Who was the woman who shared Tom Hanks life before the global fame and adoration? Samantha Lewes, a woman whose life, though often overshadowed by the colossal shadow of her famous ex-husband, deserves recognition for her own achievements and the profound impact she had on those around her.
The narrative surrounding Tom Hanks often focuses on his cinematic triumphs, his endearing persona, and his enduring marriage to Rita Wilson. However, a deeper dive into Hanks' personal history reveals a pivotal chapter centered on Samantha Lewes, the actress who was his first wife and the mother of his two eldest children, Colin and Elizabeth.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Susan Jane Dillingham (stage name: Samantha Lewes) |
| Born | November 29, 1952, San Diego, California, USA |
| Died | March 12, 2002, Sacramento, California, USA (Bone Cancer) |
| Education | California State University |
| Known For | Actress, First Wife of Tom Hanks |
| Notable Roles | Bosom Buddies (1980), Mr. Success (1984) |
| Marriage | Tom Hanks (1978-1987) |
| Children | Colin Hanks, Elizabeth Hanks |
| Relationship with Tom Hanks | College Sweethearts |
| Legacy | Remembered as a talented actress and a significant figure in Tom Hanks' early life and career. Mother of Colin and Elizabeth Hanks. |
| Reference Link | IMDb |
Samantha Lewes, born Susan Jane Dillingham, entered the world on November 29, 1952, in San Diego, California. Her journey into the world of acting began in her youth, eventually leading her to the California State University, where she crossed paths with a young, aspiring actor named Tom Hanks. Their connection blossomed, culminating in marriage in 1978.
Their union wasn't merely a footnote in Hollywood history; it was a foundational period for both individuals. Lewes stood by Hanks during his ascent, offering support and companionship as he navigated the early stages of his career. She was a constant presence, a pillar of strength during a time when Hanks was still striving for recognition. Their life together offered its fair share of challenges, the highs and lows of life reflected in their marriage. Samantha's role in Tom's formative years cannot be overstated. She was an integral part of his personal and professional life.
Lewes herself was an actress, pursuing her own career while supporting her husband's ambitions. She appeared in several productions, most notably in the television series "Bosom Buddies" in 1980, and the film "Mr. Success" in 1984. These roles, while not catapulting her to superstardom, showcased her talent and dedication to her craft. She even shared the screen with Hanks, appearing in an episode of "Bosom Buddies," providing further insight into their life together. These moments offered glimpses into their lives, a collaboration reflecting the mutual support they shared.
The couple had two children, Colin and Elizabeth Hanks, who witnessed the evolution of their parents' lives. Colin has followed in his father's footsteps, establishing a successful acting career. Elizabeth, on the other hand, has pursued writing, authoring a memoir titled "The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road," which delves into her complicated relationship with her mother.
Their marriage, however, was not destined to last. After nearly a decade, they divorced in 1987. The reasons behind their separation remain private, yet the impact of this event on both parties was undeniable. Following the divorce, Lewes remained a constant presence in the lives of her children, raising them and offering guidance during their formative years. Their bond was strong, a testament to the enduring love that parents and children share.
Sadly, Samantha Lewes' life was cut short by bone cancer. She passed away on March 12, 2002, in Sacramento, California, at the age of 50. Her passing was a profound loss, not only for her family but also for those who knew her and appreciated her contributions. Her battle with illness serves as a reminder of her strength and resilience. Her legacy endures, not only through her children, but also through the impact she had on the lives of those around her.
Before her passing, there was no doubt that Samantha and Tom were close friends, even after their divorce. They experienced many ups and downs as a married couple and as close friends, and although their marriage did not last, their connection remained evident.
Elizabeth Hanks, has opened up about her troubled childhood in her new book, the 10: A memoir of family and the open road. The book details her complicated relationship with her mother, Samantha Lewes, while also sharing stories of the open road.
The world often fixates on the glittering achievements of Tom Hanks. The movies he starred in, the awards he has won, and his place in cinematic history are all-consuming, but behind the fame, there is a personal story that also deserves to be told, a story of love, of heartbreak, and of the woman who shared a significant portion of his life before he became a global icon. Lewes was an actress, a mother, and a woman who offered support and love to Hanks. She met Tom Hanks while they were both undergraduates of the California State University. In a quest to end the lonely life which he has been used to since childhood following the separation of his parents when he was a kid, Tom Hanks got romantically involved with Samantha Lewes.
In 1978, Hanks married Samantha Lewes, who was already the mother of his son, Colin Hanks. She was there for him in the early days of his career, when he struggled to find steady work as an actor. From 1978 to 1987, Tom Hanks was married to Samantha Lewes, the mother of his two first children, who died in 2002 at the age of 50. Lewes was with him during his rise to fame, appearing alongside her husband in an episode of his sitcom as a waitress.
The narrative often overlooks the profound impact she had on her husband's early life, a period that shaped the man he would become. Their relationship, though ultimately ending in divorce, was an essential chapter in Hanks journey, a period marked by shared experiences, mutual support, and the creation of a family.
Samantha Lewes' story is one of dedication, talent, and the enduring power of love. While her name may not be as instantly recognizable as her ex-husband's, her impact on his life, and on the lives of her children, is undeniable. It's a story that deserves to be remembered, a testament to the woman who helped shape one of Hollywood's most beloved figures.
Before her death, Samantha Lewes made a name for herself appearing in "Bosom Buddies". Lewes was born on November 29, 1952, in San Diego, California. Lewes was an American actress and she was best known for her performance in the movies like Mr. Success in 1984 and Bosom Buddies in 1980. Lewes, was the first wife of Tom Hanks before his long-time marriage with Rita Wilson.
Samantha Lewes, the woman who married Tom Hanks in 1978 and divorced in 1987, a testament to their complicated relationship and lives. She had two children with him, and died of bone cancer in 2002. Dillingham, who went by the stage name Samantha Lewes, had primary custody of their children. In her memoir, Hanks reveals how one day after the divorce, Dillingham moved the family to Sacramento.
In conclusion, the life of Samantha Lewes stands as a reminder of the significant impact that individuals can have, even when their stories are not always in the spotlight. Her contributions, both personal and professional, deserve recognition. She was, and remains, an important figure, not just in the life of Tom Hanks, but in her own right as well.
