Rita Wilson, wife of acclaimed Hollywood actor Tom Hanks, sang on stage at a reception hosted by President Joe Biden at the White House in recognition of Greek Independence Day on Wednesday.
In a proclamation signed Friday, Biden called the day a celebration of democracy for Greece and the United States.
He marked 202 years of friendship between the modern Hellenic Republic and the U.S. and called on a recommitment to standing up for the rights, equality and dignity of all people.
“Today, we honour the heroism of Greek revolutionaries who fought for their independence more than two centuries ago and celebrate the sacred idea that has always bound our great nations together: that ‘we the people’ hold the power to shape our own destinies,” he stated.
In addition to Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks, the event was attended by VIPs including Father Alex Karloutsos, vicar general of the Greek Orthodox Church in America and Archbishop Elpidophoros Lambriniadis.
Prior to Wilson’s performance Biden called Hanks onto the stage as he praised the loyalty of Greeks.
The one thing about the Greek community I’ve learned over these years — and it’s been 50 years, I hate to admit it, it’s that long — but is loyalty, loyalty, loyalty. And I tell ya, I think my sister and I, my family and I, have returned it. But you’ve been incredibly, incredibly loyal,” Biden said
Greek-American actress, singer, songwriter, and producer Wilson sang three songs as part of her performance at the event.
Rita Wilson performing at the @WhiteHouse for Greek Independence Day pic.twitter.com/wEK923Xtu7
— Lena Argiri (@lenaargiri) March 29, 2023
Born on October 26, 1956, Wilson is of Greek descent - her mother was Greek, and her father was Bulgarian. Wilson has spoken publicly about her Greek heritage and has been involved in promoting Greek culture and arts in the United States. She is also a member of the Greek Orthodox Church. Wilson and Hanks officially became Greek citizens in 2020, as documented in a post about the famous couple by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the time.
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Wilson has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "Volunteers," "Sleepless in Seattle," "Jingle All the Way," and "The Good Wife." She is also a singer and has released several albums, including "AM/FM" and "Bigger Picture." Wilson has been married to actor Tom Hanks since 1988, and together they have two children, Chester and Truman.
In 2020, Wilson and Hanks made headlines when they were among the first celebrities to publicly announce that they had tested positive for COVID-19 while in Australia. They have since recovered and continue to be active in their careers and charitable endeavours.
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