Having won 2 Oscars for Best Actor in 2 consecutive years for the films Philadelphia (1993) and Forrest Gump (1994), Tom Hanks – the actor 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 in 1956 is known as “a living legend of world cinema”.
There are two things that make this actor’s appeal never “cool down”: the immortal movies in which he played the main role and his marriage to his second wife – Rita Wilson.
Putting aside Tom Hanks’ acting ability because that is something that no longer needs to be discussed or debated, the actor’s personal life is what always divides the public into two factions: One side criticizes, the other side admires.
Why?
Admitted to cheating on his wife because he fell in love with his co-star
In 1981, Tom Hanks first met Rita Wilson while filming the ABC sitcom Bosom Buddies . In 1985, the two reunited for the film Volunteers. It was only then that Tom and Rita began to talk and interact more. However, their connection was not limited to work.
Later, in an interview after they were married, Tom confessed to the press that he had fallen in love with Rita at first sight. This would not have been worth mentioning if Tom Hanks had not been the husband of American actress Samantha Lewes.
In 1978, at the age of 21, Tom married his first wife, a school friend, actress Samanta Lewes. That same year, he welcomed his first son, Colin. More than four years later, his daughter, Elizabeth, was 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧. At that time, Tom thought his life was perfect.
As a 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 who had to witness the broken marriage of his parents, Tom promised himself that he would never take away his 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren’s 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥hood in that way. However, he could not do so.
Tom admitted to being a bad father when he announced his divorce from Samanta in 1987, after nine years of marriage.
At the time, both Tom and Samantha refused to reveal the reason for their split.
However, not long after the divorce announcement, in early 1988, Tom went public with his relationship with co-star Rita Wilson. Also in 1988, the couple officially got married.
At this time, the suspicion that Tom had cheated on his ex-wife broke out. Under pressure from the press and public opinion, Tom admitted that he had “fallen in love at first sight” with Rita Wilson and had also gone through a period of self-torment before deciding to divor
Marriage of more than 3 decades, fighting cancer with his wife
Tom and Rita have been together for 35 years now. After a failed marriage, the actor seems to have found the love of his life. The proof is the sweet moments with Rita as well as his willingness to accompany his wife in the most difficult moments of life.
In an interview with the New York Times in 2015, Rita said she had undergone mastectomy and reconstruction surgeries because of breast cancer.
“Tom’s care and concern during that time really gave me the confidence and motivation to face the terrible disease. Thinking positively, that disease really helped us love and appreciate each other more” – Rita shared.
She also said that Tom is an extremely romantic and gentle man. One day while walking down the street, Tom took his wife across the street and whispered to her: “You don’t need to change anything. I will always love you . ”
After many events, Tom seems to be more open when sharing about his second marriage.
“We like each other. I believe that is the premise of every love affair, but I realized that getting married after the age of 30 makes it easier for couples to live together. At that time, both of us have matured, experienced enough events or losses to appreciate each other” – The male actor confided.
Whenever he talks about Rita, the actor’s eyes are always filled with affection and love. Tom affirms that Rita is both his wife and his best friend. He said that the two often lie down and talk to each other until late at night, like the days when they first fell in love.
At present, Tom’s nearly 4-decade marriage has received admiration, praise and blessings from everyone. His love story with Rita is living proof that when people find the right person, they can be together for life, overcoming all challenges of life.