Tom Hanks officially turned 70 on Thursday, July 9, 2026, and his wife, Rita Wilson, marked the occasion with a heartfelt Instagram post that quickly drew birthday wishes from celebrity friends and fans alike.
Rita Wilson's Birthday Tribute
Wilson, 69, posted a recent photo of Hanks sporting a white beard, sunglasses, a bandana, and a button-down long-sleeve shirt, along with the caption: “Happy Birthday, love of my life! I love you so much!!!” The comments section filled with messages from stars such as Julianne Moore, who wrote “Happy birthday Tom!!!”, and Isla Fisher, who added “Happiest Birthday to the best.” Fans also chimed in, with one calling him a “stud” and another noting, “Rita knew straight away that You were the One.”
Hanks' Own Celebration
Hanks also marked his birthday on his own Instagram account, sharing a video of himself jumping into water. “This guy turns 70 TODAY. Great music. Good coffee. Good cause,” he wrote, promoting a “Hanks b-day marathon” on New York City’s Boss Radio 66, where he has been a part-time guest host for years, according to People.
Nearly 40 Years of Marriage
Hanks and Wilson have been married since 1988, according to OK! magazine. They share two sons: Chet, 35, and Truman, 30. Hanks also has two children, Colin, 48, and Elizabeth, 44, from his previous marriage to the late Samantha Lewes.
Reflecting on Age
Despite turning 70, Hanks told Entertainment Tonight in 2024 that he feels better than he did in his 30s. “The hardest for us was when we were playing 35,” he said. “That time where your metabolism stops, gravity starts tearing you down, your bones start wearing off. You stand differently.” He added, “I think I’m in better shape now. Because my kids are grown up, I’m getting decent exercise and I can eat right. You can’t do that when you’re 35. Life is such a burden.”
Career Highlights
Born in Concordia, California, on July 9, 1956, Hanks studied theatre at California State University before leaving to pursue acting, Parade reports. After starting on stage at Ohio’s Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival, he moved to New York City in 1980. Over a career spanning more than four decades, Hanks has become one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars, with iconic roles in Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan, Apollo 13, Cast Away, Big, Sleepless in Seattle, A League of Their Own, and Catch Me If You Can. He also famously voiced Sheriff Woody in the Toy Story franchise. The fifth instalment, currently in theatres, features Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and their gang of toys fighting for survival against competition from technology.
