Rita Wilson

Margarita Ibrahimoff was born on October 26, 1956, in Hollywood, California, to a Greek mother and Bulgarian-Muslim father who converted to Greek Orthodox Christianity. After guest appearances on television classics like 'The Brady Bunch' and 'M*A*S*H', she appeared in 'Volunteers' (1985), where she met future husband Tom Hanks. Wilson established herself as a versatile character actress, delivering memorable performances in Nora Ephron's 'Sleepless in Seattle' (1993), 'Now and Then' (1995), 'Jingle All the Way' (1996), and 'Runaway Bride' (1999).

As a film producer, Wilson achieved monumental commercial triumphs. After watching Nia Vardalos perform a stage show in Los Angeles, Wilson convinced Hanks's Playtone company to produce 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' (2002). Made for just $5 million, the film grossed $368 million worldwide to become the most profitable romantic comedy in cinematic history. Wilson subsequently served as executive producer for the smash hit musical adaptation 'Mamma Mia!' (2008), 'Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again' (2018), and 'A Man Called Otto' (2022). In 2012, Wilson launched a successful recording career, releasing five studio albums as a singer-songwriter and performing at the Grand Ole Opry. In 2019, she was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.