The Untold Story Of E.A. Hanks: 7 Shocking Revelations From Tom Hanks' Daughter's New Memoir And Career

Elizabeth Ann Hanks, known professionally as E.A. Hanks, has stepped into the spotlight on her own terms in late 2024 and throughout 2025, not just as the daughter of Hollywood icon Tom Hanks, but as a compelling author and seasoned journalist. Her recent work, particularly the highly-anticipated memoir *The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road*, has provided a fresh, intimate look into her life, grappling with complex family dynamics, the shadow of her mother's mental illness, and her own search for identity. This article, updated in December 2025, delves into the most current and essential details of her multifaceted career, focusing on the powerful narrative she has finally shared with the world.

The buzz surrounding E.A. Hanks is currently centered on her evocative debut book, which has been hailed as a poignant journey of grief and self-discovery. By tracing a pivotal childhood road trip, Hanks uses her formidable writing skills—honed over years of journalism—to explore a deeply personal and often challenging past. Her story resonates far beyond the celebrity connection, establishing her as a serious literary voice in her own right. The following sections provide a complete profile and the latest updates on her professional endeavors.

Elizabeth Ann Hanks: Complete Biographical Profile

Elizabeth Anne Hanks, or E.A. Hanks, is an American writer, journalist, and former actress who has cultivated a respected career outside of her famous father's shadow. Her life has been one of balancing a private identity with a public family legacy, a theme she explores in depth in her recent work.

• Full Name: Elizabeth Anne Hanks (E.A. Hanks)
• Date of Birth: May 17, 1982
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 43
• Place of Birth: Burbank, California, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Parents: Tom Hanks (Father) and Samantha Lewes (Mother, born Susan Dillingham)
• Siblings: Colin Hanks (Older Brother), Chet Hanks (Half-Brother), and Truman Hanks (Half-Brother)
• Education: Vassar College (Graduated)
• Primary Occupations: Writer, Journalist, Author, Former Children's Editor
• Notable Works (Writing): *The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road* (2024/2025), Contributions to *Vanity Fair*, *The New York Times*, *The Guardian*, *Time*, and *The Huffington Post*.
• Notable Works (Acting): *Forrest Gump* (1994), *That Thing You Do!* (1996), *City Kitties* (TV Series).

The Bombshell Memoir: *The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road*

The most significant and talked-about development in Elizabeth Ann Hanks’ career is the publication of her memoir, *The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road*. Released to critical attention, the book is a powerful piece of non-fiction that has captured public curiosity by delving into the complexities of her childhood and family history.

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1. Tracing the Ghost of Her Mother’s Past

The central premise of *The 10* is E.A. Hanks' decision to recreate a pivotal road trip she took as a child with her late mother, Samantha Lewes. Lewes, Tom Hanks' first wife, passed away in 2002 after a battle with bone cancer. The memoir is a raw and honest attempt by Hanks to better understand her mother, who was battling mental illness and addiction during E.A.'s formative years.

2. The Journey on Route 10 in "Minnie"

The title refers to Interstate 10, the route Hanks travels in her loaded-up minivan, affectionately named "Minnie." This six-month journey across the country serves as a physical and metaphorical path, allowing the author to reconcile her own memories with the shocking family history she uncovers along the way.

3. Reckoning with Trauma and Identity

Hanks details a childhood that, despite the privilege of her father's success, was marked by deprivation and emotional challenges due to her mother's struggles. The book explores themes of grief, identity, and the lasting impact of generational trauma, offering a deeply personal reckoning with her past.

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From Hollywood Cameos to Prolific Journalism

While many first encountered Elizabeth Ann Hanks through her brief appearances in her father’s early films, her true professional calling has been in the world of words. Her career as a journalist and editor demonstrates a commitment to storytelling that predates her memoir's success.

4. Early Acting Roles: Blink-and-You-Miss-It Appearances

As a child, Elizabeth had small, memorable roles in two of her father's most iconic films. In 1994, she appeared as the "School Bus Girl" in the Oscar-winning film *Forrest Gump*. Two years later, she played a "Bored Girl in Dress" in the musical comedy *That Thing You Do!*, which was also directed by her father. These early credits are a nostalgic footnote to a career that quickly pivoted to writing.

5. A Seasoned Journalist with Major Bylines

E.A. Hanks is a highly respected journalist who has contributed to some of the world's most prestigious publications. She has been a staffer at *Vanity Fair* and her bylines can be found in *The New York Times*, *The Guardian*, *Time*, and *The Huffington Post*. Her work across these platforms has established her as a versatile and insightful writer, long before her memoir brought her widespread personal attention.

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6. Championing Independent Cinema and Literature

Beyond her mainstream journalism, Hanks has also shown a strong passion for independent art and culture. She served as a children's editor for the *Los Angeles Review of Books*, highlighting her dedication to literary pursuits. Furthermore, she has been an active advocate for independent cinema, often working on indie films that explore unique and often challenging narratives, aligning with the themes of her own memoir.

7. The Broader Hanks Family Dynamic and Legacy

Elizabeth Ann Hanks is part of a sprawling, famous family, yet she has consistently sought to carve out an identity separate from the "nepo baby" narrative. Her memoir is the first major public exploration of the family's inner life from the perspective of Tom Hanks' first marriage.

• The Hanks-Lewes Connection: Elizabeth and her older brother, actor Colin Hanks, are the children of Tom Hanks and his first wife, Samantha Lewes. Their parents divorced in 1987.
• The Later Family: Her father later married actress Rita Wilson, and they have two sons, Chet Hanks (a musician and actor) and Truman Hanks (also an actor). E.A. Hanks's work offers a distinct perspective from the children of the second marriage, focusing on the early, less-publicized years of the family.
• A Literary Legacy: Interestingly, both E.A. Hanks and her father, Tom Hanks, have pursued writing careers. While Tom Hanks has written a novel, *The Making of Another Motion Picture*, and a short story collection, *Uncommon Type*, Elizabeth's focus on personal, investigative non-fiction sets her literary path apart.

In 2025, Elizabeth Ann Hanks is recognized as a formidable writer who has successfully navigated the complexities of her famous lineage. Through *The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road*, she has transformed her private struggles into a universal story of resilience, solidifying her status as a compelling literary figure whose work stands on its own merit.