Chet Hanks stars as Forrest Gump in band’s new music video and dad Tom also makes a cameo

CHET Hanks delighted fans after starring as Forrest Gump in his band’s new music video, with his famous dad Tom even making a surprise cameo.

Actor and musician Chet, 33, stepped into his father’s legendary role for the video of You Better Run, the latest single from his country duo, Something Out West.

Chet Hanks as Forrest Gump in a music video, sitting on a park bench with a suitcase.

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Chet Hanks starred as Forrest Gump in his band’s new music videoCredit: YouTube/Something Out West
Chet Hanks and Tom Hanks in a scene from a music video.

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His famous dad Tom even made a surprise cameoCredit: YouTube/Something Out West

In a nod to the 1994 Oscar-winning film, he recreates several iconic scenes – including the famous bench moment, where he appears alongside his dad’s original portrayal.

He also sings aboard a boat resembling Forrest’s shrimping boat Jenny, named after his childhood best friend.

Chet later takes on the role during the character’s famous cross-country run.

The Running Point star formed Something Out West with Drew Arthur after the pair became roommates in California while embarking on their own sobrieties.

Their partnership led to a record deal with Nashville-based Big Machine Records in February 2025, Taylor Swift’s former label.

In a press release, they said at the time: “We’re thrilled to partner with Big Machine and Scott Borchetta.

“The support they’ve shown for Leaving Hollywood and the rest of the music has been incredible.

“Drew and I have been making music together for a long time, and we feel really proud to have a home at Big Machine for this upcoming project.”

The duo are currently working on their debut release with Grammy-winning producer Julian Raymond, expected later this year.

TOM’S KIDS

Much like their famous father, Tom’s children are all grown up and earn headlines separate from their parents’ careers.

What did Chet Hanks say on YouTube?

Between his marriage to Rita Wilson and former union with the late Samantha Lewes, Tom has four children.

With Samantha, Tom has one son and one daughter – Colin and Elizabeth Hanks.

With Rita, Tom has two sons – Chet and Truman Hanks.

All four of Tom’s children went on to have successful entertainment careers, in the spotlight and behind the scenes.

CHET’S STORY

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson welcomed Chester Hanks on August 4 of 1990 and was raised in LA.

The self-confessed “black sheep” of the family, the actor – also known as Chet Hanx – has battled cocaine and crack addiction, dealt drugs, and had several stints in rehab.

He became a father in April 2016 and he credits his daughter Michaiah – with partner Tiffany Miles – for keeping him clean.

In December 2017, Chet shared a photo on Instagram of him with his daughter, writing: “The best part of my year. The person who saved my life.”

Despite landing minor roles in his teens, which includes Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull – along with his dad’s directorial debut Larry Crowne – Chet embarked on a hip hop music career.

Following a battle with drug abuse, he worked steadily in entertainment.

Some of his recurring roles were in Curb Your Enthusiasm, Shameless, and Empire – for which he also recorded the track How Ya Luv That.

A woman reads a magazine while a man sits beside her holding a box of chocolates on a park bench.

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Chet stepped into his father’s legendary role for the video of You Better RunCredit: YouTube/Something Out West
Chet Hanks running in a wooded area, with a vintage truck in the background.

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He recreates several iconic scenesCredit: YouTube/Something Out West
Chet Hanks' band performing on a boat.

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He also sings aboard a boat resembling Forrest’s shrimping boat JennyCredit: YouTube/Something Out West
Tom Hanks sitting on a bench holding a gift box.

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Tom starred in the 1994 Oscar-winning filmCredit: Alamy
Tom Hanks and his son Chet Hanks at the Cloud Atlas premiere.

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Chet and Tom are seen in 2012Credit: Getty
Chet Hanks playing basketball for the Waves.

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Chet stars in the new Netflix show, Running PointCredit: Netflix