---
name: "Rita Wilson"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/rita-wilson"
fi1m_id: "rita-wilson"
imdb_id: "nm0001854"
tmdb_id: 12931
wikidata_id: "Q234144"
roles: ["Actor","Producer"]
born: "26 October 1956"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 13
average_fi1m_score: 74
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 10
updated: "2026-10-05T14:44:48.137561+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Rita Wilson

## Identity

Rita Wilson

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/rita-wilson
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** rita-wilson
- **IMDb ID:** nm0001854
- **TMDB ID:** 12931
- **Wikidata ID:** Q234144
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rita_Wilson, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q234144, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001854/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/12931

Actor and producer. Born 26 October 1956 in Los Angeles, California, USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor, Producer
- **Born:** 26 October 1956, Los Angeles, California, USA
- **Active:** 1972–present
- **Also known as:** Margarita Wilson Hanks
- **Titles on Fi1m:** 13: 10 acting, 3 producing
- **Frequently works with:** [Tom Hanks](https://film.one/person/tom-hanks.md)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 74, as actor, over 10 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1970s 85 (1), 1980s 82 (1), 1990s 68 (2), 2000s 72 (4), 2010s 80 (2), 2020s 68 (3)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 71 to 68 across 8 titles
- **Score spread:** 4 at 80+, 4 at 60–79, 2 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 0 of 4 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Comedy 8, Drama 6, Romance 3, Crime 2, Mystery 2, Thriller 1
- **Screen time:** 9 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $810m across 4 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rita_Wilson, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q234144, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001854/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/12931

## Streaming the US now

- **HBO Max:** [*Kimi*](https://film.one/film/kimi.md) (77), [*My Big Fat Greek Wedding*](https://film.one/film/my-big-fat-greek-wedding.md) (70)
- **Netflix:** [*Sleepless in Seattle*](https://film.one/film/sleepless-in-seattle.md) (78)
- **Hulu:** [*It's Complicated*](https://film.one/film/its-complicated.md) (63)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Rita Wilson

> Rita Wilson can make a supporting character’s kindness worth paying attention to. We rate her comic sincerity in *Sleepless in Seattle*, and the less comforting use *Kimi* makes of an actor so often asked to be reassuring.

Suzy gets emotional recounting a romantic film in *Sleepless in Seattle* (1993), and Rita Wilson gives the business of telling someone a plot its own comic urgency. The monologue was improvised, and its subject is *An Affair to Remember*. Nora Ephron’s film is warm and funny, though its determined belief in destiny asks for indulgence. Wilson’s emotional retelling is one of its memorable supporting contributions, and her reputation rests on these smaller roles and her work as a producer rather than leading parts.

After television guest parts in the 1970s, her film work settled into supporting roles from the mid-1980s. Sisters, friends, mothers and aunts became familiar assignments, with *It’s Complicated* (2009) among the examples of that nurturing casting. There is a limitation here: the reassuring woman can be useful to everyone else without being given much to want herself. The move into producing with *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* (2002) widened her responsibilities while keeping her close to ensemble comedy. For us, though, the acting is most interesting when a script asks more of her than being good company.

*Kimi* (2022) makes precisely that demand. Steven Soderbergh gives her one scene as Natalie Chowdhury, a manager whose friendliness has limits, and Wilson makes the professional courtesy unsettling without overplaying it. We felt uneasy when the friendliness stopped. The casting draws on the reassurance she usually provides, so a small part has an advantage a more obviously threatening presence would lack.

Neither film is beyond criticism: Ephron’s romance dawdles, and Soderbergh’s thriller eventually settles into a familiar chase. Wilson is good in both without being the reason either holds together; that credit belongs to Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in one, Zoë Kravitz in the other. For a less comfortable introduction than her familiar casting might suggest, start with *Kimi*.

## Biography

Rita Wilson is an American actress, singer and producer. Born Margarita Ibrahimoff on 26 October 1956 in Los Angeles, she began her career with guest roles on television series including *The Brady Bunch* and made her feature debut in *The Day It Came to Earth* (1979). She has appeared in films such as *Sleepless in Seattle* (1993), *That Thing You Do!* (1996), *Jingle All the Way* (1996), *Runaway Bride* (1999), *It's Complicated* (2009), *Larry Crowne* (2011) and *Asteroid City* (2023), and in the series *Girls* and *The Good Wife*.

Wilson has produced several films, including *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* (2002) and *Mamma Mia!* (2008). She performed on Broadway in *Chicago* and has released a number of albums as a singer-songwriter. She is married to actor Tom Hanks.

*Sources: imdb.com, themoviedb.org, tvtime.com.*

## On Fi1m (13)

### Performed in (10) — the average rests on these

- *Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: An Almost History of America* (2026), Fi1m 55, as Mavis Lewis — [page](https://film.one/tv/life-larry-and-the-pursuit-of-unhappiness-an-almost-history-of-america.md)
- *Asteroid City* (2023), Fi1m 71, as Mrs. Weatherford — [page](https://film.one/film/asteroid-city.md)
- *Kimi* (2022), Fi1m 77, as Natalie Chowdhury — [page](https://film.one/film/kimi.md)
- *Girls* (2012), Fi1m 82, as Evie Michaels — [page](https://film.one/tv/girls.md)
- *It's Complicated* (2009), Fi1m 63, as Trisha — [page](https://film.one/film/its-complicated.md)
- *The Good Wife* (2009), Fi1m 84, as Viola Walsh — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-good-wife.md)
- *Runaway Bride* (1999), Fi1m 58, as Ellie — [page](https://film.one/film/runaway-bride.md)
- *Sleepless in Seattle* (1993), Fi1m 78, as Suzy — [page](https://film.one/film/sleepless-in-seattle.md)
- *Moonlighting* (1985), Fi1m 82, as Carla McCabe — [page](https://film.one/tv/moonlighting.md)
- *M*A*S*H* (1972), Fi1m 85, as Nurse Lacey — [page](https://film.one/tv/m-a-s-h-1972.md)

### Produced (3)

- *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again* (2018), Fi1m 77, Executive Producer — [page](https://film.one/film/mamma-mia-here-we-go-again.md)
- *Mamma Mia!* (2008), Fi1m 72, as Greek Goddess (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/mamma-mia.md)
- *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* (2002), Fi1m 70, Producer — [page](https://film.one/film/my-big-fat-greek-wedding.md)

## Complete filmography (77)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: An Almost History of America* (2026), series, as Mavis Lewis — Fi1m 55, [page](https://film.one/tv/life-larry-and-the-pursuit-of-unhappiness-an-almost-history-of-america.md)
- *Too Much* (2025), series, as Lois Salmon
- *My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3* (2023), Producer
- *Asteroid City* (2023), as Mrs. Weatherford — Fi1m 71, [page](https://film.one/film/asteroid-city.md)
- *The Last Thing He Told Me* (2023), series, as Carol
- *A Man Called Otto* (2022), Producer
- *Kimi* (2022), as Natalie Chowdhury — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/film/kimi.md)
- *1883* (2021), series, as Carolyn
- *Love Is Love Is Love* (2021), as Mary Kay (segment "Late Lunch"), Theme Song Performance · Music Producer, Lyricist
- *Boy Genius* (2019), as Mary Locke
- *Gloria Bell* (2019), as Vicky
- *A Simple Wedding* (2018), as Maggie Baker · Executive Producer
- *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again* (2018), Executive Producer — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/film/mamma-mia-here-we-go-again.md)
- *Brother Nature* (2016), as Cathy Turley
- *My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2* (2016), as Anna · Producer
- *Kiss Me* (2015), as Edith
- *Dawn Patrol* (2014), as Sheila
- *The Tutor* (2013), as Mother
- *The Carrier* (2012), as Helen
- *Girls* (2012), series, as Evie Michaels — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/girls.md)
- *Larry Crowne* (2011), as Wilma Q. Gammelgaard
- *The Art of Getting By* (2011), as Vivian Sargent
- *Body of Proof* (2011), series, as Ruth Stone
- *It's Complicated* (2009), as Trisha — Fi1m 63, [page](https://film.one/film/its-complicated.md)
- *Old Dogs* (2009), as Gloria Lawrence
- *The Good Wife* (2009), series, as Viola Walsh — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-good-wife.md)
- *My Life in Ruins* (2009), as Elinor · Executive Producer
- *Mamma Mia!* (2008), as Greek Goddess (uncredited) · Executive Producer — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/film/mamma-mia.md)
- *The Trap* (2007), Director
- *Beautiful Ohio* (2006), as Judith Messerman
- *Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon* (2005), as Beta Station Commander
- *The Chumscrubber* (2005), as Terri Bratley
- *Raise Your Voice* (2004), as Francis Fletcher
- *Connie and Carla* (2004), Executive Producer
- *My Big Fat Greek Life* (2003), series, Executive Producer
- *Auto Focus* (2002), as Anne Crane
- *My Big Fat Greek Wedding* (2002), Producer — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/film/my-big-fat-greek-wedding.md)
- *The Glass House* (2001), as Grace Avery Baker (uncredited)
- *Perfume* (2001), as Roberta
- *Curb Your Enthusiasm* (2000), series, as Anne Michaelson — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/curb-your-enthusiasm.md)
- *The Story of Us* (1999), as Rachel Kogen
- *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* (1999), series, as Bree Mazelon
- *Runaway Bride* (1999), as Ellie — Fi1m 58, [page](https://film.one/film/runaway-bride.md)
- *Invisible Child* (1999), as Annie Beeman
- *Psycho* (1998), as Caroline
- *The Wild Thornberrys* (1998), series, as Kua (voice)
- *From the Earth to the Moon* (1998), series, as Susan Borman
- *Jingle All the Way* (1996), as Liz Langston
- *That Thing You Do!* (1996), as Margueritte
- *If These Walls Could Talk* (1996), as Leslie
- *Now and Then* (1995), as Chrissy
- *Mixed Nuts* (1994), as Catherine
- *Frasier* (1993), series, as Hester Crane, Mia — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/frasier.md)
- *Sleepless in Seattle* (1993), as Suzy — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/sleepless-in-seattle.md)
- *Barbarians at the Gate* (1993), as Carolyne Roehm-Kravis
- *Mad About You* (1992), series, as Lindsay Krbnsk
- *The Bonfire of the Vanities* (1990), as P.R. Woman
- *Sinners* (1990), as Margaret
- *Tales from the Crypt* (1989), series, as Jess Gilchrist
- *Teen Witch* (1989), as Dancer
- *thirtysomething* (1987), series, Actor
- *Volunteers* (1985), as Beth Wexler
- *Moonlighting* (1985), series, as Carla McCabe — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/moonlighting.md)
- *Who's the Boss?* (1984), series, Actor
- *Mr. Merlin* (1981), series, Actor
- *Bosom Buddies* (1980), series, Actor
- *Cheech & Chong's Next Movie* (1980), as Hostage
- *Flying High* (1978), as Debbie
- *The Day It Came to Earth* (1977), as Debbie
- *Joe Forrester* (1975), series, Actor
- *Happy Days* (1974), series, Actor
- *M*A*S*H* (1972), series, as Nurse Lacey — Fi1m 85, [page](https://film.one/tv/m-a-s-h-1972.md)
- *The Brady Bunch* (1969), series, as Pat Conway
- *Hawaii Five-O* (1969), series, as Mary Ellen Klane
- *How to Survive Without Me*, series, as Beverly De Angelis
- *Start Without Me*, as Mona
- *Patsy Cline: Walkin' After Midnight*, Actor

## Gallery

- ![Rita Wilson](https://film.one/media/person/9228/gallery-d088f9c7c16f.jpg) Rita Wilson — The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c3/Rita_Wilson_and_her_band_perform_at_a_Greek_Independence_Day_reception_on_March_29%2C_2023_in_the_East_Room_of_the_White_House_%28cropped%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Rita Wilsonat a ceremony for Heart to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (2012)](https://film.one/media/person/9228/gallery-cf3564a07821.jpg) Rita Wilsonat a ceremony for Heart to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (2012) — Angela George, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e4/RitaWilsonHWOFSept2012.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- !["Music Strong" benefit concert for the Borderline survivors and victim's families, in the Fred Kavli theatre at the Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks, Ventura C (2019)](https://film.one/media/person/9228/gallery-6517157cbc67.jpg) "Music Strong" benefit concert for the Borderline survivors and victim's families, in the Fred Kavli theatre at the Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks, Ventura C (2019) — Justin Higuchi from Los Angeles, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ca/Rita_Wilson%2C_Music_Strong_02_10_2019_-12_%2832317369177%29.jpg/1280px-Rita_Wilson%2C_Music_Strong_02_10_2019_-12_%2832317369177%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- !["Music Strong" benefit concert for the Borderline survivors and victim's families, in the Fred Kavli theatre at the Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks, Ventura C (2019)](https://film.one/media/person/9228/gallery-070a0eb3da21.jpg) "Music Strong" benefit concert for the Borderline survivors and victim's families, in the Fred Kavli theatre at the Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks, Ventura C (2019) — Justin Higuchi from Los Angeles, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9e/Rita_Wilson%2C_Music_Strong_02_10_2019_-13_%2832317368677%29.jpg/1280px-Rita_Wilson%2C_Music_Strong_02_10_2019_-13_%2832317368677%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Rita Wilson](https://film.one/media/person/9228/gallery-e50363f60690.jpg) Rita Wilson — Image via TMDB
- ![Rita Wilson](https://film.one/media/person/9228/gallery-c19f0de9cf74.jpg) Rita Wilson — Image via TMDB
- ![Rita Wilson](https://film.one/media/person/9228/gallery-4693d64a7dd0.jpg) Rita Wilson — Image via TMDB
- !["Music Strong" benefit concert for the Borderline survivors and victim's families, in the Fred Kavli theatre at the Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks, Ventura C (2019)](https://film.one/media/person/9228/gallery-7b8e60b96ff8.jpg) "Music Strong" benefit concert for the Borderline survivors and victim's families, in the Fred Kavli theatre at the Civic Arts Plaza in Thousand Oaks, Ventura C (2019) — Justin Higuchi from Los Angeles, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6e/Rita_Wilson%2C_Music_Strong_02_10_2019_-14_%2832317368277%29.jpg/1280px-Rita_Wilson%2C_Music_Strong_02_10_2019_-14_%2832317368277%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Rita Wilson co-hosted the event (2014)](https://film.one/media/person/9228/gallery-281e33ea90b4.jpg) Rita Wilson co-hosted the event (2014) — U.S. Department of the Interior, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d2/Rita_Wilson_%2815327230504%29.jpg/1280px-Rita_Wilson_%2815327230504%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Rita Wilson](https://film.one/media/person/9228/gallery-2dc3b0065523.jpg) Rita Wilson — Image via TMDB
- ![Rita Wilson](https://film.one/media/person/9228/gallery-e4d2f4807b10.jpg) Rita Wilson — Image via TMDB
- ![Rita Wilson](https://film.one/media/person/9228/gallery-076fd01c2ea8.jpg) Rita Wilson — Image via TMDB

## Awards

### Other awards — 1 won

- Satellite Awards 1999: Satellite Awards (won)

*From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.*

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/rita-wilson