Born to Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, it always seemed inevitable that Chet Hanks would carve out a career in Hollywood. And for a while, that prediction held true.
Chet built a steady acting résumé with appearances in hit shows like Empire, Atlanta, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Shameless. But staying inside the traditional Hollywood lane was never quite enough. Like many artists searching for their voice, he branched out—experimenting with music and releasing tracks like “White and Purple” and the viral “White Boy Summer.”
Now, he’s turning the page again.
A New Chapter in Nashville
During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Chet opened up about his latest venture: country music. Teaming up with Drew Arthur, he formed the duo Something Out West. The pair quickly gained traction and landed a deal with Big Machine Records after releasing their track “Leaving Hollywood.”
The title alone says a lot.
For Chet, stepping away from Los Angeles wasn’t just symbolic—it was necessary. While he still owns a condo in LA, Nashville offered something different: space, simplicity, and a chance to reset creatively.
Trading Luxury for Simplicity
Instead of diving into Nashville’s real estate market, Chet took an unconventional route. After bouncing between Airbnbs and hotels, he realized he wanted something more personal—something that felt like his own.
So, he hit the road.
Inspired by time spent in an Airstream trailer, Chet decided to fully embrace the lifestyle. While he hasn’t upgraded to the iconic Airstream just yet, he proudly calls his Jayco Eagle home.
And he’s loving it.
“It’s got everything I need,” he shared. A kitchen, a walk-in shower—luxuries in the trailer world—and, most importantly, independence. For Chet, it’s not about downsizing; it’s about redefining what comfort looks like.
The Unexpected Reality of Trailer Park Living
The idea of living in a trailer park might raise eyebrows, especially for someone with Hollywood roots. But Chet paints a very different picture.
Far from chaotic or dangerous, he describes his community as quiet and welcoming—mostly retirees enjoying a slower pace of life. In fact, he jokes that he’s likely the youngest resident by decades.
“It’s not what you think,” he explained. And that contrast seems to be exactly what he needed.
Finding Inspiration in Everyday Life
This lifestyle shift isn’t just about where he lives—it’s shaping how he creates.
Surrounded by ordinary people and real-life stories, Chet is tapping into the emotional core that defines country music. The simplicity, the authenticity, the human connection—it’s all feeding into his artistry.
For an artist who’s explored multiple corners of the entertainment world, this move feels less like a detour and more like a reset.
And maybe, just maybe, it’s the most honest chapter of his journey yet.