Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 17, 2025 · Entertainment

From 'Sleepless In Seattle' to Reality TV: Meet Rita Wilson, The Oscar-Winning Wife's Talented Life

She had a role in Sleepless In Seattle, is a talented singer who has come out with many albums and is married to an A-list Oscar-winning movie star. Who is she?

RITA WILSON: THE HOLLYWOOD IT-GIRL WHO'S STILL GOT IT!

Get ready for a blast from the past, folks! The lovely Rita Wilson is taking us on a trip down memory lane with her latest social media post, and we're obsessed!

The 68-year-old beauty, married to Oscar-winning superstar Tom Hanks (yep, you guessed it - the guy who played Forrest Gump!), shared a stunning flashback photo from her youth that left fans swooning. The retro pic features Rita rocking a sunny smile, fresh tan, and a trendy white tank top and cut-off blue denim jeans combo.

She is Rita Wilson, 68, seen at the Too Much screening in London in June

But what really caught our attention was Rita's caption, which gave us all sorts of feels! "Yep, This is me back when I was wearing out Carole King’s Tapestry record!" she wrote. "Now I have my own version of It’s Too Late out in the world. Never thought that would happen! You can stream it wherever music is available!"

Rita's music career has been a wild ride, with four albums under her belt: AM/FM (2012), Halfway to Home (2019), and Now & Forever: Duets (2022). And did you know she's also a talented producer? She's credited with the box-office hit My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) and had a hand in the Mamma Mia! film series.

But let's get back to that flashback photo, shall we? Rita's youth was full of promise, as evidenced by her stunning looks and fiery spirit. Born in Los Angeles to Greek parents who raised her in the Greek Orthodox faith, Rita's career began with guest appearances on The Brady Bunch (1972) and MAS*H (1982).

Here Rita is seen with husband since 1988, Oscar winner Tom Hanks

Fast-forward to the 80s, and Rita was starring alongside her future hubby Tom Hanks in TV shows like Three's Company and Bosom Buddies. She even appeared in films like Sleepless in Seattle (1993), Volunteers (1985), Jingle All The Way (1996), and My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002).

Rita's personal life has been just as glamorous, with a marriage to Tom that's lasted over three decades. The couple met in 1988 and tied the knot soon after. They have two sons together, Chet (a reality TV star and actor) and Truman.

But what about Rita's singing career? Well, let's just say she's got a voice like honey! Her music has spanned genres from pop to country, with hits like "It's Too Late" - which is actually a redo of the Carole King classic. The song will be released this summer on her upcoming album.

Tom and Rita in the film Sleepless In Seattle in 1993; the movie starred Meg Ryan

In other news, Rita recently popped up in a small role alongside pals Faith Hill and Tim McGraw in the Yellowstone prequel 1883. Talk about a surprise cameo!

And did you know that Rita's been rocking the Broadway stage? She made her debut in a revival of Chicago back in 2006, playing the iconic role of Roxie Hart.

As we celebrate Rita Wilson's many talents and accomplishments, we can't help but ask: What's next for this Hollywood icon? Stay tuned, folks - we're sure it'll be something fabulous!

Rita with Nicole Kidman at the 60th Academy Of Country Music Awards in Texas in May

Read more about Rita Wilson's music career on The Scholarly Note!