"It was a battle for me"— Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets star Chet Hanks on growing up with famous parents

Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets returned to screens with a brand new season this week on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. One of the cast members, Chet Hanks, opened up about growing up as a child of famous actors, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, during the premiere episode of the show.

While in conversation with some of the other celebrities, he said that he grew up feeling "f*cking worthless." He added that people believed Chet thought he was better than them but he didn't.

"So I did internalize all that negativity, and be like, 'Wow, maybe I am f--king worthless? So it was a battle for me, mentally and emotionally, just to be able to walk outside, look someone in the eye, and say, 'What's up? I'm Chet," he stated in the episode.

The latest season features eight "celebrity strangers" such as Macy Gray, Chet Hanks, Kim Zolciak, O.T. Genasis, Ally Brooks, Johnny Weir, Josie Canseco, and Tyler Posey.

According to Paramount Plus' press release, the show is described as:

"This season, eight celebrity strangers have no idea what’s in store when they check-in to the Villa of Secrets for an outlandish, Surreal getaway. Each day these all-star guests will be surprised with provocative missions that push their limits, uncover their pasts and lead them to divulge their deepest truths. Eight celebs, one villa… ALL will be revealed."

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Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets gave Chet Hanks a chance to "express" himself

In an interview with Too Fab, Chet Hanks recently spoke about his time on the show on July 23, 2024, and why he wanted to be on Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets season 8. The cast member said that being on the show helped him deal with his complicated childhood.

"It gave me a chance to voice, to use my own voice, to express things," Chet said.

The celebrity said that although his life had been addressed quite a bit publically, being on the show was "very healing" since he could express himself on a big platform. Calling this opportunity "hugely beneficial," he added that he will utilize his voice to tell his "own experience" and his "truth."

Chet stated that the main reason for him to be on Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets was for people to get to know him in a "different way."

"It was just awesome to be able to get a chance to do that," he said.

Although he liked being on the MTV show, Chet revealed during the conversation that he had his reservations since he had never been on reality television before. Chet stated that he "just tried" to get into it and be "totally enthusiastic" and "present." He shared that it ended up being one of the best experiences of his life.

The Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets season 8 star also spoke about some of his relationships formed while on the show, including one with Kim Zolciak. He was asked whether fans could see a romantic relationship between the two which was teased in the trailer. About the same, he said:

"I can't confirm or deny anything. You're just gonna have to wait and see."

Chet also spoke to People Magaine about particiating on the show on July 23, 2024, and said that he was ready to show people that he was just a "regular guy."

Chet recalled his controversial past, including a largely criticized song, White Boy Summer which was released in 2021. He said that he signed up for the MTV show to clear the air. While talking about his experience, Chet Hanks said he "had a blast" and would do it again "in a heartbeat."

Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets will air episodes every Tuesday on MTV.