Chet Hanks Almost Quit Acting Before His Breakout Role in Netflix’s ‘Running Point’

The entertainment industry thrives on comeback stories, and ‘Running Point’ on Netflix has provided one of the most surprising narratives in recent times. Chet Hanks, son of Hollywood icon Tom Hanks, has become a focal point of discussion following his standout performance in the sports comedy series, which has genuinely astonished both critics and viewers.

What adds to the intrigue is how close this opportunity came to slipping away. Before securing his role in ‘Running Point’, Hanks reportedly expressed to interviewers that he was prepared to leave acting altogether if he did not land the part, making his performance even more impressive.

In a conversation with Esquire, Hanks shared that the role felt almost custom-made for him, allowing him to portray a slightly exaggerated version of himself. The character was described as a tattooed, aspiring rapper whose social media antics become problematic, closely mirroring Hanks’s own public persona.

Hanks mentioned that the show’s creators were initially hesitant to cast him due to his offscreen reputation aligning too closely with the character’s challenges. During a Zoom call, they asked him to assure them he wouldn’t post anything controversial before they finalized the offer.

Having been sober for three years at the time of filming, Hanks connected deeply with the character’s narrative involving addiction and personal challenges. He praised the writers for giving Travis Bugg genuine emotional depth beyond mere comedic antics.

This role represented a personal and cathartic experience for Hanks, merging professional redemption with real-life relevance in a way that is rarely achieved by actors.

Chet Hanks, the third child of Tom Hanks, sees ‘Running Point’ as his first significant acting role in four years. While his famous lineage has always attracted attention, he has built a credible filmography, featuring guest spots on shows like ‘Atlanta’, ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’, ‘Shameless’, and ‘NCIS: New Orleans’.

His longest recurring role prior to ‘Running Point’ was on the Fox drama ‘Empire’, where he joined in season four and became a main cast member in season five. He also had a recurring role on Showtime’s acclaimed series ‘Your Honor’.

In addition to television, he has shared the screen with his father in ‘Larry Crowne’ and ‘Greyhound’, providing him with rare opportunities to act alongside one of Hollywood’s most celebrated figures.

Despite this history, ‘Running Point’ represents a significant leap in visibility and critical reception, placing him in a mainstream ensemble comedy that far exceeds his previous projects.

Critics have praised Hanks’s performance, with one review calling it the most believable in the series. They noted that he brings a unique blend of bravado and underlying sadness to Travis Bugg, elevating the character beyond a mere punchline.

Another critic remarked that Hanks demonstrated he is more than just a viral internet figure, asserting that his portrayal felt authentic and that the comedy surrounding Travis consistently landed throughout the season.

Reviewers highlighted that while Travis starts as a self-centered athlete focused on his music career, his character arc evolves into one of the most intriguing journeys by the season’s end.

The positive critical reception has sparked discussions about Hanks’s potential to leverage this momentum into a lasting career in comedy, a genre that seems to align well with his energy and presence.

‘Running Point’ premiered on Netflix in February 2025 and quickly ascended to the top of the platform’s charts in the United States during the week of March 3 through 9. It garnered a 79 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 53 critic reviews, with the consensus attributing the series’ success to Kate Hudson’s charisma.

Netflix swiftly renewed the show for a second season, which debuted in April 2026 with an improved score of 89 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating that the creative team had refined their approach for a stronger follow-up.

Hanks appeared in nine episodes across both seasons, solidifying Travis Bugg as a recurring character in the Los Angeles Waves universe rather than a fleeting comedic role.

The show’s success has uplifted the entire cast, but Hanks, in particular, has gained from audiences discovering his talent through the series and reevaluating his potential as a serious actor.

Critics have noted that Hanks stands out due to his self-awareness and willingness to embrace humor at his own expense, which can propel an actor far, regardless of their family background. The comedic sports format appears to suit him well, and industry experts suggest that a sustained presence in this genre could define the next chapter of his career, something his previous scattered roles failed to achieve.

Ultimately, ‘Running Point’ has provided Chet Hanks with a reset, a prominent platform where his authentic personality and comedic instincts can shine together. Whether he can capitalize on this moment will be an intriguing career narrative to follow in the years ahead.