Chet Hanks has taken a significant step into the limelight recently, sharing heartfelt insights about his journey to sobriety during his first daytime talk show appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show on March 18, 2025. The 34-year-old actor, best known for his role in the Netflix series Running Point, expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support of his parents, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, throughout his recovery process.
In a candid moment, Chet opened up about his current status, affirming that he is “one hundred percent sober” and has been for over three years. “They’ve always been super supportive of me,” he reflected, affirming the appreciation he holds for his famous parents. “I don’t take it for granted. I’m really, really grateful for both my parents,” he added, highlighting the importance of family support during difficult times.
Chet’s journey is particularly poignant as he recalled hitting rock bottom when he lost 27 pounds during a three-day binge on cocaine. Emphasizing how challenging sobriety can be, he noted, “Through thick and thin, they’ve stuck with me.” His vulnerability resonated as he shared that gratitude for both his parents has deepened over time. “I really cherish the time that I have spent with them,” he said, acknowledging all his loved ones who have contributed to his growth.
The conversation took an engaging turn when Chet humorously recreated Tom Cruise's infamous couch-jumping moment from the 2005 Oprah Winfrey Show. “There’s something that I’ve always wanted to do. Can I do it?” he asked, playfully seeking Barrymore’s approval before leaping onto the couch amid cheers and applause from the audience.
Drew Barrymore, who celebrated five years of sobriety from alcohol, connected with Chet’s experience. She shared her own insights, stating, “What I’ve learned along the way is that family, whether it’s blood or found, do make you feel shy and embarrassed when you’re not doing the right things and the most proud when you are.” Her reflections resonated with Chet, who responded affirmatively, reinforcing the value of having a robust support system while navigating personal challenges.
Chet, reflecting on his current success with Running Point, mentioned that his parents enjoy watching his work. They even binged the entire first season together, allowing them to connect over his professional achievements. “They liked it a lot,” he commented enthusiastically, emphasizing how meaningful it is to have his family involved in his career.
Hank's heartfelt reveal and celebratory couch jump mark a moment of joy and reflection for him, blending humor and sincerity in a way that brought the audience closer to his experience. His appearance underscored the critical role of family in supporting those on their journey to recovery—an aspect that Drew Barrymore also highlighted as crucial to her success.
In summation, Chet Hanks’s appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show served as a powerful reminder of the significance of familial support during recovery, underscoring how relationships can act as both a foundation and an inspiration. With hopes for continued sobriety, Chet remains optimistic about his future, embracing the beauty of personal connections and professional growth.
