How Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson Have Kept Their Marriage Strong for 35 Years

Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson, a duo that has navigated Hollywood's spotlight since their marriage in 1988, continue to be one of the industry's most admired couples.

Having first crossed paths on the set of Hanks' sitcom Bosom Buddies, their journey together has been nothing short of a Hollywood love story. When asked about the key to their lasting relationship, the Forrest Gump actor had a straightforward yet heartfelt response for E! News: "Finding each other! How about that," he said, with a characteristic smile.

The pair share two children together, Chet, 33, and Truman, 28. Hanks also has two children, Colin, 46, and Elizabeth, 41, from his first marriage to Samantha Lewes.

The couple recently took on the role of honorary chairs at "An Unforgettable Evening," an event in support of the Women's Cancer Research Fund. The cause holds significant importance for them, particularly for Wilson, 67, who underwent a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015.

In the interview, Wilson emphasized the collective effort required in supporting cancer research. "It takes a village," she shared, acknowledging the Los Angeles community's 25-year commitment to the cause. "We don't do it alone."

Hanks attributes much of their ability to support such causes to his wife's influence. "Periodically this lady sits me down," the Oscar winning actor explained, "and we pull out the books. We look at the year. We ponder the work that's gotta get done." For Hanks, 67, planning and execution are skills he honed through his life with his partner. "Making a plan and following through with the plan is a skill that I did not have until I met Rita Wilson," he reflected, underscoring the profound impact of their partnership.

In 2022, an altercation in New York City showcased Hanks' protective nature when it comes to his wife. The couple found themselves surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd of fans while making their way to their car. The situation escalated when one fan accidentally bumped into Wilson, almost causing her to fall. A video captured by The Weekly Cut and posted on X shows Wilson turning to the crowd in distress and exclaiming, "Stop it!" and Hanks' firmly exclaiming, "This is my wife, back the f*** off!"