You’ve seen the memes. You know the contrast. On one side, you have Colin Hanks, the guy who looks so much like a young Tom that it’s almost spooky. He’s the "reliable" one, the Emmy nominee who quietly delivers stellar performances in Fargo and The Offer. Then, there’s Chet Hanks. He’s the one who gave us "White Boy Summer," the Patois videos, and a public persona that often feels like a glitch in the "America's Dad" matrix.
Basically, the internet loves to pit them against each other. One is the "good" son; the other is the "wild" one. But as we head into 2026, the narrative is shifting. If you look closely at what’s actually happening in their lives right now—from Chet’s massive career pivot to Colin’s latest directorial moves—the two brothers are finally finding common ground in the most "Hanks" way possible: by treating Hollywood like a blue-collar family business.
The Tale of Two Upbringings
It’s easy to assume they grew up in the same gold-plated bubble, but that’s factually wrong. Honestly, their childhoods were worlds apart. Colin was born in 1977, back when Tom Hanks was just a struggling actor in Sacramento. He remembers a time when the "Hanks" name didn't open every door in town.
Colin has been open about the fact that he didn't grow up with the level of wealth people imagine. On the Armchair Expert podcast, he recalled his mother, the late Samantha Lewes, telling him they simply didn't have the money for things his dad did. He saw the hustle before the Oscars.
Chet, born in 1990 to Tom and Rita Wilson, entered a different reality. By then, his dad was a global icon. Growing up in the 90s as the son of the most famous man on earth is a specific kind of pressure cooker. While Colin had a more "normal" start, Chet was born directly into the spotlight, which he’s admitted led to a lot of resentment and acting out.
Chet Hanks is Having a Serious "Comeback" Year
If you haven't been paying attention to Netflix lately, you might have missed that Chet is currently starring in one of the biggest shows of the season. In the series Running Point, he plays Travis Bugg, a character that is essentially a self-aware parody of his own public image.
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It’s a bold move.
Instead of running from the "black sheep" label, he’s leaning into it. But the real story isn't just the acting; it's the sobriety. Chet is now over three years sober, and it shows. He’s moved to Nashville, ditched the "Chet Haze" rap persona, and formed a country duo called Something Out West with his friend Drew Arthur.
Their debut EP, Leaving Hollywood, dropped in June 2025, and it’s actually good. Like, genuinely soulful. The music video for "You Better Run" even features a cameo from Tom himself, sitting on a bus bench in a nod to Forrest Gump. It feels like the family has finally circled the wagons.
Colin Hanks: The Actor’s Actor Moves Behind the Lens
While Chet is reinventing himself, Colin is solidifying his status as a multi-hyphenate. He’s always been the steady hand. You probably saw him recently in the Peacock miniseries A Friend of the Family or heard his voice as the lead in Talking Tom & Friends.
But 2026 is a big year for him as a director.
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He’s currently putting the finishing touches on a massive documentary project about the legendary John Candy, titled John Candy: I Like Me. He’s also set to appear in Nobody 2 alongside Bob Odenkirk. Colin has this way of disappearing into roles where you forget he’s a "Hanks" until he smiles, and that same humility is what makes his documentary work—like the Tower Records film All Things Must Pass—so compelling. He doesn't want to be the center of attention; he wants to tell the story.
What Most People Get Wrong About the "Family Business"
Tom Hanks famously defended his kids against "nepo baby" claims by calling it a "family business." People rolled their eyes, but there’s a nuance there we often miss.
In the Hanks household, it seems the rule is: you can have the job, but you have to do the work.
- Truman Hanks (the youngest) spent years working in production crews—literally carrying equipment—before he ever stepped in front of a camera for A Man Called Otto.
- Elizabeth Ann Hanks (the only daughter) carved out a career as a high-level journalist and author under the name E.A. Hanks. Her 2025 memoir, The 10, gave a raw look at the family’s history that most celebrity kids would never share.
- Colin spent decades taking character roles and directing small docs to prove his mettle.
Chet was the outlier for a long time, trying to find his voice through controversy. But seeing him in Nashville now, focused on songwriting and sobriety, it looks like he’s finally joined the "family business" on his own terms.
The Surprising Connection Between the Brothers
Despite their vastly different public vibes, Colin and Chet actually share a deep-seated desire to be taken seriously as craftsmen. Colin does it by being the ultimate professional on set. Chet is doing it now by being brutally honest about his past mistakes and leaning into his musical roots.
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They both had to deal with the "America’s Dad" shadow.
Imagine trying to be a "tough guy" or a "serious artist" when your dad is the voice of Woody. It’s a weird spot to be in. Colin handled it by becoming a mirror of his father’s work ethic. Chet handled it by exploding, and now, by rebuilding.
Actionable Insights for Following the Hanks Legacy
If you’re looking to dive deeper into the work of the brothers beyond the headlines, here is where you should actually start:
- Watch Colin's documentary work first. All Things Must Pass is a masterclass in nostalgic storytelling. It shows his brain works more like a historian than a movie star.
- Listen to Something Out West. Don't go in expecting "White Boy Summer." The new tracks are genuine Americana. It’s a total 180 and worth a fair shake.
- Read E.A. Hanks’ memoir. If you want the real, unvarnished story of what it was like for the older siblings when Tom’s fame exploded, The 10 is the definitive source.
- Keep an eye on the John Candy doc. Directed by Colin and produced by Ryan Reynolds, this is likely to be one of the most talked-about film biographies of 2026.
The Hanks brothers are proof that even with the same last name, the path to finding your own identity is never a straight line. One brother took the stairs; the other took the scenic—and sometimes dangerous—route. But they’ve both arrived at a place where the work finally speaks louder than the name.
If you're interested in more deep dives into Hollywood legacies, I can analyze the career trajectories of other multi-generational acting families.