Rita Wilson shares her story of battling cancer and her successes in film
30 april 2026 в 00:13
Rita Wilson’s name often appears in headlines due to her work on screen, her music career, and her long-standing marriage to Tom Hanks. However, in recent years, the 69-year-old actress has drawn attention by openly discussing her health and personal journey.
More than ten years after her breast cancer diagnosis in 2015, Rita continues to share her experience, including the support she received from her husband during this difficult time. Now that she is cancer-free, she uses her platform to advocate for early disease detection and seeking second opinions, while remaining active in Hollywood and beyond.
As she continues to share her story, learn more about Rita, her career, and her family below.
Rita has appeared in dozens of films over several decades. Some of her most notable roles include «Sleepless in Seattle» (1993), «Mixed Nuts» (1994), «Now and Then» (1995), «That Thing You Do!» (1996), «Runaway Bride» (1999), and «It's Complicated» (2009).
Rita and Tom starred together in the comedy «Volunteers» in 1985, although they actually met a few years earlier when Rita had a guest role on his sitcom «Bosom Buddies» in 1981. At the time of filming «Volunteers», - Tom was still married to his first wife, Samantha Lewis.
In a past interview with GQ, as reported by People, Tom recalled his connection with Rita, saying, «We just looked at each other, and—boom!—that was it», - noting that their relationship was undeniable. Tom and Samantha divorced in 1987, and in 1988 he married Rita. The couple has been together for over three decades since then, becoming one of Hollywood’s longest-lasting couples.
Rita has also built a music career alongside her work in film and television. She released her debut album AM/FM in 2012 and has since released several records, including Rita Wilson, Bigger Picture, and Halfway to Home. In 2026, she continued this trajectory with new music, including the album Sound of a Woman.
Rita has also made a significant impact behind the scenes as a producer. She helped bring «My Big Fat Greek Wedding» (2002) to life, which became one of the most successful romantic comedies of all time, and returned as a producer for its sequels, including «My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2» (2016) and the third film in 2023. She was also a producer of the successful musical «Mamma Mia!»
Rita and Tom are raising two sons. Their eldest, Chester Hanks, was born in 1990 and has chosen a career in acting and music, while their younger son, Truman Hanks, was born in 1995 and has worked in the film industry
More than ten years after her breast cancer diagnosis in 2015, Rita continues to share her experience, including the support she received from her husband during this difficult time. Now that she is cancer-free, she uses her platform to advocate for early disease detection and seeking second opinions, while remaining active in Hollywood and beyond.
As she continues to share her story, learn more about Rita, her career, and her family below.
Rita has appeared in dozens of films over several decades. Some of her most notable roles include «Sleepless in Seattle» (1993), «Mixed Nuts» (1994), «Now and Then» (1995), «That Thing You Do!» (1996), «Runaway Bride» (1999), and «It's Complicated» (2009).
Rita and Tom starred together in the comedy «Volunteers» in 1985, although they actually met a few years earlier when Rita had a guest role on his sitcom «Bosom Buddies» in 1981. At the time of filming «Volunteers», - Tom was still married to his first wife, Samantha Lewis.
In a past interview with GQ, as reported by People, Tom recalled his connection with Rita, saying, «We just looked at each other, and—boom!—that was it», - noting that their relationship was undeniable. Tom and Samantha divorced in 1987, and in 1988 he married Rita. The couple has been together for over three decades since then, becoming one of Hollywood’s longest-lasting couples.
Rita has also built a music career alongside her work in film and television. She released her debut album AM/FM in 2012 and has since released several records, including Rita Wilson, Bigger Picture, and Halfway to Home. In 2026, she continued this trajectory with new music, including the album Sound of a Woman.
Rita has also made a significant impact behind the scenes as a producer. She helped bring «My Big Fat Greek Wedding» (2002) to life, which became one of the most successful romantic comedies of all time, and returned as a producer for its sequels, including «My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2» (2016) and the third film in 2023. She was also a producer of the successful musical «Mamma Mia!»
Rita and Tom are raising two sons. Their eldest, Chester Hanks, was born in 1990 and has chosen a career in acting and music, while their younger son, Truman Hanks, was born in 1995 and has worked in the film industry
© Kolganov Andrey
