For anyone who thinks that having a very famous parent would be amazing, Chet Hanks wants you to know that it’s not always the case.
The outspoken son of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson discussed the ups and downs of growing up in a famous household in a new YouTube video (see below).
“The truth is, it is a double-edged sword,” he revealed. “It’s a lot more complicated, and not so many people understand it. You’ve got to keep in mind that fame is the most powerful drug known to man. It can also be the most destructive. People are infatuated with fame… It creates a lot of jealously, a lot of envy.”
As Chet himself wasn’t famous, that crated a further layer of strangeness. “On top of fame already being toxic, I wasn’t even famous, I was just the son of somebody famous, so I hadn’t even done anything to deserve any sort of recognition,” he said. “That created a lot of contempt, a lot contempt for me. My dad is beloved, he’s on this pedestal, but for me, it created a lot of contempt.”
Chet continued: “My parents didn’t spoil me, I was never given money or an allowance, I had to work and earn everything that I’ve made. It’s been that way for my entire life,” Chet said. “Growing up, if I needed money to go out and have fun with my friends, my dad would be like, ‘OK, you want some money? Go wash my car. I’ll give you 60 bucks.’ Everything was earned and I’m grateful for that.”
There were some positives though. “There are a lot of advantages, but sometimes it can be pretty weird,” Chet admitted. “Everyone knows the advantages. They’re self-explanatory. I’m very blessed. I got to do a lot of cool s**t that a lot of people don’t get the opportunity to do. I got to travel the world, stay in nice hotels, fly in private planes.
I’m very blessed for that. I wouldn’t change my situation for anything. I love my parents. I wouldn’t want any different parents, and I wouldn’t want any different life, so I’m very grateful and blessed for all of that.”
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQvxJA7p2_Q
