Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Rita Wilson

How Rita Wilson built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Rita Wilson, born Margarita Wilson Hanks, is an accomplished American actress, singer-songwriter, and producer. She has starred in numerous films, including 'Sleepless in Seattle,' 'Now and Then,' and 'Runaway Bride,' and has made television appearances in series like 'The Good Wife' and 'Girls.' Wilson's talents extend to Broadway performances and film production, notably 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding.' As a musician, she has released several albums, including 'AM/FM' and 'Halfway to Home.' Her contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized in March 2019 with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1972: The Brady Bunch appearance

In 1972, Rita Wilson's career began with a guest appearance on The Brady Bunch in the episode "Greg's Triangle."

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1982: MAS*H appearance

In 1982, Rita Wilson appeared on M*A*S*H as Nurse Lacey, marking another appearance in her early career.

1985: Volunteers film release

In 1985, Rita Wilson appeared in the film Volunteers, marking an early role in her film career.

1989: Appearance in As You Like It

Rita Wilson appeared as Celia in a production of As You Like It in 1989 with the Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles.

1993: Sleepless in Seattle film release

In 1993, Rita Wilson appeared in the film Sleepless in Seattle, adding to her list of film appearances.

1995: Now and Then film release

In 1995, Rita Wilson appeared in the film Now and Then, further establishing her presence in the film industry.

1996: Jingle All the Way film release

In 1996, Rita Wilson appeared in the film Jingle All the Way, adding another film appearance to her career.

1996: That Thing You Do! film release

In 1996, Rita Wilson appeared in the film That Thing You Do!, expanding her filmography.

1999: Runaway Bride film release

In 1999, Rita Wilson appeared in the film Runaway Bride, adding to her film appearances.

1999: The Story of Us film release

In 1999, Rita Wilson appeared in the film The Story of Us, contributing to her acting career.

2002: My Big Fat Greek Wedding film release

In 2002, Rita Wilson produced the film My Big Fat Greek Wedding, showcasing her skills as a producer.

2006: Broadway debut in Chicago

In 2006, Rita Wilson made her Broadway debut, performing the role of Roxie Hart in the revival of Chicago.

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2008: Mamma Mia! film release

In 2008, Rita Wilson produced the film Mamma Mia!, marking her involvement in the successful movie.

2009: It's Complicated film release

In 2009, Rita Wilson appeared in the film It's Complicated, marking another role in her acting career.

2011: Larry Crowne film release

In 2011, Rita Wilson appeared in the film Larry Crowne, adding to her filmography.

May 8, 2012: Release of AM/FM album

On May 8, 2012, Rita Wilson's debut solo album AM/FM was released on Decca Records, featuring covers of classics from the 1960s/70s and collaborations with various artists.

2012: Work with producer Fred Mollin

Rita Wilson worked with Fred Mollin on her debut album AM/FM in 2012.

December 4, 2014: Performance at the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

On December 4, 2014, Rita Wilson performed for President Obama and Michelle Obama at the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Washington, DC, where she also served as co-host.

2014: Writing the song "Bad Things"

In 2014, Rita Wilson wrote the song "Bad Things" with Matt Nathanson for the Scott Eastwood film Dawn Patrol, in which she also starred.

September 2015: Signing open letter for ONE Campaign

In September 2015, Rita Wilson signed an open letter from the ONE Campaign, urging Angela Merkel and Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to focus on women in development funding.

2016: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again sequel release

Eight years after producing the original movie, in 2016 Rita Wilson produced the film Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.

2016: My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 release

In 2016, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, co-produced by Rita Wilson and in which she had a supporting role, was released.

2016: Writing her own songs

In 2016, Rita Wilson began writing her own songs with the help of co-writer Kara Dioguardi; the first song she wrote and sang was "Grateful".

2016: Donation to Moffitt Cancer Center

In 2016, Rita Wilson contributed to the Moffitt Cancer Center by donating "True Hearts" jewelry made of sterling silver and 14k gold.

2016: Collaboration of WCRF with BCRF

In 2016, the Women's Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), where Rita Wilson serves as honorary co-chair, joined forces with Evelyn Lauder's Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

September 28, 2018: Bigger Picture album release

On September 28, 2018, Rita Wilson's third album, Bigger Picture, was released, drawing directly from her personal life for its theme and reuniting her with producer Fred Mollin.

2018: USC Shoah Foundation's Ambassadors For Humanity award

In 2018, Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks were honored with the USC Shoah Foundation's Ambassadors For Humanity award for their commitment to humanitarian causes and support of veterans.

2018: Original song used in Simple Wedding

In 2018, Rita Wilson's original song, "Heart Unknown", was used in the indie film, Simple Wedding, which she co-wrote with Josh Alexander, Kara Dioguardi, and Mozella. Additionally, she performed "Sometimes Love" for the independent film Emmett.

March 2019: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

In March 2019, Rita Wilson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking a significant achievement in her career.

March 29, 2019: Halfway to Home album release

On March 29, 2019, Rita Wilson released her fourth album, Halfway to Home, which included "Throw Me a Party", a song inspired by her survival from breast cancer.

December 27, 2019: Honorary Naturalization Offer in Greece

On December 27, 2019, Rita Wilson and her husband, Tom Hanks, received an offer of honorary naturalization in Greece from the Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos, due to their contributions in helping the people affected by the Mati Fire in Greece.

March 2020: Instagram video and Hip Hop Hooray remix

In March 2020, while in self-quarantine after contracting the coronavirus, Rita Wilson filmed an Instagram video rapping "Hip Hop Hooray" which went viral, leading to a remix collaboration with Naughty by Nature to benefit the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund.

July 2020: Collaboration on Bettie James EP

In July 2020, Rita Wilson appeared on Jimmie Allen's Bettie James EP, collaborating on the song "When This Is Over" with Tauren Wells and The Oak Ridge Boys.

October 2020: Featured on the single "Pink"

In October 2020, Rita Wilson was featured on the single "Pink" alongside Dolly Parton, Monica, Jordin Sparks, and Sara Evans, with the single released in aid of Breast Cancer Research.

2021: Contribution to Blues Traveler album

In 2021, Rita Wilson contributed to the Blues Traveler rendition of "Crazy" on their album "Traveler’s Blues".

February 2022: Sony Pictures acquires A Man Called Otto

In February 2022, the film A Man Called Otto, produced by Rita Wilson, was sold to Sony Pictures for $60 million at the European Film Market.

August 24, 2022: Announcement of duets album Now & Forever

On August 24, 2022, Rita Wilson announced her duets album Now & Forever, a collection of 70s covers with male vocalists, co-produced by Wilson and Matt Rollings.

December 2022: Release of A Man Called Otto and launch of Artistic Films

In December 2022, the film A Man Called Otto, produced by Rita Wilson, was initially released and Wilson launched her production company, Artistic Films, with A Man Called Otto as its first project.

2022: Collaboration on "Til You're Home"

In 2022, Rita Wilson collaborated with Sebastián Yatra on the single "Til You're Home" from the soundtrack to the film A Man Called Otto.

March 29, 2023: Performance at White House Greek Independence Day celebration

On March 29, 2023, Rita Wilson attended the White House's Greek Independence Day celebration hosted by President Biden, leading the event's cultural program and performing four songs.