A Guide To All Of Tom Hank's Children (2024)

  • Actor Tom Hanks hit the 2020 Golden Globes red carpet with all four of his kids, Colin, Elizabeth Ann, Chet and Truman Theodore—and got emotional as he thanked them during his Cecile B. DeMille award speech.
  • But if you're wondering more about Hanks' brood, ahead, read more about the A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood star's children, including Colin Hanks, Elizabeth Ann Hanks (from his first marriage) and Chet Hanks, and Truman Theodore Hanks, his kids with longtime wife Rita Wilson.

The man of the hour at the 2020 Golden Globes? Tom Hanks, who was not only being honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award, but was also nominated for his portrayal of Mister Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.

To celebrate the honor, all of Hanks' family—including wife Rita Wilson and his four children—made a rare joint red carpet appearance to support the iconic Hollywood actor.

In an emotional speech to accept his award, the 63-year-old legend teared up while thanking his family. "A man is blessed with a family sitting down front like that. A wife who is fantastic in every way...kids who are braver and stronger and wiser than their old man is...I can't tell you how much your love means to me."

In a November 2019 interview with the New York Times, Hanks opened up about his experiences as a father, explaining the difference in circ*mstances between his eldest two children and the youngest. "My son Colin was born when I was very young. As well as my daughter, but that means we have this gestalt understanding because they remember when their dad was just a guy trying to, you know, make the rent. My other kids, they were born after I had established a beachhead in every way. And so their lives were just different."

Regardless of the differences, however, Hanks made it clear just how much he loves all of his children: "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? You offer up that to them. I will do anything I can possibly do in order to keep you safe.”

So who are the people lucky enough to be Tom Hanks' children? Meet the family, from eldest Colin Hanks to youngest, Truman Theodore.

Colin Hanks, 42

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The eldest of the Hanks children, Colin was born to Tom and first wife Samantha Lewes when his father was just 21 years old.

He later followed his father's footsteps into the acting business, appearing in films like Orange County, King Kong, and the Jumanji series, plus TV shows like The Good Guys, and Roswell. He has been nominated for a Golden Globe and an Emmy for his supporting actor role in the TV series Fargo. And like his dad, he also played Mr. Rogers—but for his part, it was in a Comedy Central episode of Drunk History in 2018.

In addition to his acting career, in November 2018 Colin also started a handkerchief company aptly named "Hanks Kerchiefs."

Now, Colin has a family of his own. In May 2010, he married Samantha Bryant, and Tom Hanks is now a proud grandpa to the couple's 2 children: Olivia Jane, born in 2011, and Charlotte Bryant, born in 2013.


Elizabeth Ann Hanks, 37

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The second child from Tom Hank's first marriage and his only daughter, Elizabeth is a writer who has also dipped her toe into acting by appearing in small roles alongside her famous father. Her IMDB page credits her with several roles like "school bus girl" in Forrest Gump, and "Bored Girl in Dress Shop" in That Thing You Do!

Shortly after the 2020 Golden Globes, she posted a proud tribute to her father on Instagram: "Team Hanks is proud. I am proud and more than that, lucky to have a father who has taught me to tell the truth. To move forward. That the hang is the best part of circus life, and that to make art is a gift from the Gods."

According to her Instagram, Elizabeth's writing has been published in various outlets like Guardian, NYT, and Buzzfeed, and she has a book in the works.

Chet Hanks, 29

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Born in August 1990, Chet is Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson's first son together. A rapper and actor, Chet has openly struggled with drug addiction, but after entering rehab he is now proudly sober. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, he credited the birth of his daughter for pushing him to fight his addiction, calling her "my ride or die." Chet's daughter, Michaiah, born in April 2016, is the third grandchild for Tom Hanks.

Since becoming sober, Chet landed a recurring role on the Fox TV show, Empire. Words of advice from his famous dad? "Show up on time, know your lines and be nice to everybody."

Truman Theodore Hanks, 24

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The baby of the Hanks family, Truman was born in 1995 to Tom and Rita. Although Truman has kept a lower profile thank his siblings, his recent IMBD credits suggest he is also interested in a Hollywood career. He was named as a production assistant on the 2018 movie, The Cloverfield Paradox, as well as the 2019 Charlie's Angels remake.

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A Guide To All Of Tom Hank's Children (8)

Monica Chon

Monica Chon is the former editorial fellow at Oprah Daily, previously OprahMag.com.

A Guide To All Of Tom Hank's Children (2024)

FAQs

A Guide To All Of Tom Hank's Children? ›

In the decades since their wedding day, Hanks

Hanks
Colin Lewes Hanks (born November 24, 1977) is an American actor and comedian. He has starred in films including Orange County, King Kong, The House Bunny, The Great Buck Howard, and the Jumanji film series.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Colin_Hanks
and Wilson have raised two sons together, Chester “Chet” Marlon Hanks, 33, and Truman Theodore Hanks, 28. Tom Hanks is also a father of two other children, Colin Hanks, 45, and Elizabeth Hanks, 41, whom he shares with his ex-wife, Samantha Lewes.

How many biological children does Tom Hanks have? ›

All About Colin, Elizabeth, Chet and Truman Hanks. While many see Tom Hanks as America's dad, the actor has four children of his own. He welcomed his first child, son Colin, 45, with his first wife Samantha Lewes in 1977. Five years later, Hanks' second child and only daughter, Elizabeth Ann, 42, was born.

Is Truman Hanks Tom Hanks' biological son? ›

Tom had his oldest two children, Colin and Elizabeth Hanks, with his first wife, Samantha Lewes, whom he divorced in 1987 (she later died in 2002). He then married actor and singer Rita Wilson in 1988, and the two have two children, Chester "Chet" Hanks and Truman Hanks.

How old was Tom Hanks when he had his first child? ›

Tom Hanks was 21 when he welcomed his first child and has been open about the difficulties of juggling fatherhood with his career.

Who is Tom Hanks oldest child? ›

Born on Nov. 24, 1977, in Sacramento, California, Colin is Tom's first child whom he shares with ex Lewes. Colin followed in his dad's footsteps to be an actor and has appeared on TV and in movies including "Orange County," "Life in Pieces," "American Crime Story," "Drunk History," and "The House Bunny," among others.

Who is Tom Hanks' first wife? ›

'” The divorce was between Hanks and his first wife, Samantha Lewes. The two first married in 1978, but split by 1987.

How old was Rita Wilson when she married Tom Hanks? ›

Hanks and Wilson, both 66, met on the set of the 1980s sitcom "Bosom Buddies." They then starred together in the 1985 film "Volunteers" and began dating, tying the knot in 1988.

Who is Tom Hanks' granddaughter? ›

Michaiah Hanks – Tom Hanks' Granddaughter | Know About Her.

Who is Tom Hanks biological father? ›

Hanks was born in Concord, California, on July 9, 1956, to hospital worker Janet Marylyn (née Frager) and itinerant cook Amos "Bud" Hanks.

How many brothers does Tom Hanks have? ›

Before Tom Hanks became a famous actor, he was growing up in Northern California with his three siblings: brothers Jim Hanks and Larry Hanks and sister Sandra Hanks Benoiton. According to the New York Times, their father, Amos, worked in several restaurants, and they moved around often.

Is Tom Hanks related to Abraham Lincoln? ›

This is explained in the encyclopedia Britannica. From his mother, Abraham Lincoln was a third degree cousin to the famous actor Tom Hanks. Hanks narrated the docudrama film Killing Lincoln, released in 2011, about the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.

Does Tom Hanks have a relationship with his son Chet? ›

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have an enduring love story for the ages, but their relationship with son Chet Hanks has been less rosy. Chet has said he feels “blessed” for his privileged upbringing as the son of two acclaimed stars but has opened up about the toxicity of spending his formative years in the spotlight.

Did Tom Hanks have a good childhood? ›

Tom grew up in what he has called a "fractured" family. He moved around a great deal after his parents' divorce, living with a succession of step-families. No problems, no alcoholism - just a confused childhood.

How many biological kids does Rita Wilson have? ›

She has two sons with Hanks, Chet and Truman.

What movie did Tom Hanks do with his son? ›

13 and is based on Fredrik Backman's 2012 novel A Man Called Ove. During a post-screening Q&A for the film on Monday night, Tom told PEOPLE what it was like working with his son, whom he shares with wife Rita Wilson. "Without a doubt, it's special because, you know, I changed his diapers," said Tom.

How old was Tom Hanks during Forrest Gump? ›

Tom Hanks' Age during the Filming of Forrest Gump

Tom Hanks was born on July 9, 1956. Forrest Gump was released on July 6, 1994. This means that Tom Hanks was 37 years old during the filming of Forrest Gump.

Do Colin and Chet have the same mom? ›

Tom Hanks shares Chet Hanks with wife Rita Wilson. The couple are also parents to 28-year-old Truman Hanks. The “Cast Away” star is also father to daughter Elizabeth Hanks and son Colin Hanks from his first marriage to Samantha Lewes.

Do Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have a daughter? ›

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have three generations of family to be thankful for. The Big star is dad to four adult kids: Colin, who turns 46 on Nov. 24, Elizabeth, 41, Chet, 33, and Truman, 27. (Tom shares his eldest two kids with his ex-wife, the late Samatha Lewes, and his younger two with Wilson.)

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