Tom Hanks has been in Hollywood for a long time. He has amassed a huge following, fans, and supporters for his genial character, respectable roles, amiable disposition, and comforting presence. However, even edifices like Hanks have flaws inherent in the fame that follows them, especially if the harshness of that fame falls on a child.
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Chester Hanks, born on August 4, 1990, to Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson was one such child born to fame who fell prey to the victimizing paparazzi and misappropriation of unlimited resources and money.
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Chet Hanks Struggle With Addiction and Parent’s Fame
Chester Hanks is the middle child of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson. The freedom that accompanies parental wealth allowed him the monopoly to travel and enjoy a life filled with luxury and comfort. But also accompanying the wealth and that luxury was the feeling of purposelessness, especially as people pointed out that the fame of one’s parents was not something that he could claim as his own achievement.
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Chet Hanks fell prey to addiction and did his first stint in rehab at the age of 17. Recovery was still a long road ahead as he fell back to the routine of drug abuse soon after he was out. At the age of 24, Chet Hanks had been admitted to rehab a second time, and this time around, he turned his life for the better.
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Tom Hanks’ Son, Chester Hanks, Speaks Up About Struggles
Now 30, Chet Hanks looks back on his years of struggling with cocaine addiction. He has spoken up recently about grappling with the realities of a life spent in the shadow of a famous parent, and how that can psychologically affect the life of a child yet unaware of the world and its harsh treatment.
“I was at the lowest point in my life, completely lost. To the point where the hysteria went beyond the limits I knew. They wrecked me psychologically. I was totally out of control. I wouldn’t change my situation for anything. I love my parents. There are a lot of perks, but sometimes it can be quite strange.”
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This is not the first time a famous person or their children have fallen victim to the notoriety of the industry and its fame. One of the harshest truths comes to light when lives are lost because of the person’s inability to overcome the oblivion that the addiction brings them. Fortunately, Chet Hanks was able to draw a line in the sand and overcome his battles.
“My experience was even more complicated because, in addition to the fact that fame is toxic, I wasn’t even famous. I was just the son of someone famous, I hadn’t done anything to deserve any kind of recognition. But what that generated was a lot of disdain for me. Finally at the age of 24, I decided to get some help. With years of sobriety under my belt, I can honestly say I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.”
Source: YouTube/Chet Hanx
