What Chet Hanks Thinks About His Parents Support Through His Sobriety Journey!
Chet Hanks, actor and musician, is celebrating three years of sobriety and is deeply grateful for the support he’s received from his famous parents, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson. In a candid conversation on The Drew Barrymore Show on March 18, Chet Hanks opened up about his journey, how his family played a vital role, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
A Fresh Start: Three Years of Sobriety
Chet Hanks, now 34 years old, shared that he has been “one hundred percent sober” for over three years. During the interview with Drew Barrymore, who herself does not drink, Chet Hanks talked about how family support has been crucial in his sobriety journey.
“I’m at the age where I’m just really grateful for [my parents],” Chet expressed, noting how thankful he is for their constant love and support. His parents, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, have been by his side through thick and thin, helping him navigate the challenges of staying sober. He added, “I really cherish the time that I have spent with them.”

Family: A Source of Accountability and Pride
Both Drew Barrymore and Chet Hanks agreed that family support is invaluable during personal struggles. Drew emphasized how family and friends can inspire pride when you’re on the right path and make you feel accountable when you’re not. For Chet, his parents’ support and their constant belief in him have been instrumental in his transformation.
“They’ve been through it all with me,” Chet said. “And I don’t take that for granted. I’m really, really grateful for both my parents.”
Overcoming the Struggles of Addiction
Chet Hanks has been open about his past struggles with addiction. He’s previously spoken about attending rehab multiple times and experiencing relapses before finding the strength to commit to his sobriety. During an episode of The Surreal Life in August 2024, Chet recalled hitting “rock bottom” after a “three-day coke binge” that nearly derailed his life.

That moment of crisis led him to realize that drastic change was necessary. “I just knew, man, if I don’t change my life in a drastic way, either I’m not even going to be around, or something bad, so bad, is going to happen,” he recalled. “My life might as well be over.”
That rock-bottom moment was a wake-up call, leading Chet to seek help and begin his recovery journey.
A Bright Future in Music
Today, Chet is part of the country music duo Something Out West, and the duo just released their debut single, “Leaving Hollywood.” Chet’s renewed commitment to his sobriety is not only allowing him to pursue his music career but also to have a healthier relationship with his family and friends.
He admitted that staying sober has made life feel much easier. “What’s difficult is when you’re trying to manage your life and you’re not sober. That’s what’s difficult,” he said. “When you just commit and decide and you stick to it, it’s not even something that you negotiate with. It’s just a non-negotiable.”

Moving Forward with Gratitude
As Chet continues to work on his music and enjoy a sober life, he also reflected on the importance of cherishing time with his parents. After years of struggles, he now feels a deeper appreciation for the family bond and the support they’ve provided.
“I’m just really grateful for them. I really cherish the time that I have spent with them,” he said.
With his music career gaining momentum and a bright future ahead, Chet Hanks’ sobriety story stands as a testament to the power of family, self-awareness, and personal growth. His journey is a reminder that change is possible, and with the right support, anyone can overcome their struggles.