Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson first crossed paths while working on the TV show Bosom Buddies back, in 1981. Although Wilson only made a guest appearance their connection as friends was immediate.
"When we first met we just clicked away " Wilson shared with Kelly Clarkson in 2020 remembering her impression of Hanks. "I'm a sucker for a storyteller, " she added. " Anyone who can spin a tale I'm all for it... I adore that.. Tom always keeps me laughing with his storytelling."
First Film Together
Their paths crossed again on the set of Volunteers in 1985 marking their collaboration on the big screen. It was during this film that they portrayed lovers and Hanks later revealed that there was a spark between them.
"Rita and I locked eyes and boom—that was it " Hanks told GQ magazine. "I asked Rita if she felt the way and there was no denying it."
The couple made their debut at the premiere of Three Amigos, in 1986 when they walked the carpet together. Even though Hanks and Lewes went through a divorce in 1987 they had already separated for some time before Hanks and Wilson got together.
Hanks and Wilson tied the knot in April 1988 with Wilson wearing a memorable wedding dress.
According to Hanks the success of their relationship was influenced by factors, like timing, maturity and their desire to have a connection. He shared this insight with Oprah Winfrey.
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Their First Child
Two years after getting married Hanks and Wilson had their child on August 4 1990. They named him Chester "Chet" Hanks and like his parents he pursued a career in the entertainment industry.
Chet is both a rapper and an actor. He has appeared in television shows such as Empire, Shameless and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Additionally he has landed roles in movies like Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Fantastic Four and Greyhound where he acted alongside his father.
In 1993s Sleepless in Seattle, Hanks and Wilson shared the screen again. However this time they portrayed siblings of lovers as they did in the movie Volunteers released in 1985.
Second Film Together
Sleepless in Seattle received two Academy Award nominations in 1994 for Best Original Screenplay and Best Original Song. Unfortunately it lost to Piano (released in 1993) for Best Original Screenplay award while Philadelphia's "Streets of Philadelphia" (another film featuring Hanks) won for Best Original Song.
On December 26th, 1995 Hanks and Wilson welcomed their son into the world. They named him Truman Theodore Hanks who also works within the entertainment industry but prefers to be behind the camera, than acting like his brother Chet or following his parents footsteps.Truman has gained experience in the camera and electrical department of known TV series and films, like Wrath of Man, Black Widow and Steven Spielberg's screen version of West Side Story according to his IMDb page.
Throughout the 34 years they have supported each other during times and celebrated their individual achievements standing together for significant milestones in life.
Off Screen Collaboration
After collaborating on screen, Hanks and Wilson teamed up off screen well to produce the comedy film "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" in 2002. They also took on the roles of producers for its sequel "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 ". Served as producers for the TV sitcom "My Big Fat Greek Life " where Wilson made a brief appearance.
Throughout the years the couple has openly expressed their love for each other. In an interview with Piers Morgan in 2012 Wilson shared one of the touching moments she had with Hanks. She recounted a memory of standing on either the corner of 5th or 58th and 5th streets in New York City. As they held hands waiting for the traffic light to change, Hanks looked at her and said something that resonated deeply within her; "You know I just want you to know that you never have to change anything about who you're in order to be with me." The impact of those words washed over her like a wave—a profound feeling coursing through her body—which truly encapsulates who he is and how he has always been.
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