Chet Hanks, the 35-year-old son of two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks and actress Rita Wilson, has made a surprising life change. Instead of following in his famous father's footsteps in Hollywood, Chet has moved to Nashville, Tennessee, and is living in a trailer park. He recently shared his reasons for this unconventional choice during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
In the interview, which aired on April 29, 2025, Chet explained that when he decided to relocate from Los Angeles to Nashville to pursue a career in country music, he didn't want to go through the hassle of furnishing another apartment. He had just finished furnishing his Los Angeles condo and didn't want to repeat the process. Instead, he opted to purchase an RV for $30,000, with a down payment of just $4,000. His monthly rent for the parking spot in the trailer park is a mere $400.
“I just like having my own space. I got my kitchen. I got a walk-in shower — that’s a big deal in trailers,” Chet said. He also clarified that the trailer park is not “sketchy” as some might assume; it is primarily populated by retirees. “I’m probably the youngest person in the trailer park by 30 or 40 years. They’re good people,” he joked.
This lifestyle is a stark contrast to the glamour of Hollywood, where Chet grew up surrounded by celebrity and wealth. His father, Tom Hanks, is a legendary actor known for iconic roles in films like Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan, and Cast Away. His mother, Rita Wilson, is an accomplished actress and producer. Despite this privileged upbringing, Chet has often charted his own path, including a controversial past marked by legal issues and public statements.
Chet Hanks first gained public attention not just as Tom Hanks' son, but for his own foray into music and acting. He has appeared in films such as Independence Day: Resurgence (2016) and the TV series Shameless (2017). However, his music career has been his primary focus in recent years. He formed the band Something Out West, which made its debut at the Stagecoach music festival in late April 2025. Tom Hanks was present, cheering and singing along to their performance of “You Better Run.”
The decision to move to Nashville was deeply practical. Chet explained that rental homes he initially stayed in got “really old” quickly. “I didn’t want to get an apartment,” he told Fallon. “I had just finished furnishing my condo in L.A., and I didn’t want to do that again.” The RV provides him with everything he needs: a kitchen, a shower, and a personal space that he can take anywhere.
In a March Instagram video, Chet addressed critics who questioned his living situation. “What the f--k, why are you living in a trailer?” he imagined them saying. He countered by emphasizing the ease and affordability of the lifestyle. “These things aren’t f--king expensive. This s--t is cheap as f--k. I got it for 30 grand. It’s a 2025 [model]. I put four grand on it, and my rent is 400 bucks a month.”
Chet also took aim at what he called “hustle culture” and the relentless pursuit of material wealth. “Are you brainwashed by the whole hustle culture? Stop, pause and think what it is that you really even like. What’s the f--king dream? To drive a Rolls Royce? Those are f--king things. Living your dream is a verb not a f--king noun.” This philosophy reflects a growing trend among some millennials and Gen Zers who reject consumerism in favor of simpler, more intentional living.
Chet's father Tom has been supportive of his son's choices. The 69-year-old actor was all smiles at Stagecoach, and he has often spoken publicly about his pride in Chet's journey. Tom Hanks shares Chet and his younger brother Truman (30) with Rita Wilson. He also has two older children from his previous marriage to Samantha Lewes: Colin (48) and Elizabeth Ann (43). Colin Hanks is also an actor, known for Orange County and Fargo, while Elizabeth Ann works in film production.
Chet's move to a trailer park is not just about saving money; it's a statement about authenticity and freedom. He has been candid about his struggles with addiction and the pressures of being a celebrity offspring. In a 2021 interview, he spoke about his past cocaine addiction and how he turned his life around. Now, he seems to be embracing a quieter life away from the Hollywood spotlight.
His band Something Out West has been performing regularly in Nashville, building a local following. The group's sound blends country, rock, and folk, with Chet's raw vocals drawing comparisons to artists like Chris Stapleton and Jason Isbell. They have released several singles, and Chet has hinted at a full album later this year.
Living in an RV has also given Chet a sense of community that he didn't find in Los Angeles. He described his neighbors as “retirees” who have welcomed him. “It’s like a little village. Everyone is friendly. I have a dog, and we go for walks. It’s very peaceful,” he said. This tranquility is a far cry from the fast-paced, paparazzi-filled life in Hollywood.
Chet's decision to live frugally has resonated with many people who are tired of the rat race. On social media, fans have praised his honesty and practicality. “It’s refreshing to see a celebrity kid reject the entitlement and live simply,” one commenter wrote on his Instagram post. Another said, “He’s living the dream, not just talking about it.”
However, not everyone understands his choice. Critics have pointed out that Chet could afford a much more luxurious lifestyle if he wanted, given his family's wealth. But Chet insists that this is what makes him happy. “I don’t need a big house. I don’t need a fancy car. I need my music, my freedom, and my peace of mind,” he stated in a recent podcast appearance.
His father Tom has also spoken about the importance of letting children find their own way. In a 2023 interview with The New York Times, Tom said, “Chet is a creative soul, and he has to discover what works for him. I support him completely. As long as he's happy and safe, I'm good.”
The trailer park lifestyle may be temporary for Chet, but for now, he is fully embracing it. He has turned his RV into a mobile recording studio, and he often posts videos of himself writing songs on the porch. “I have everything I need right here,” he said. “My dog, my guitar, my thoughts. What more could I want?”
Chet's story is a testament to the idea that success is defined by personal fulfillment, not by societal expectations. He has rejected the typical Hollywood path of red carpets and multi-million dollar homes in favor of a modest abode on wheels. In doing so, he has become a symbol of countercultural living in an age of overconsumption.
As he continues to build his music career, Chet remains grounded in his new surroundings. He performed at Stagecoach to rave reviews, and his band's next show is at a small venue in Nashville. He says he plans to stay in the trailer park for the foreseeable future. “Why change something that’s working?” he asked rhetorically.
With his father's blessing and his own determination, Chet Hanks is carving out a unique niche for himself. He is showing that you don't need a mansion to live a rich life. Sometimes, all you need is a trailer, a passion, and the courage to live on your own terms.
The journey from Hollywood royalty to trailer park resident has not been easy, but Chet seems content. He continues to make music, perform, and inspire others to question their own definitions of success. Whether his RV will eventually be replaced by a house or he will continue his nomadic lifestyle remains to be seen. But for now, Chet Hanks is proof that a beautiful day can indeed be found in the trailer park.
Source: MSN News