Rita Wilson, the renowned actress known for her roles in films like “Sleepless in Seattle” and “Now and Then,” recently shared a deeply personal revelation about her father’s past. During an episode of the “How to Fail” podcast, Wilson recounted a “shocking and unusual” moment she experienced while watching a genealogy show called “Who Do You Think You Are?”
Uncovering a Hidden Past
Wilson, who is now 69 years old, revealed that she learned about her father, Allan Wilson, having a secret family in Bulgaria before he moved to the United States. The discovery left her speechless, as she had never known about this part of her family’s history.
“It was a little boy,” Wilson said of her father’s first child. “I said, ‘Am I going to meet someone? Am I going to meet a family?'” However, the producers of the show informed her that she would not be meeting this family.
The Tragic Story of Allan Wilson’s First Marriage
According to Wilson, her father was married to a woman named Alice, who died shortly after giving birth to their son, Emil. Tragically, Emil also died four months later from an infection. Wilson shared that the family was “so poor,” and it’s believed that the infant didn’t die from starvation but rather from the infection.
“It was right after the war in Bulgaria,” Wilson said. “I don’t know how they would have afforded formula or something, but I’m sure they made ways.”
Finding Her Roots and Family
Wilson’s father later married her mother, Dorothy Wilson, and together they had three children: Rita, Chris, and Lily. The actress reflected on the emotional journey of discovering her family’s history and the connections she has made since.
“It’s a beautiful thing to know where you come from,” Wilson said. “It’s a beautiful thing to know your roots.”
FAQ
What was Rita Wilson’s reaction to learning about her father’s secret family?
Wilson was left speechless and deeply moved by the revelation. She expressed her desire to meet this family but was informed that she would not be able to.
What happened to Allan Wilson’s first wife and child?
Allan Wilson’s first wife, Alice, died shortly after giving birth to their son, Emil. Tragically, Emil also died four months later from an infection. The family was very poor, and it’s believed they couldn’t afford proper medical care.
How did Rita Wilson’s father meet her mother?
After the tragic events in Bulgaria, Allan Wilson later married Rita’s mother, Dorothy Wilson, and they had three children together: Rita, Chris, and Lily.
Wilson’s revelation about her father’s secret family adds a new layer to her already fascinating life story. It’s a reminder of the importance of exploring our family history and the connections we can make with our past.
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