Tom Hanks, beloved for his iconic roles in films like Forrest Gump and Saving Private Ryan, is not just a Hollywood superstar; he is also a devoted father to four children: Colin, E.A., Chet, and Truman. His journey as a parent has been filled with both triumphs and trials, and it is a testament to the complexities of family life in the shadow of fame.
In a candid interview with The New York Times in 2019, Hanks reflected on fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of unconditional love. He stated, "Somewhere along the line, I figured out, the only thing really, I think, eventually a parent can do is say I love you, there’s nothing you can do wrong, you cannot hurt my feelings, I hope you will forgive me on occasion, and what do you need me to do?" His commitment to his children’s safety and well-being is clear, as he added, "I will do anything I can possibly do in order to keep you safe. That’s it. Offer that up and then just love them." This philosophy has guided him through the ups and downs of parenting.
Hanks shares his life with Rita Wilson, whom he married in 1988. The couple met in 1981 when Wilson appeared on his sitcom Bosom Buddies, and their chemistry was undeniable. Hanks reminisced about their connection during the filming of Volunteers in 1985, saying, "Rita and I just looked at each other and—kaboing—that was that." Together, they have two sons: Chet, born in 1990, and Truman, born in 1995. Their relationship has been a partnership in both love and work, collaborating on various film projects.
However, Hanks's journey as a father began earlier with his first wife, Susan Dillingham, known as Samantha Lewes. The two met while studying at Sacramento State and married in 1978. They welcomed their first child, Colin, in 1977, followed by E.A. in 1982. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in 1987, a split that Hanks described as "horribly painful" and filled with regret. He shared, "I remember all those feelings as though I had cursed innocent beings with my own failings." Dillingham passed away in 2002 after battling cancer, leaving a lasting impact on Hanks and their children.
In her new memoir, The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road, E.A. Hanks explores her relationship with her mother and the struggles they faced after Hanks's rise to fame. E.A. embarked on a six-month road trip to reconnect with her mother's roots in Florida, seeking to understand the woman who raised her. In the book, she describes her mother as a "would-be actress who never recovered from her ex-husband’s catastrophic fame," a sentiment that reflects the complex emotions surrounding Hanks's success. E.A. noted that her mother's struggle with Hanks's fame created a rift in their family dynamics, leading to neglect and emotional turmoil.
During her childhood, E.A. witnessed the decline of her mother’s mental health, which she believed was akin to bipolar disorder. She recounted, "As the years went on, the backyard became so full of dog s** that you couldn’t walk around it, the house stank of smoke. The fridge was bare or full of expired food more often than not, and my mother spent more and more time in her big four-poster bed, poring over the Bible." This neglect eventually led to a change in custody arrangements, with E.A. and Colin only seeing their mother on weekends and during the summer.
Colin Hanks, the oldest son, has also followed in his father's footsteps, pursuing a career in acting. In a 2022 episode of Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend, he expressed that acting was the most enjoyable pursuit for him, saying, "To be honest, it really just came down to it was the most fun." However, he faced pressure due to his father’s fame, which made him momentarily step away from the spotlight. Ultimately, he credited his father’s advice for guiding him back to acting, emphasizing the importance of passion in his career.
Meanwhile, Chet Hanks, born in 1990, has embraced both acting and music. He described the family business as something he was destined to enter, stating, "My dad’s an actor. My older brother’s an actor. My mom. This was the family business." Chet has appeared in various TV shows and films, including Your Honor and Larry Crowne. He also recently released a music video with his country duo, Something Out West, which was inspired by Forrest Gump.
Truman Hanks, the youngest of the siblings, is carving his own path in the film industry, primarily behind the camera. Tom Hanks noted that Truman has been involved in filmmaking since high school, working with cameras and developing his projects. Truman also made a brief acting appearance as the younger version of his father in the film A Man Called Otto* in 2022. His academic achievements are notable as well; he graduated with a degree in mathematics from Stanford University.
Rita Wilson, who has been a steadfast partner through the years, celebrated ten years of being cancer-free in March 2025. She has shared insights on maintaining a long-term relationship, emphasizing that both partners must work to keep the spark alive. "I think that any long-term relationship, if you are lucky enough to fall in love and have that spark ignite, it’s kind of a responsibility for both people in the relationship to keep that spark going and to keep that flame going," she said in a 2019 interview.
As the Hanks family navigates the complexities of fame, love, and loss, their story is a testament to the enduring bonds of family and the importance of understanding and compassion. With each member pursuing their passions while supporting one another, they embody the spirit of resilience and love that defines them.
