Rita Wilson reveals ‘shocking’ moment she found out her father had a secret second family

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Rita Wilson was surprised to learn that her father had a secret second family.

The 69-year-old actress recently learned that her father, Allan Wilson (originally Hassan Halilov Ibrahimoff), had a family – a wife and child – in Bulgaria before he moved to the United States.

Meg Ryan, known for her role in Sleepless in Seattle, revealed a long-held family secret during an appearance on the How to Fail With Elizabeth Day podcast this Tuesday. Ryan grew up in Los Angeles with her parents and two siblings.

Rita Wilson, wife of Academy Award-winning actor Tom Hanks, learned about a surprising secret in her family history while researching her ancestry for the 2012 documentary series, Who Do You Think You Are?

She clarified that although the show often features family histories spanning many generations, her father’s story was so surprising and unique that the producers decided to focus on it.

Wilson learned her father was married and had another child. She then wondered if she would get to meet him and his family.

However, the show’s producers assured her she wouldn’t be introduced to any relatives. They explained that her father had been married to Alice, who sadly passed away during childbirth. Their son, Emil, was born on December 26th, but he died just four months later from an infection.

Her father immigrated to the United States in 1949, shortly after experiencing a devastating loss at the end of the war.

She admitted she was still deeply affected by it, explaining that her father had always been closed off. She wished she’d had the chance to discuss it with him.

Wilson discovered her family had very little money after the war in Bulgaria. She wasn’t sure how they managed to afford necessities like baby formula, but she knew they found a way.

She clarified that the baby hadn’t died of hunger, but rather succumbed to an infection.

In a surprising and emotional turn of events, Wilson shared that both his nephew and his youngest son were born on the same day – December 26th.

It makes me think of my father, remembering all those birthdays, and how he had a son named Emil, born on December 26th, who is no longer with us.

She explained that her Greek Orthodox family was very private, and suggested that more open communication could help everyone realize they have more in common.

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She later became part of a blended family when her father married Dorothy Wilson. Together, they had Rita and her two siblings, Chris and Lily Wilson.

Wilson described her parents as lacking formal education, but emphasized their remarkable intelligence, strong instincts, diligent work ethic, and solid moral principles.

She complimented her father, mentioning that he provided for his family and purchased a home all while working as a bartender.

He lived his entire life without ever going into debt. He and my mother shared an amazing 59-year marriage and were wonderful partners and parents.

In 2024, she posted a heartfelt message on Instagram remembering her father. She wrote, ‘Happy Birthday in Heaven, Dad. I miss you so much and I’m thankful for everything you taught me about being brave, working hard, loving family, and being kind.’

I really wish I’d taken up golf – it would have been wonderful to spend more time with you playing. You were such a fantastic grandfather to our children, and a truly special ‘ChiCho’. I’m so proud to have had you as my dad, and I love you dearly. I feel your presence everywhere, and I’m grateful for that.

She posted a heartfelt message on Facebook in 2021, remembering her father on what would have been his 101st birthday. She wrote that despite the years, it still felt like he was with her.

My dad made the incredibly brave decision to leave communist Bulgaria and build a new life for our family in America. I’m constantly inspired by his vision and the courage it took to do that – it truly shapes who I am today.

She wondered if his bravery in fighting for freedom meant she could also dare to dream. “Who has inspired you with their courage and forward-thinking spirit?” she asked.

Last year, she shared a heartfelt Mother’s Day message about her mom, describing her as an incredible woman. She explained that she speaks with both her parents daily and feels her mother’s presence constantly, feeling incredibly fortunate for the deep love and care she received. She expressed gratitude to God for the blessing of having her mother and wished everyone a Happy Mother’s Day.

Along with the post was a sweet family photo of her parents and her siblings.

Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks have been married since 1988 and are parents to two sons: Chet, age 35, and Truman, age 30.

Tom Hanks has two children from his first marriage to Samantha Lewes: Elizabeth, age 43, and Colin, age 48.

You can next see Wilson in the new movie Start Without Me, where she acts with Finn Wittrock. Her latest album, Sound of a Woman, will be available on May 1st.

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2026-04-23 06:23