Chet Hanks, the 35-year-old son of Hollywood superstars Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, has shared the heartwarming and heroic tale behind his new canine companion, Queen. The actor and musician found the dog in a perilous situation on the side of a road in Marina del Rey, California, and his swift action likely saved her life.
A Fateful Encounter on the Roadside
In an exclusive interview with The Daily Mail at Clarins' Sugar & Shine Galentine's Affair last week, Chet recounted the dramatic moment. "I found her by the side of the road, she was going to get hit by a car if someone didn't step in," he explained. Demonstrating quick thinking, Chet pulled over and secured the dog, noting she had no collar. He then took her to be scanned for a microchip, which she fortunately possessed.
An Unexpected Discovery and a Generous Gesture
The microchip led Chet to contact the registered owner, unveiling a surprising backstory. "I called the woman whose number popped up. I said, 'I found your dog.' She was really emotional and told me, 'That dog was stolen from me,'" Chet revealed. He immediately offered to return Queen, but the owner, who had since relocated out of California, made a compassionate decision.
"She said, 'I don't even live in California anymore. It's better off for you.' So I'm like, I'll give the dog a happy home. And yeah, we're in love. We're in love," Chet shared, expressing his deep bond with Queen. The original owner disclosed that the dog had been stolen six months prior while she was experiencing homelessness, adding a layer of poignancy to the rescue.
Integrating Queen into Family Life
Queen has now been fully welcomed into Chet's world. When asked if he had introduced the dog to his famous parents and other loved ones, Chet confirmed, "Yes, I've introduced her to everybody, and she's the sweetest dog. Everybody loves her." This includes his parents, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, with whom Chet was photographed in 2024.
The rescue began in December when Chet initially appealed to his Instagram followers for help identifying the owner after finding Queen. By New Year's Eve, he was sharing affectionate videos of them cuddling on the couch, telling the sleepy dog, "I love you. She's the best."
Celebrity Events and Career Highlights
Chet's revelation came during his attendance at the star-studded Clarins' Sugar & Shine Galentine's Affair, held at Cucina Alba in Los Angeles. The event, which also attracted figures like Sonia Mena, was a pre-Valentine's Day celebration spotlighting Clarins' Lip Perfector gloss.
Professionally, Chet continues to make strides in showbiz. He stars as point guard and aspiring rapper Travis Bugg in the Kate Hudson-led Netflix series Running Point. Additionally, he is a member of the country duo Something Out West; last year, his father Tom appeared in their music video for "You Better Run," recreating scenes from Forrest Gump.
Chet is one of Tom Hanks' four children. The Oscar-winning actor, 69, is also father to Colin, 48, and Elizabeth, 43, with his first wife Samantha Lewes, and Truman, 30, with Rita Wilson. Through this touching rescue, Chet Hanks has not only gained a loyal friend in Queen but also highlighted the importance of compassion and second chances.
