath of Man, and West Side Story. He’s also served as a production assistant on Charlie’s Angels and The Cloverfield Paradox and even tried his hand at cinematography on a short film.
Family First, Always
Tom Hanks has made it clear that whether or not his kids follow him into Hollywood, what matters most is their passion and dedication. “It’s a family business,” he once said, comparing the industry to a family-run florist or plumbing shop. “At some point, everyone pitches in.”
From acting and writing to music and cinematography, the Hanks kids are proving that talent runs deep—and in many different directions.
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Tom Hanks, Tom Hanks children, Colin Hanks, Elizabeth Hanks, Chet Hanks, Truman Hanks, Rita Wilson, Samantha Lewes, Hollywood families, celebrity kids, Tom Hanks family, Chet Hanx, E.A. Hanks, A Man Called Otto, West Side Story, celebrity parenting