The Untold Story Of Samantha Lewes: Tom Hanks' First Wife, Her Tragic Death, And Daughter's Shocking Memoir

Samantha Lewes, the late American actress and first wife of Hollywood icon Tom Hanks, remains a figure of enduring curiosity, especially as new, deeply personal details about her life continue to surface in the public sphere, even decades after her passing in 2002. As of late 2025, the most compelling and recent information about her legacy comes not from old filmographies, but from the candid, sometimes painful, recollections of her own children. The narrative surrounding Lewes is a complex tapestry woven with early Hollywood promise, the challenges of a burgeoning marriage to a future superstar, a quiet life focused on motherhood after divorce, and a tragic final battle with illness. Her story is a poignant reminder that behind the gilded facade of celebrity connections lie profoundly human struggles.

Samantha Lewes: Complete Biography and Profile

Samantha Lewes was an American actress who began her career in the late 1970s. She is best known for her early marriage to actor Tom Hanks and for her roles in television and film before her premature death in 2002.

• Full Name: Susan Jane Dillingham
• Stage Name: Samantha Lewes
• Date of Birth: November 29, 1952
• Place of Birth: San Diego, California, USA
• Date of Death: March 12, 2002
• Place of Death: Sacramento, California
• Cause of Death: Bone Cancer
• Nationality: American
• Spouse: Tom Hanks (m. 1978; div. 1987)
• Children: Colin Hanks (born 1977) and Elizabeth Ann "E.A." Hanks (born 1982)
• Notable Works: Bosom Buddies (1980), General Hospital (TV Series), Mr. Success (1984)

The Early Hollywood Years with Tom Hanks

Samantha Lewes, born Susan Jane Dillingham, first met Tom Hanks while they were both theater students at California State University, Sacramento. Their connection was immediate, and their relationship began during the nascent stages of Hanks' career.

The couple welcomed their first child, son Colin Hanks, in 1977, before they officially married in 1978. Their daughter, Elizabeth Ann, followed in 1982.

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Lewes was an actress in her own right, often supporting her husband as he navigated his early Hollywood breakthrough. She notably appeared alongside Hanks in a 1980 episode of his sitcom, Bosom Buddies, titled "Cahoots." She also held a role on the long-running daytime drama General Hospital. This period saw them as a young, ambitious Hollywood couple, building a family while chasing their acting dreams.

However, the marriage ultimately dissolved. Hanks and Lewes separated in 1985 and finalized their divorce in 1987. Following the split, Samantha Lewes received primary custody of their two children, Colin and Elizabeth.

Life After Divorce: Motherhood and Private Struggles

After the divorce from the future Oscar winner, Samantha Lewes largely stepped away from the spotlight, choosing instead to focus on raising her two children. While Tom Hanks’ career soared to stratospheric heights, Lewes pursued a quieter life, prioritizing her children's upbringing.

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This period of her life, though private, was not without its profound difficulties. The most recent and significant revelations about Lewes’ post-divorce life have come from her daughter, Elizabeth Ann Hanks, who goes by E.A. Hanks.

In her recently published memoir, The 10: A Memoir of Family And The Open Road, E.A. Hanks describes her childhood after her parents’ separation, painting a complex and often painful portrait of her mother. The book details years of alleged emotional and physical abuse at the hands of her mother, Samantha Lewes.

The memoir’s candidness has offered a startlingly fresh perspective on Lewes, moving her narrative beyond simply being "Tom Hanks' first wife." E.A. Hanks’ account describes a volatile relationship and difficult years spent with her mother, who was reportedly struggling with her own personal challenges. When asked about the revelations in his daughter’s book, Tom Hanks reportedly stated that he was "not surprised" by E.A.'s recollections, acknowledging the difficult nature of that time.

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Tragic Final Battle and Enduring Legacy

In the early 2000s, Samantha Lewes was diagnosed with bone cancer. Despite bravely battling the disease for a period, she ultimately succumbed to the illness. Lewes passed away on March 12, 2002, in Sacramento, California, at the age of 49.

Her death marked a tragic end to a life that had seen both the excitement of early fame and the quiet challenges of single motherhood. Her legacy, however, lives on powerfully through her children, who have both achieved success in the entertainment industry.

• Colin Hanks: Following in his parents' footsteps, Colin Hanks is a celebrated actor known for roles in films and TV series such as Fargo, Dexter, and Orange County. His career is a direct continuation of the acting lineage started by his parents.
• Elizabeth Ann "E.A." Hanks: E.A. Hanks is a writer and a prominent contributor to the cultural conversation, most recently through her revealing memoir. Her work as a writer and cultural commentator ensures that Samantha Lewes' story, though complicated, continues to be discussed and remembered.

Samantha Lewes’ story serves as a powerful testament to the often-unseen struggles of those connected to Hollywood fame. While her professional career was brief, her impact on the lives of her famous ex-husband and successful children remains indelible. The recent release of E.A. Hanks' memoir ensures that the memory of Susan Jane Dillingham, the woman who chose the stage name Samantha Lewes, continues to provoke thought and discussion about family, resilience, and the cost of fame.