Rita Wilsons Shocking Discovery of Fathers Secret Family

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

The actress, 69, was told that her late father Allan Wilson - born Hassan Halilov Ibrahimoff - had a wife and a child in his native Bulgaria before emigrating to the United States. 

The Sleepless in Seattle star, who grew up in with her parents and two siblings, discussed the long-kept family secret on Tuesday's episode of the How to Fail With Elizabeth Day podcast.

Wilson, who's married to Oscar winner , 69, discovered her father's secret past life while taking part in the ? documentary show in 2012.

She explained that while some episodes go generations back, 'What they found with my dad was that his story was so shocking and unusual that they stuck with his story.'

Wilson was told that her father 'was married and he had a child.' She recalled asking, 'Am I going to meet someone? Am I going to meet a family?'

But the producers told her she would not be meeting anyone, as they explained that her father had a wife named Alice who died in childbirth, and that their son, Emil, born on December 26, died four months later of an infection.

Her father moved to the United States in 1949 after his tragic loss, 'which took place right after the war.' 

Her father later married her mother Dorothy Wilson, and together they welcomed Rita and her siblings Chris, and Lily Wilson.

Wilson added that her parents were 'uneducated, but they were incredibly smart and incredibly intuitive and very hardworking [and had] incredible values.' 

She praised her father, noting how he 'supported a family' and 'bought a house' while working as a bartender.

'He never had debt in his life. He and my mom were married for 59 years, and they were an incredible couple and incredible parents.'

In 2024 she shared a poignant tribute to him on Instagram, writing, 'Dad. Happy Heaven Birthday. You are so missed. I am so grateful for all you taught me about courage, hard work, devotion to family, generosity of spirit.'

'I wish I had learned to play golf so I could have spent time with you on the links. You were a great grandfather to our kids and a great ChiCho. I’m so proud to have had a dad like you. I love you so much. I see you all over the place. Thanks for that.'

In 2021 she shared a similar Facebook tribute, writing, 'Today, is my dad’s birthday. He would have been 101 years old. It feels like he never left.'

'My dad escaped communist Bulgaria for a life of freedom in America. His vision and courage continue to inspire me.'

'If he could risk his life for physical and political freedom, then could his courage be passed down and allow me to have dreams of my own? Who in your life has inspired you with their courage and vision?' she asked. 

Last year she paid tribute to her mom for Mother's Day, writing, 'My mom. What an extraordinary woman. I talk to her every day, as well as my dad. I feel her presence everywhere. Not many get as lucky as I did to have the deep love and care this woman gave me. Thank you God for the gift of her. Happy Mother’s Day.'

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

Meanwhile, Wilson and Hanks have been married since 1988. Together they share sons Chet, 35, and Truman, 30. 

Hanks also has daughter Elizabeth, 43, and son Colin, 48, from his first marriage to the late Samantha Lewes. 

Fans can next watch Wilson in the upcoming film Start Without Me, in which she stars alongside Finn Wittrock. Meanwhile, her sixth studio album, Sound of a Woman, is scheduled for release on May 1.