Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have been together for nearly 35 years, becoming one of Hollywood’s strongest couples. In 2022, photos of Wilson became the subject of criticism after the actress gained little weight. Fans went as far as telling Hanks to get a younger wife as he remained fit. However, the actor remains madly in love with Wilson and often shows his affection privately and in public.
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson were both in their prime years when they met on the “Bosom Buddies” set in 1981. After being together for over three decades, they became the epitome of a power couple in the entertainment business.
The Hollywood star was still married when he starred in “Bosom Buddies” for two seasons. Wilson was only a guest star, but their short time together was enough to establish a close bond as friends. The actress would later reveal that Hanks’ strong storytelling skill was one of the reasons why they got along well.
It wasn’t until four years later that their friendship turned into romance. In 1985, Hanks and Wilson reunited and shared the screen in “Volunteers.” The duo was cast as on-screen lovers, but their chemistry continued even when the cameras stopped rolling.
Hanks and his first wife, actress Samantha Lewes, broke up long before his romantic relationship with Wilson began. They were officially divorced in 1987, finally allowing Hanks and Wilson to get married.
In August 2022, Hanks and Wilson were spotted strolling around New York City before heading to dinner. The entertainers looked comfortable in casual clothing and sweetly held hands while walking.
The couple tied the knot in April 1988 during a beautiful ceremony that saw Wilson in an iconic short wedding dress. Their nuptials quickly made headlines at that time.
Two years later, they welcomed their first child, Chester “Chet” Hanks, who also joined the entertainment industry as an actor and rapper. Some of his on-screen credits include “Empire,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” “Fantastic Four,” and “Shameless.”
In 1995, Hanks and Wilson became second-time parents with the birth of another son, Truman Theodore Hanks. Like his family, Truman joined the film and television industry but worked behind the scenes. Hanks is also a father to Elizabeth Ann Hanks and Colin Hanks, his kids from his previous relationship.
While the couple lived in marital bliss, their life together was not always a bed of roses. Admittedly, Hanks revealed he and Wilson worked together for their relationship’s success. “[It] was a matter of timing, maturity, and our willingness to have an intimate connection,” he said. Hanks also added:
“[…] Our relationship isn’t magic – the way it’s shown in movies […]. We both know that no matter what, we’ll be with each other, and we’ll get through it.”
In August 2022, Hanks and Wilson were spotted strolling around New York City before heading to dinner. The entertainers looked comfortable in casual clothing and sweetly held hands while walking.
Hanks donned a pair of black pants, a navy blue crewneck, and a cap, while his wife wore light blue pants, a navy blue top, black sunglasses, and a Gucci belt. Although dressed well, Wilson received criticism for her weight gain and no-makeup look.
Social media users left several harsh comments online about the actress, including some who compared her to an “unmade bed.” Another person said:
“Tom looks in great shape; why does Rita look out of shape flabby [sic].”
Some fans united in believing that Wilson has let herself go with the extra weight gain, while others were quite offensive, writing, “Time for a newer model, Tommy Boy!”
As public figures, making headlines and receiving unsolicited comments from strangers are nothing new to Hanks and Wilson. This wasn’t the first time the “Sleepless in Seattle” star was criticized for weight gain.
Wilson has dealt with weight fluctuations in previous years due to several factors. In 2010, she admittedly confined to food as her source of comfort amidst stress and, as a result, gained unwanted weight. Unfortunately, adding extra pounds made people believe she was pregnant during the Emmy Awards.
“Okay, really? If a 54-year-old woman were pregnant, wouldn’t that be news you would hear about?” she said. Wilson then made it her goal to lose weight and be a healthier version of herself. She joined “The Biggest Loser’s” Jillian Michael’s program and turned her life around with discipline and determination.
Wilson exercised every day of the week and changed her diet, consisting primarily of grilled fish or chicken, vegetables, and salads. Slowly, the actress started caring for her body more while regaining her fit shape.
Besides exercising, she also sought help from a chiropractor to tend to her past shoulder injury. She saw a dermatologist to solve existing skin issues and gained confidence in her body. Wilson said:
“The worrisome moles and shoulder pain I’d been neglecting were now dealt with, easing a mental burden of sorts and leaving me with two fewer things to worry about.”
Admittedly, being on a strict diet regimen had difficult moments, such as when traveling worldwide. Still, Wilson remained disciplined and dedicated to her new lifestyle and took the necessary steps to stay on track, including exercising on vacation.
Hanks called his wife beautiful yet again during a 2018 interview. According to the actor, Wilson was “one of the most classically beautiful women who’s ever walked the planet Earth.”
The healthy lifestyle continued, and in 2014, her husband joined the health and fitness regimen due to an illness. Hanks, diagnosed with Type II diabetes the year before, had to prioritize his health above all. Wilson said:
“We’ve really cut back a lot on sugar, and we find time in every day to exercise. We actually walk and hike together.”
Wilson has the proper knowledge to care for her mind and body. She previously admitted to having an imperfect body but loving herself nonetheless.
She’s Still the Love of His Life
Wilson has experienced changes in her body again. However, despite all the negative comments online, her husband’s unwavering love remains. The actor knows beauty is beyond a woman’s physique, and after several years together, he only has eyes for his wife.
Hanks publicly showed his love for Wilson several times, whether through interviews or actions. In 2015, he called her “extremely brave and beautiful” for handling her double mastectomy for her breast cancer.
Hanks called his wife beautiful yet again during a 2018 interview. According to the actor, Wilson was “one of the most classically beautiful women who’s ever walked the planet Earth.”
He also reassures Wilson that she doesn’t have to be anything other than herself. Wilson once shared one of the sweetest moments she shared with her husband. They were standing on the corner of 5th New York, holding hands while waiting to cross the street, when Hanks looked at her and said:
“You know, I just want you to know that you never have to change anything about who you are to be with me.”
Although she chose that memory to share, Wilson said her husband had always been that sweet and thoughtful. Still, his words never fail to make her feel like the luckiest woman alive. Similarly, he feels the same way about her. “I’m a lucky man,” he previously said.
Besides words, Hanks also shows his love through actions. In June 2022, cameras caught the actor angry at a fan who caused his wife to trip and nearly fall. Hanks and Rita were heading to their car in New York City when paparazzi and fans swarmed them.
While their bodyguard tried to lead them to safety, Wilson was tripped by a fan behind her. Hanks immediately yelled, “Guys, this is my wife. Back the [expletive] off!”
The actor is known for his cool and calm demeanor in Hollywood. He is also one of the kindest Hollywood actors, but he becomes protective regarding his wife’s safety.
Hanks and Wilson faced hell and high water during their marriage, including the actress’ battle with breast cancer and the difficulties of being in show business.
The life-changing experience forced the duo to reflect on everything they had, including each other, making them appreciate their relationship even more.
Wilson was diagnosed with cancer in 2015 and received proper treatment to rid herself of the illness. Although she has been free from cancer for more than six years, the experience has been terrifying. It also left her with anxiety and constant worrying.
Another difficult time came when the couple contracted COVID-19 during the pandemic. Hanks and Wilson were among the first Hollywood stars to confirm their positive results for the virus.
Fortunately, they recovered well from COVID-19 and are back to normal today. Admittedly, the illness made their relationship stronger than ever. According to a source, the diagnosis could have taken one or both of their lives while isolated from family.
The life-changing experience forced the duo to reflect on everything they had, including each other, making them appreciate their relationship even more.
The couple’s experiences have tested their relationship, but still, their love remains unshaken. The “Angels and Demons” star admitted that marriage is tough, “but if you marry the right person, it might work out.”
The actor’s experiences at work also contributed to the strength of his relationship. In 2019, Hanks brought the character Fred Rogers to life in “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.” He said the lessons he taught on the show also positively influenced his relationship, mainly when they had disagreements.
One of his main takeaways is that communication is essential in any relationship, especially regarding disagreements. This has made him more open to talking to Wilson when things get tough in their marriage.
Besides the hard times, Hanks and Wilson have also basked in their beautiful marriage days. In 2019, Wilson received her Hollywood Walk of Fame star. Her husband was her number one supporter during the ceremony, visibly seen cheering and clapping from the front row. Hanks later joined his wife on stage as she gave her acceptance speech.
Similarly, Wilson supported Hanks in 2022 during the exclusive screening of “Elvis.” The star-studded event had Wilson by her husband’s side, beaming with pride for another successful movie.
He also takes pride in being a cool grandparent with his wife. Despite their fame, Hanks and Wilson’s grandkids could not care less and enjoyed regular play dates with the couple.
The same happened during the “Pinocchio” premiere. Hanks, who played Geppetto in the movie, walked the red carpet with his wife for the live-action world premiere.
Hanks and Wilson always support each other through the good and bad times. Their unconditional love and relationship dynamics have allowed them to reach nearly 35 years as husband and wife. In previous years, the duo celebrated their anniversaries with parties, but they prefer to keep their plans under wraps this year.
When spending time together, the couple enjoys cooking in their home. Most of their free time is spent in the kitchen, working hand in hand to whip up a dish. In particular, they enjoy having hot soup together.
Hanks and Wilson also enjoy being grandparents to their three grandchildren. The actor’s two eldest sons made him a grandfather with the birth of their daughters. Chet is a father to Michaiah, while Colin is a dad to Olivia and Charlotte.
One of Hanks’ fondest recollections of being a granddad was taking one of his granddaughters to Disneyland. During the trip, he encouraged her to join the Winnie the Pooh adventure ride, an experience that traumatized the young girl forever.
He also takes pride in being a cool grandparent with his wife. Despite their fame, Hanks and Wilson’s grandkids could not care less and enjoyed regular play dates with the couple. They live a typical life and enjoy the luxury of time spent together.