Tom Hanks Wife Age: The Story of Rita Wilson Most People Get Wrong

Tom Hanks Wife Age: The Story of Rita Wilson Most People Get Wrong

So, everyone is always Googling tom hanks wife age. It’s one of those things that pops up every time they’re spotted on a red carpet looking ridiculously happy or when Tom posts another one of those "proud husband" photos on Instagram. Honestly, it’s kinda funny because, in a town where relationships last about as long as a green juice, these two have been a unit for nearly four decades.

If you’re looking for the quick math: Rita Wilson was born on October 26, 1956. As of right now, in early 2026, she is 69 years old. She’ll be hitting the big 7-0 later this year. Tom, for the record, is just a few months older than her, born in July of the same year. They’re basically the same age, which is actually a bit of a rarity in the "older leading man, much younger wife" trope that Hollywood usually loves to cast.

Why Rita Wilson’s Age is Actually Her Secret Weapon

Most people just see her as "Tom Hanks’ wife," but that’s a huge mistake. Rita has been a powerhouse in the industry since she was a teenager. You’ve probably seen her in Sleepless in Seattle or Now and Then, but did you know she’s the reason My Big Fat Greek Wedding even exists? She saw Nia Vardalos' one-woman show, loved it, and convinced Tom’s production company, Playtone, to turn it into a movie.

That was over twenty years ago.

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Now, at 69, she’s doing some of her best work. She didn't even start her professional singing career until she was in her 50s. Think about that for a second. Most people are looking toward retirement at that stage, and she was just getting started on a whole new craft. She’s released multiple albums, including her Duets project where she sang with legends like Willie Nelson and Elvis Costello. It’s a good reminder that "late bloomers" are often the ones who bloom the brightest.

The Health Scare That Changed Everything

You can't really talk about Rita's life without mentioning 2015. That was the year she went public with her breast cancer diagnosis. She had invasive lobular carcinoma. It was a heavy time. She underwent a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction, and she’s been very open about how that experience shifted her perspective on aging and health.

She didn't just "get through it." She became an advocate. She’s constantly pushing for women to get second opinions—something she credits with saving her life after her first pathology report actually came back negative for cancer. If she hadn't trusted her gut, things might look very different today.

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The Reality of Being Tom Hanks Wife

People always ask what the "secret" is to their marriage. It’s been since 1988. That’s forever in celebrity years. Honestly, if you listen to them talk, it’s not some magic formula. It’s just... liking each other.

Tom has famously said that the success of their relationship came down to timing, maturity, and a "willingness to have an intimate connection." They met on the set of Bosom Buddies in 1981, but he was married at the time. They didn't get together until later, after they reunited for the movie Volunteers.

Today, they’ve got a massive blended family. You’ve got the kids from Tom’s first marriage, Colin and Elizabeth, and then their sons together, Chet and Truman. It’s a lot of personalities, a lot of history, and a lot of birthdays to keep track of.

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What She’s Up To in 2026

Rita isn't slowing down. She’s been dropping new singles recently, including "It's Too Late" and "W.O.W. (Wild Ol' Woman)," which is basically an anthem for women of a certain age who refuse to be invisible. It’s punchy, it’s fun, and it’s very her. She’s also still heavily involved in producing, keeping the Playtone engine running alongside Tom.

There’s something cool about watching a woman in her late 60s absolutely own her space. She’s not trying to look 25. She’s not hiding. She’s just Rita.

Practical Lessons from Rita’s Journey

If you’re looking at tom hanks wife age and wondering how she does it, here are a few takeaways that actually matter:

  • Trust your instincts with your health. Rita’s story about her second opinion is legendary. If something feels off, don't just take the first "you're fine" as gospel.
  • It is never too late to pivot. Starting a music career at 50+ is proof that your "prime" is whenever you decide it is.
  • Prioritize friendship in long-term relationships. The way they talk about each other always comes back to being "best friends." It sounds cliché, but for them, it clearly works.

Rita Wilson is a lot more than just a number or a famous spouse. She’s a breast cancer survivor, a multi-platinum producer, a singer-songwriter, and a woman who seems to be having more fun at 69 than most people have in their 20s.

Keep an eye on her social media if you want a masterclass in aging with actual joy. She’s usually posting something about a new song, a throwback photo from a movie set, or a candid shot from a Greek vacation. She’s living proof that getting older doesn't mean fading out; it just means turning up the volume.