Tom Hanks accused of Hollywood nepotism: It's a family business

The issue of nepotism has long been a source of controversy in Hollywood, and actor Tom Hanks has given his take on it. In an interview with the British newspaper The Sun, Hanks, who recently starred in the new film A Man Called Otto with his son Truman, insisted that Hollywood is in fact no different from the plumbing industry.

“It’s a family business,” Hanks said. “It’s what we’ve always done. It’s what all our kids grew up with. If we were a plumbing supply business, or if we were a flower shop down the street, at some point all family members would have put in some time, even if it was just doing inventory at the end of the year.”

But Hanks also believes that talent and ability are still the factors that determine how far they can ultimately go.

"No matter what happens, no matter what your last name is, it has no impact on whether you will be successful in the end. This is the problem we all face any time we try to do something new with a start and a finish. Our family background doesn't matter. We have to do it down to earth to provide a real and authentic experience for the audience."