In a world where celebrity relationships often fall apart under the spotlight, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have built a marriage that spans more than 35 years—and still going strong. The Oscar-winning actor and the multi-talented actress, singer, and producer share a love story rooted in friendship, mutual respect, and shared life experiences, both joyous and challenging.
From On-Screen Friends to Real-Life Soulmates
Tom Hanks, now 67, and Rita Wilson, 67, first crossed paths in 1981 on the set of Bosom Buddies, the sitcom that gave Hanks his early break. Wilson made a guest appearance in one episode, but the two hit it off instantly. At the time, Hanks was still married to his college sweetheart, Samantha Lewes, with whom he shared two children—Colin and Elizabeth Hanks.
It wasn’t until 1985, during filming of the comedy Volunteers, that Hanks and Wilson’s connection deepened. By 1986, their relationship became public, and they made their red carpet debut that December at the premiere of Three Amigos. Hanks’ divorce from Lewes was finalized in 1987.
In April 1988, the couple officially tied the knot. Wilson wore a short, untraditional wedding dress that reflected her laid-back, elegant style. For Hanks, marrying Wilson marked a personal turning point. “When I married Rita, I thought, ‘This is going to require some change on my part,’” he said in an interview. “But we both knew we’d be with each other—no matter what.”
Building a Family
Together, Hanks and Wilson welcomed two children: Chester “Chet” Hanks, born in August 1990, and Truman Theodore Hanks, born in December 1995. Chet has followed in his parents’ footsteps into the entertainment world, with acting roles in Empire, Shameless, and Curb Your Enthusiasm, along with a music career. Truman, on the other hand, prefers life behind the camera and has worked on projects like Black Widow, Wrath of Man, and West Side Story.
Tom Hanks also remains a devoted father to Colin Hanks, 46, a successful actor in his own right (Fargo, Life in Pieces), and Elizabeth Hanks, 41, a writer and editor. Their mother, Samantha Lewes, sadly passed away from bone cancer in 2002.
Supporting Each Other Through Every Chapter
Throughout their decades-long relationship, Hanks and Wilson have worked together on multiple projects—on screen and behind the scenes. After co-starring in Volunteers (1985) and Sleepless in Seattle (1993), where they played siblings, they teamed up as producers for My Big Fat Greek Wedding in 2002. The film became one of the highest-grossing romantic comedies of all time, leading to sequels and a short-lived TV spin-off, My Big Fat Greek Life, in which Wilson made a cameo.
Off-screen, their relationship has been a constant through health struggles and professional milestones. When Wilson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, she underwent a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Hanks was by her side through it all. “You never know how your spouse is going to react,” Wilson later said. “I was so amazed, so blown away by the care my husband gave me… it made us even closer.”
In 2020, both tested positive for COVID-19 while in Australia. Their shared battle with the virus, one of the earliest publicized celebrity cases, showed their resilience and unity during a moment of global crisis. “We were taking care of each other,” Wilson said. “That made it a little bit easier.”
Celebrating Each Other’s Wins
Hanks has been Wilson’s biggest fan, supporting her as she ventured into music and Broadway. When she made her stage debut in Chicago in 2006, he was there cheering from the front row. And when she received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2019, Hanks was beaming beside her, delivering a heartfelt tribute.
Wilson has done the same for Hanks—standing beside him at his 1992 Walk of Fame ceremony, his 1998 handprint tribute, and major film premieres over the years. In July 2021, she marked Hanks’ 65th birthday with a touching post celebrating his warmth, humor, and humility.
Longevity in a Fast-Paced Industry
The strength of their relationship lies in its foundation. “You never have to change anything about who you are in order to be with me,” Hanks once told Wilson early in their relationship—a sentiment she’s never forgotten. Their commitment is rooted in mutual admiration and the ability to weather life’s unpredictability together.
Even after 30-plus years of marriage, they still show up for each other—in love, in loss, in celebration, and in crisis. They celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2018 with a star-studded party that included Oprah Winfrey, Kate Hudson, Goldie Hawn, and Jimmy Kimmel.
Net Worth and Current Life
Tom Hanks remains one of the most successful actors of his generation, with a career spanning over four decades and a reported net worth of $400 million. Rita Wilson, a respected actress, producer, and singer, is estimated to be worth around $100 million in her own right. Together, their combined net worth reflects not just box office success, but smart career choices and shared ventures in film and television production.
The couple currently splits their time between Los Angeles and other properties across the U.S., continuing to support charitable causes and creative endeavors.
Final Thoughts
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson are proof that lasting love isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about navigating life’s highs and lows as true partners. Their story isn’t just one of Hollywood glamor; it’s one of commitment, friendship, and growing together over decades.
As they continue to inspire fans worldwide, it’s clear that this enduring duo has found something rare in Hollywood: a marriage that’s as real as it is remarkable.
