Rita Wilson is a multi-talented American actress, producer, singer, and songwriter who has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry. With a career that started at a young age, she has consistently remained active and has achieved great success in various fields. Born to immigrant parents, she has embraced both her Greek and American heritage, even having her own “Big Fat Greek Wedding” when she married actor producer Tom Hanks. Alongside her acting career, she has also become a successful producer, co-producing the blockbuster film “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” Additionally, she has showcased her talents on stage, making her Broadway debut at the age of fifty and releasing her first album at fifty-six. With her passion for music, she has quickly emerged as a talented singer-songwriter. Despite her many accomplishments, she continues to appear in films and television productions, proving her dedication to her craft.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Margarita Ibrahimova
- Age: 67 Years, 67 Year Old Females
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Tom Hanks
- Father: Allan Wilson
- Mother: Dorothy Wilson
- Siblings: Chris, Lily
- Children: Chet Hanks, Truman Hanks
- Born Country: United States
- Quotes By Rita Wilson
- Actresses
- Height: 5’8″ (173 cm), 5’8″ Females
- U.S. State: California
- More Facts
- Education: London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art
Childhood & Early Life
Rita Wilson, originally named Margarita Ibrahimoff, was born on October 26, 1956, in Hollywood, USA. Her parents, Hassan Halilov Ibrahimoff and Dorothea nee Tzigkou, were first-generation immigrants. Dorothea was Albanian-Greek, while Hassan was a Bulgarian Pomak Muslim who later converted to Orthodox Christianity and changed his name to Allan Wilson. Rita has a sister named Lily and a brother named Chris. They were raised in the Greek Orthodox faith. As a teenager, Rita began singing with a folk group affiliated with her church. She also started her career as a model at the age of fourteen and made a guest appearance on the ABC sitcom, The Brady Bunch, at the age of sixteen. Rita graduated from Hollywood High in 1974 and later joined The Groundlings Theatre & School. She also completed a two-year diploma course at the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art.
Early Career
Rita Wilson’s acting career began in 1972 with a guest appearance on The Brady Bunch, but she didn’t find success until 1977. She appeared in various television series and films, including The Day It Came To Earth (1977), Lou Grant (1977), Flying High (1978), Hawaii Five-O (1979), B. J. and the Bear (1980), Bosom Buddies (1981), M-A-S-H (1982), and more. In 1980, she appeared in Cheech and Chong’s Next Movie, followed by Volunteers in 1985. She also pursued theater and made her stage debut in As You Like It. Rita continued to act in films like Sleepless in Seattle (1993), Now and Then (1995), Jingle All the Way (1996), and more. She also appeared in television movies and miniseries, such as If These Walls Could Talk (1996) and From the Earth to the Moon (1998).
Producer-Director & Singer
In the early 2000s, Rita Wilson saw Nia Vardalos’ one-woman show, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, and co-produced its film version. The film became a huge success and one of the most commercially successful independent films. She also served as the executive producer for the television series My Big Fat Greek Life and appeared in films like Connie and Carla (2004), Auto Focus (2002), and Raise Your Voice (2004). In 2006, she made her Broadway debut in the revival of Chicago. This reignited her passion for singing, and she started considering a career in music. Rita made her recording debut with the album AM/FM in 2012, followed by her eponymous album Rita Wilson in 2016. She continued to act, produce, and release music, with her latest album Halfway to Home released in 2019.
Major Works
Rita Wilson is best known for her role as Ellie Graham in the film Runaway Bride. She also found success as a producer with the films My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Mamma Mia!, both of which broke box office records worldwide.
Family & Personal Life
Rita Wilson married actor Tom Hanks on April 30, 1988. They have two sons together, Chet and Truman. Rita is also a stepmother to Tom Hanks’ children from his previous marriage, Colin and Elizabeth.