Tom Hanks might be known as “America’s Dad,” but behind the scenes, the 67-year-old has faced his share of challenges with his middle son, Chet. At 33, Chet has navigated a tough road, dealing with addiction and controversy, even going so far as to describe his upbringing with Tom and mom Rita Wilson, 67, as "toxic." For the record, Tom and Rita are also parents to Truman, 29, while Tom fathered Colin, 47, and Elizabeth, 42, with his late ex-wife Samantha Lewes. It’s been a complex journey for the family.

Reflecting on his role as a father, the Forrest Gump star shared with The New York Times, “Somewhere along the line, I figured out the only thing a parent can really do is say, ‘I love you, there’s nothing you can do wrong, you cannot hurt my feelings, I hope you will forgive me on occasion, and what do you need me to do?’” It’s a philosophy that has guided Tom through the ups and downs of parenting.

It’s been a long road to finding peace, but it’s one that both father and son have traveled together.

Read also:
Donnie Wahlberg Steals The Show In Dunkinrsquo Super Bowl Ad A Blockheadrsquos Delight

In a candid new interview, Chet opened up about overcoming addiction, a traumatic experience during his teenage years, and his relationship with his famous father. Speaking to Bradley Martyn on the “Raw Talk” podcast, Chet shared, “He was there for me, but the thing is, he understands what it’s like to be in his position. He doesn’t understand what it’s like to be in my position... and you can’t expect anybody else to understand it because they’re in their own position.” It’s a raw honesty that sheds light on the complexities of their relationship.

Chet Hanks' Struggles with Teen Trauma

Growing up in a world of wealth and privilege wasn’t all sunshine and roses for Chet. “I had an ideal childhood,” he admitted, reflecting on his early years. Chet made his acting debut in the 2007 film Bratz and later found roles on Shameless and Empire, all while pursuing a career in rap music under the name Chet Haze. But beneath the surface, self-doubt began to creep in, fueled by resentment toward his parents’ fame.

That’s when things started to spiral. “I decided I’m gonna go way out of my way to experience things that are outside of this bubble,” Chet explained. “And I broke out of the bubble. And that caused a lot of concern from my family, and I got in a lot of trouble.” Caught for smoking pot and underage drinking, Chet was sent to a wilderness therapy program for troubled teens, followed by a therapeutic school in Utah. Unbeknownst to Tom and Rita, the school employed questionable tactics to control its students, eventually closing in 2017.

At first, Chet was furious with his parents for sending him away, but time has allowed him to see things differently. “I don’t blame them,” he said. “They were misled as well, and they were manipulated by these [troubled teen] industries… that are just now starting to be exposed almost 20 years later.” An insider exclusively told Closer that Tom was heartbroken to learn of the abusive conditions. “He thought he was helping his son, but it looked like he put him in a worse situation. It’s a horrible thing.”

Chet Hanks' Triumph Over Addiction

Unfortunately, the traumatic experience didn’t stop Chet’s downward spiral. “It didn’t make me want to be a good boy,” he admitted, confessing that cocaine became his “drug of choice.” After entering rehab in 2015, Chet welcomed his daughter Michaiah in 2016 (her mom is ex Tiffany Miles), and credits her for his current sobriety. “I have a daughter and I’m not going to abandon my daughter,” he vowed, adding that his renewed relationship with Jesus has also played a significant role in his journey.

Becoming a parent himself helped Chet gain a deeper understanding of what he put his family through. “It was hard for the whole family, including Chet’s brothers and sister,” an insider revealed. “Chet’s siblings were deeply affected by his addiction. Certainly, it caused resentment at times.” Now, however, he says his past troubles are “water under the bridge,” and he’s able to truly appreciate his father. “Tom loves his son, and he loved him even when Chet was causing him and Rita grief with his self-destructive behavior,” the insider explained. “Tom never stopped trying to help Chet. He’s very proud of him for taking control of his life, getting sober, and, more importantly, staying sober.”