Tom Hanks makes surprise cameo in son Chet’s ‘Forrest Gump’-themed music video: ‘This is incredible’

Tom Hanks Makes Surprise Appearance in Son Chet’s “Forrest Gump”-Inspired Music Video

Life imitates art as veteran actor Tom Hanks recently made a surprise cameo in son Chet Hanks’s latest music video. The clip for the new song, “You Better Run,” by Chet’s band, Something Out West, features the 34-year-old musician channeling his father’s iconic character, Forrest Gump.

Homage to Forrest Gump

Released on Friday, March 28th, “You Better Run” showcases Chet Hanks, 34, embodying the spirit of Forrest Gump, the beloved character portrayed by his father in the 1994 Oscar-winning film. The music video recreates memorable scenes from the movie, including Chet on the shrimping boat “Jenny” and embarking on a cross-country run.

Unexpected Guest Star

In a delightful twist, the video takes an exciting turn when Tom Hanks himself appears. The acclaimed actor is seen seated on the iconic bus stop bench, a central image from the classic film, creating a heartwarming and meta-cinematic moment.

Father-Son Reunion

Adding emotional depth to the visual narrative, one of the concluding scenes portrays a touching moment between Tom Hanks and Chet Hanks. The father and son, who have publicly acknowledged a complex past, are seen sharing a smile and an embrace, resonating with viewers.

Fan Reaction

Enthusiastic listeners flocked to the YouTube comments section to express their excitement over Tom Hanks’s unexpected appearance. Many viewers also lauded Chet Hanks’s musical talent, highlighting both the song and video’s quality.

• “You know he surprised his dad with this,” one commenter speculated.
• Another noted Chet’s portrayal, saying, “He has the same running movements his dad did in the movie. Really good song.”
• “Dope song, very well written,” added another listener. “Love his dad and the nostalgia of it.”
• One more fan wrote, “This is incredible. Congratulations on a bad ass video and song.”

“You Better Run”: The Latest Single

“You Better Run” is the most recent single release from Something Out West, the country music duo comprised of Chet Hanks and Drew Arthur. According to their official website, the band originated in California when the pair became roommates during a period of seeking sobriety. This shared experience fostered a strong friendship and sparked a creative partnership.

Musical Journey and Influences

The band’s biography further explains that relocating to Nashville refined their musical style. They blend distinctive vocal styles, timeless storytelling, and contemporary musical elements. This fusion honors country music’s traditions while simultaneously pushing creative boundaries forward.

Chet Hanks on Artistry and Expression

In a recent February interview with Esquire magazine, Chet Hanks, also the son of actress Rita Wilson, discussed his multifaceted career in music and acting. He stated, “Ultimately, I consider myself an artist, and acting and music are just two different mediums for being able to express myself,” while promoting his new Netflix program, “Running Point.” He further mentioned his long-term commitment to his music, expressing his anticipation to tour and share it with a wider audience.

Recent Headlines

This new song release follows Chet Hanks’s recent claim regarding his childhood neighborhood being imperiled by the Palisades wildfires. However, subsequent reports and photographs indicated that his family home remained undamaged following the wildfires.