Chet Hanks is embracing a stripped-down lifestyle in Nashville as he focuses on his next chapter in music.
The 35-year-old actor and musician, who is the son of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, has been living out of a Jayco Eagle RV after relocating to the country music hub to work on his band, Something Out West. During an April 28 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Hanks explained that he avoided renting a new place after recently furnishing a condo in Los Angeles, saying he didn’t want to go through the process again.
After bouncing between rental homes and hotels, which he said quickly became exhausting, Hanks found a more practical solution. Inspired by a stay in an Airstream while visiting Northern California, he opted for an RV setup, noting it had everything he needed while allowing him flexibility as he settled into Nashville.
“I just like having my own space,” Chet said. “I got my kitchen. I got a walk-in shower—that’s a big deal in trailers.”
Hanks, whose full name is Chester Marlon Hanks, has spent years navigating a career in both acting and music. He has appeared in projects like Empire and Shameless, while also releasing music under the name Chet Haze earlier in his career. In recent years, he has leaned more heavily into country and Southern-influenced sounds, marking a shift from his previous hip-hop persona.
His move to Nashville and unconventional living setup reflect a broader reset as he continues to carve out his own identity outside of his famous family.
Another unexpected perk? The tight-knit community he’s found at his new home. The Running Point actor said the experience has completely changed his perception of trailer parks, noting they’re far from the “sketchy” stereotype. He joked that he’s likely the youngest resident by decades, describing his neighbors—mostly retirees—as genuinely kind and welcoming people.
The move to Nashville is already paying off professionally, too. Chet Hanks recently performed at the Stagecoach Festival, where he had a familiar face cheering him on—his father, Tom Hanks, was spotted in the crowd showing his support.
As seen in videos circulating on social media, Tom Hanks, 68, was spotted dancing along with the crowd as Chet Hanks and his bandmate Drew Arthur performed “You Better Run.”
