The Hanks Dynasty: 5 Shocking New Career Paths And Updates For Tom Hanks’ Family In 2025

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The Hanks name is synonymous with Hollywood royalty, but as of late 2025, the next generation is defining its own legacy with a series of surprising and high-profile career shifts. While patriarch Tom Hanks remains a towering figure in cinema, his four children—Colin, Elizabeth, Chet, and Truman—are making headlines with fresh projects, from directing critically acclaimed documentaries to launching unexpected music careers and taking on major film roles. This deep dive uncovers the most current and unique updates on the Hanks family, proving the dynasty is far more complex and diverse than "America's Dad" alone.

The current landscape of the Hanks family is a fascinating study in generational talent, blending Oscar-winning pedigree with independent ventures and viral cultural moments. This article, updated for December 23, 2025, provides a comprehensive look at the individual triumphs, new projects, and ongoing narratives that keep the entire Hanks clan firmly in the spotlight.

The Complete Hanks Family Biography and Profile

The Hanks family tree is rooted in two marriages, creating a diverse blend of actors, musicians, writers, and filmmakers. The following is a complete profile of the core members:

  • Tom Hanks (Father):
    • Full Name: Thomas Jeffrey Hanks
    • Born: July 9, 1956 (Age 69 in 2025)
    • Spouses: Samantha Lewes (m. 1978; div. 1987), Rita Wilson (m. 1988)
    • Career Highlights: Two-time Academy Award winner (Philadelphia, Forrest Gump), star of Cast Away, Saving Private Ryan, Apollo 13, and the Toy Story franchise (as Woody).
  • Rita Wilson (Stepmother/Mother):
    • Full Name: Margarita Ibrahimoff
    • Born: October 26, 1956 (Age 69 in 2025)
    • Career Highlights: Actress, singer, songwriter, and producer (My Big Fat Greek Wedding franchise).
  • Colin Hanks (Son):
    • Born: November 24, 1977 (Age 48 in 2025)
    • Parents: Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes
    • Career Highlights: Actor (Orange County, Fargo, Life in Pieces) and Emmy-nominated documentary director.
  • Elizabeth Ann Hanks (Daughter):
    • Born: May 17, 1982 (Age 43 in 2025)
    • Parents: Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes
    • Career Highlights: Writer, published author, and former actress. She studied English at Vassar College.
  • Chet Hanks (Son):
    • Full Name: Chester Marlon Hanks
    • Born: August 4, 1990 (Age 35 in 2025)
    • Parents: Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson
    • Career Highlights: Actor (Shameless, Your Honor, Running Point) and musician (formerly Chet Haze, now part of Something Out West).
  • Truman Hanks (Son):
    • Born: December 26, 1995 (Age 30 in 2025)
    • Parents: Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson
    • Career Highlights: Actor and cinematographer, known for his role as a young Otto in A Man Called Otto and working in the camera department on films like West Side Story and Black Widow.

Colin Hanks' 2025 Directorial Triumph and Action Role

Colin Hanks, the eldest son, has solidified his reputation not just as a versatile actor but as a serious documentarian in 2025. His latest project has generated significant buzz, cementing his place as a filmmaker of note.

The Acclaimed John Candy Documentary

Colin directed the highly anticipated 2025 American documentary film, John Candy: I Like Me, a portrait of the beloved Canadian actor John Candy. Co-produced by Ryan Reynolds, the documentary opened the TIFF 2025 festival and is slated for an Amazon Prime Video release starting October 10, 2025. The film has been praised for its intimate look at Candy’s life and career, featuring interviews with his children and fellow comedians, showcasing Colin’s depth as a director following his previous work, All Things Must Pass: The Rise and Fall of Tower Records (2015).

Joining the Nobody 2 Cast

Beyond directing, Colin is returning to the action genre. He is officially onboard for the sequel, Nobody 2, which is slated for an August 15, 2025, release. While plot details remain under wraps, his involvement in a major action franchise alongside Bob Odenkirk demonstrates his continued versatility across different cinematic genres.

Chet Hanks' Surprising Country Music Shift and Netflix Role

Chet Hanks, known for his past controversies, his "White Boy Summer" meme, and his work as a rapper (Chet Haze), has made a radical and unexpected pivot in his creative life in 2025. This career move is arguably the most surprising update from the family this year.

Going Country with Something Out West

After dabbling in rap and reggae, Chet has found a new, surprisingly well-received musical direction: country music. He is now one half of the duo "Something Out West" with partner Drew Arthur. Their new EP, titled Leaving Hollywood, is scheduled for release on June 20, 2025, with their new single, "You Better," already garnering attention. This shift to country, which some critics have noted "shockingly works," marks a significant departure from his previous musical personas, suggesting a new, more mature phase in his artistic expression.

New Acting Role in Running Point

Chet is also expanding his acting portfolio. He has secured a new role in the Netflix basketball comedy series, Running Point. This project, which sees him stepping into a new comedic space, further diversifies his resume, which already includes roles in Showtime's Shameless and the limited series Your Honor. In 2025, Chet has been candid about his career choices and his relationship with his famous parents, noting that he knew he would enter the entertainment industry, but is now focused on defining his own path separate from the "Hanks" name.

The Quiet Influence of Elizabeth and Truman Hanks

While Colin and Chet dominate entertainment headlines with high-profile projects, Tom Hanks' other two children, Elizabeth Ann and Truman, maintain equally impressive but more deliberately private careers, adding layers to the Hanks dynasty’s influence.

Elizabeth Ann Hanks: The Published Writer

Elizabeth Ann Hanks is primarily a writer and editor. Unlike her brothers, her professional focus is in the literary world. She has worked as an editor and has published her own works, including children's books and essays, establishing a career outside the intense glare of the Hollywood acting scene. Her background, including a degree from Vassar College, highlights the family's diverse intellectual pursuits.

Truman Hanks: Behind and In Front of the Camera

Truman Hanks, the youngest son of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, is forging a career in both cinematography and acting. He has spent time working behind the scenes in the camera and electrical departments on major Hollywood productions, gaining valuable technical experience. However, he recently stepped into the acting spotlight, portraying the younger version of his father's character, Otto, in the 2022 film A Man Called Otto, suggesting a potential future in front of the camera as well. His work in the crew on films like West Side Story and Black Widow demonstrates a grounded, hands-on approach to the film industry.

The collective output of the Hanks family in 2025—from Colin's directing and action roles to Chet's surprising pivot to country music and the steady, influential work of Elizabeth and Truman—proves that the "Hanks" name is not a monolithic brand. It is a dynamic, multi-faceted creative force that continues to evolve and surprise the entertainment world.

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tom hanks hanks

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