Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks, who acquired Greek citizenship last year, turns 65 today!
The American actor and filmmaker who was born on the 9th July 1956, is married to Greek American actress Rita Wilson and they have four children, two of which are from Tom’s previous marriage.
Tom converted to Greek Orthodox before marrying Rita in 1988, and has since followed the Greek Orthodox religion with love and pride. The family attend Saint Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church in Los Angeles, and are well known for attending church services during Holy Week and on other Feast Days. Tom has also helped carry the Epitaphio around the church on Holy Friday for many years.
When asked what it’s like being married to a Greek, Tom has said “I feel 110% Greek being married to a Greek. I’m more Greek than a Greek because I had the good sense to marry a Greek! Some Greeks marry non-Greeks…can you believe that?”
The most favourite Greek Orthodox Hollywood star is also every much a part of the Los Angeles Greek Community. Tom and Rita are honorary co-chairs and MC’s of the annual Los Angeles Greek Festival, which attracts thousands of Angelenos to experience all things Greek. The LA Greek Fest is a non-profit organisation, with proceeds going to the Saint Sophia Cathedral.
Tom and Rita also own a 450-square-metre stone villa in Antiparos between Glypha and Chora, where they like spending time relaxing, unwinding and soaking up the Greek summer.
Earlier this week Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, his wife Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotakis, the world’s richest man Jeff Bezos, fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg along with CNN reporter Anderson Cooper, all had dinner together on the island of Antiparos on Sunday night.
In 2016, Tom and Rita were awarded with the “Marathon Legion Medal” for their love and continuous support of the country and the fact that they advertise Greece all over the world.
To this day Tom continues to express his love for Greek culture and music and we wish him a very Happy Birthday, Xronia Polla!