Rita Wilson

Early Life

Margarita Wilson Hanks, known as Rita Wilson, was born on October 26, 1956, in Hollywood, California. She is the daughter of Dorothea Tzigkou, an ethnic Greek from Albania, and Hassan Halilov Ibrahimoff, a Bulgarian Muslim who converted to Orthodox Christianity. Raised in the Greek Orthodox faith, Wilson's multicultural background influenced her artistic sensibilities. Her father, who had a rich linguistic background, worked as a bartender in Los Angeles, where Wilson grew up.

Career

Rita Wilson's career began in television with a guest appearance on "The Brady Bunch" in 1972. She gained recognition through various roles in popular sitcoms like "M*A*S*H" and "Bosom Buddies," where she starred alongside her future husband, Tom Hanks. Wilson's film career includes notable appearances in classics such as "Sleepless in Seattle," "That Thing You Do!" and "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," the latter of which she also produced, helping it become the highest-grossing independent film of all time. As a singer-songwriter, she has released several albums, including "AM/FM" and "Bigger Picture," showcasing her talent beyond acting.

Personal Life

Rita Wilson married Tom Hanks in 1988, blending their families as Hanks had two children from a previous marriage. Together, they have two sons, Chet and Truman, and Wilson is a proud grandmother of three. An active member of the Greek Orthodox Church, she has also engaged in various philanthropic efforts, including signing an open letter advocating for women's rights in global poverty initiatives. In 2019, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, celebrating her contributions to the entertainment industry.