In an industry often marked by whirlwind romances and fleeting marriages, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson stand out as one of Hollywood's most enduring and beloved power couples. Having recently celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary, the pair have navigated decades in the public eye while maintaining an unwavering partnership through personal triumphs and serious health battles.

A Fateful Meeting on Set

The duo first met in 1981 on the set of the ABC sitcom Bosom Buddies, where Hanks starred for two seasons and Wilson made a guest appearance. The chemistry between them was immediate.

“One of the things, when we met, was that we just got along instantly,” Wilson recalled in a 2020 interview with Kelly Clarkson. “He makes me laugh all the time.”

Four years later, the two reunited to co-star as on-screen lovers in the 1985 comedy Volunteers, where their genuine feelings quickly surfaced. Hanks later described the spark to GQ: “Rita and I just looked at each other and — kaboing — that was that. I asked Rita if it was the real thing for her, and it just couldn't be denied.”

From Red Carpet Debut to Marriage

Hanks was previously married to his college sweetheart Samantha Lewes from 1978 until their separation in 1985 and eventual divorce in 1987. Hanks and Wilson made their public debut as a couple at the 1986 premiere of Three Amigos before tying the knot on April 30, 1988.

Reflecting on their union, Hanks previously told Oprah Winfrey: “When I married Rita, I thought, 'This is going to require some change on my part.' I won't deny that providence was part of us finding each other, but our relationship isn't magic — the way it's shown in movies.”

Building a Blended Family

Together, the couple expanded their family, welcoming their eldest son, Chester 'Chet' Hanks, on August 4, 1990. Chet pursued a career in the entertainment industry as an actor and rapper, appearing on shows such as Empire, Shameless, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. On December 26, 1995, they welcomed their second son, Truman Theodore Hanks, who has worked behind the camera in cinematography and electrical departments on major films like Black Widow and West Side Story.

Hanks also shares two older children with Lewes — actor Colin Hanks and writer Elizabeth Anne Hanks.

Weathering Health Challenges and Stepping into Grandparenthood

Through their decades together, the couple has supported each other through both high-profile career achievements and major life challenges. In 2015, Wilson revealed she underwent a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery following a breast cancer diagnosis.

“You never know how your spouse is going to react in a situation like this,” Wilson told The New York Times in 2015. “I was so amazed, so blown away by the care my husband gave me ... who knew it would make you even closer?”

Now in their grandparenting era, the couple continues to enjoy family life. Colin Hanks jokingly commented on their grandparenting skills during an appearance on Today, quipping: “It would be great if they paid attention to the kid's bedtime and actually cooked food that the kids will eat. No, they're fine. They're great.”