The Secret Lives Of Tom Hanks' Grandchildren: A Complete Guide To Olivia, Charlotte, And Michaiah
Tom Hanks, often dubbed 'America's Dad,' embraces a role far more personal and cherished than any Oscar-winning performance: that of a devoted grandfather. As of December 21, 2025, the legendary actor and his wife, Rita Wilson, are the proud grandparents to three granddaughters, all of whom are kept largely out of the intense Hollywood spotlight. This article delves into the private world of the Hanks family, providing the most current details on the three girls, their parents, and the rare moments the famous grandfather shares about his "grand" life.
While the Hanks name is synonymous with global fame and a sprawling filmography that includes classics like Forrest Gump, Cast Away, and Saving Private Ryan, the family maintains a conscious effort to protect the privacy of its youngest members. The three granddaughters are the next generation of the Hanks dynasty, each with a unique connection to one of Tom Hanks' four children.
The Complete Tom Hanks Family Tree: Children and Grandchildren
Tom Hanks has a large, blended family, having been married twice. He shares two children with his first wife, the late Samantha Lewes, and two children with his current wife, Rita Wilson. The three grandchildren are split between his two eldest sons, Colin and Chet.
- First Wife: Samantha Lewes (m. 1978; div. 1987)
- Son: Colin Lewes Hanks (Born November 24, 1977)
- Granddaughter 1: Olivia Jane Hanks (Born 2011, approximately 14 years old)
- Granddaughter 2: Charlotte Bryant Hanks (Born 2013, approximately 12 years old)
- Daughter: Elizabeth Ann "E.A." Hanks (Born May 17, 1982)
- Does not have children.
- Son: Colin Lewes Hanks (Born November 24, 1977)
- Second Wife: Rita Wilson (m. 1988)
- Son: Chester "Chet" Marlon Hanks (Born August 4, 1990)
- Granddaughter 3: Michaiah Hanks (Born April 2016, approximately 9 years old)
- Son: Truman Theodore Hanks (Born December 26, 1995)
- Does not have children.
- Son: Chester "Chet" Marlon Hanks (Born August 4, 1990)
Meet the Three Granddaughters: Olivia, Charlotte, and Michaiah
The three girls—Olivia, Charlotte, and Michaiah—represent the third generation of the Hanks family. Tom Hanks has consistently spoken about the joy of being a grandparent, contrasting it with the pressures of being a parent.
Colin Hanks' Daughters: Olivia Jane and Charlotte Bryant
Tom Hanks first became a grandfather in 2011 with the birth of Olivia Jane Hanks. She is the daughter of actor and filmmaker Colin Hanks and his wife, publicist Samantha Bryant. Olivia, who is now around 14 years old, was soon joined by her younger sister, Charlotte Bryant Hanks, born in 2013, making her approximately 12 years old today.
Colin Hanks, known for his roles in TV series like Fargo and Band of Brothers, and films such as Orange County, has a successful career separate from his father's colossal fame. Both he and Samantha are fiercely protective of their daughters' privacy, rarely sharing photos or details of their lives. The girls are growing up in a relatively normal environment, despite their famous lineage.
Tom Hanks has occasionally shared small anecdotes about his time with the girls. He has described the "grand" aspect of being a grandparent, noting that the relationship is "not as exhausting" as parenting. He humorously mentioned that the best part is spoiling them and then sending them back home to their parents.
Chet Hanks' Daughter: Michaiah Hanks
The third granddaughter is Michaiah Hanks, the daughter of Chet Hanks and his ex-girlfriend, Tiffany Miles. Michaiah was born in April 2016, making her around 9 years old.
Chet Hanks, a performer who has appeared in shows like Empire and the film Running Point, has publicly credited the birth of Michaiah with changing his life for the better. He has been open about his struggles with addiction and has stated that becoming a father was a major catalyst for his sobriety and personal growth.
Unlike her cousins, Michaiah has occasionally appeared in photos shared by her father on social media, offering a rare glimpse into the younger Hanks generation. Chet often expresses his love and dedication to his daughter, calling her a blessing. Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson are reportedly very involved grandparents to Michaiah, supporting Chet in raising her and ensuring she is part of the close-knit Hanks family unit.
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson: The Grandparent Dynamic
The relationship between Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, and their grandchildren is one of pure, unadulterated enjoyment. Tom Hanks has often spoken about the difference between being a father and being a grandfather.
He once quipped that the "grand" in grandfather is a clear indicator of the role's superiority, stating, "When you’re a grandparent, the job is to be there and be a pal." This sentiment highlights the less stressful, more fun-focused nature of the relationship, allowing him to simply enjoy the children without the primary responsibility of raising them.
Rita Wilson, a singer, actress, and producer, is also a doting grandmother. She and Tom Hanks have been married since 1988, establishing a strong, stable foundation for their entire family. Their enduring partnership and commitment to family values are seen as central to how the grandchildren are integrated into the Hollywood dynasty without being consumed by it. The couple frequently hosts family gatherings, ensuring that all four children and the three granddaughters remain close.
The Children of Tom Hanks: A Legacy Beyond Acting
To understand the grandchildren, one must first look at their parents, who have all forged their own paths in the entertainment industry, often navigating the enormous shadow cast by their famous father. This generation of the Hanks family is a testament to the diverse talents nurtured by Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson.
- Colin Hanks: The most established actor of the four, Colin has built a respected career with Emmy-nominated performances in series like Fargo. He and his wife, Samantha Bryant, prioritize a private family life for Olivia and Charlotte.
- Elizabeth Ann "E.A." Hanks: Tom's only daughter is a successful writer, editor, and producer. She has also appeared in minor acting roles, including in her father's film Forrest Gump. She maintains a very private personal life.
- Chet Hanks (Chester Marlon Hanks): Known for his music career, which has spanned rap and other genres, and his acting roles. His daughter, Michaiah, is his main focus, a commitment he frequently shares with his followers.
- Truman Theodore Hanks: The youngest son, Truman, has chosen a path behind the camera, working in the film industry as a cinematographer and camera operator for major productions, including Marvel's Black Widow. He also had an acting role playing a younger version of his father's character in the film A Man Called Otto.
The three granddaughters—Olivia, Charlotte, and Michaiah—are growing up with a unique legacy. Their grandfather is a cultural icon, their parents are successful professionals, and their grandmother is a beloved figure in music and film. As they enter their teenage and pre-teen years, the Hanks family remains a powerful example of a Hollywood dynasty that values privacy, family, and personal achievement over constant public spectacle.
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