A Real Life Love Story! Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson’s Relationship Stands the Test of Time in Hollywood
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Find out how Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson met and how they make their love last.
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson’s relationship is one of the longest marriages in Hollywood. The two have been together for decades, showing they have what it takes to go the distance. From career highs to COVID lows, the pair have weathered many storms together and always come out stronger.
It can be hard to remember a time before the iconic couple was together. However, the couple did not always have the easiest go of things — Hanks was even married when they first met! Their love story reads almost like a romcom straight out of the movies.
Here is everything you need to know about Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson’s relationship.
Is Tom Hanks still married to his wife Rita Wilson?
As of this writing, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson are still married—and even planning an epic 35th anniversary party!
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How did Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson meet?
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson first met in 1981 on the set of Hanks’ sitcom Bosom Buddies. Wilson appeared in one episode of the series and the two hit it off—as just friends. Hanks was still married to his first wife, college sweetheart Samantha Lewes, at this time, so a romance was not meant to be just yet.
Related: Tom Hanks Hits the Red Carpet With Wife Rita and Son Truman
When did Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks get together?
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson first met in 1981 when she appeared in one episode of Hanks’ sitcom Bosom Buddies. The couple then reunited to star together in 1985’s Volunteers. The two played love interests in the film, with Hanks admitting they felt an immediate spark. He told GQ, “Rita and I just looked at each other and—kaboing—that was that. I asked Rita if it was the real thing for her, and it just couldn't be denied."
Though his divorce from first wife Samantha Lewes was not finalized until 1987, Hanks claims the two were separated for a while before he and Wilson made their red carpet debut as a couple in December of 1986.
Related: Tom Hanks Tells Fans to "Back the F*** Off" After Running Into Wife Rita Wilson
Who was Tom Hanks married to before Rita Wilson?
Prior to his marriage to Rita Wilson, Tom Hanks was married to his first wife, actress and Hanks’ college sweetheart Samantha Lewes. Hanks was married to Lewes from 1978 until their divorce was finalized in 1987. The pair had two children together, son Colin Hanks and daughter Elizabeth Hanks.
Lewes and Hanks had son Colin in 1977 when Hanks was only 21 and Lewes 25. Hanks has discussed the difficulties of starting a family so young.
"I was looking for something I had not found as a kid. And a broken marriage meant I was sentencing my own kids to the sort of feelings I had at their age," he said. "I was just too young and insecure for marriage. I was 23 and my son Colin was already two when I married for the first time. I was not really ready to take on those responsibilities.”
Lewes, unfortunately, did not find much success as an actress, appearing as a waitress in a 1981 episode of Bosom Buddies as well as a 1984 TV movie called Mr. Success. She passed away after a battle with bone cancer in 2002.
Who was Rita Wilson married to before Tom Hanks?
By all accounts, it appears Tom Hanks is Rita Wilson’s first—and only—husband. Wilson is Hanks’ second wife as he was previously married to actress Samantha Lewes.
Related: Rita Wilson Shares Sweet Pic With Tom Hanks With Subtle Nod to Elvis Role
When did Tom Hanks get married?
Tom Hanks married his first wife, college sweetheart and actress Samantha Lewes, in 1978 when he was 23. The two were married until 1987 when their divorce was finalized.
Hanks married his second wife, actress Rita Wilson, on April 30, 1988, after two years of dating.
Were Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson married during Sleepless in Seattle?
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have been married since April 30, 1988. Sleepless in Seattle came out in 1993. This means that the couple was definitely married during the production and subsequent release of the film.
Do Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks have children?
Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks have two children together, the often controversial Chester “Chet” Hanks and Truman Theodore Hanks.
In addition, Hanks has two children from his first marriage to Samantha Lewes, Colin and Elizabeth.
