The Untold Story: 7 Shocking Facts About Samantha Lewes, Tom Hanks' First Wife, And Her Tragic Life

Tom Hanks’ first marriage to the late actress Samantha Lewes remains one of Hollywood’s most private and complex stories, a stark contrast to his decades-long, public union with Rita Wilson. As of late 2025, new attention is being drawn to Lewes’ life through the forthcoming memoir of her daughter, Elizabeth Ann "EA" Hanks, which promises to shed light on her mother’s difficult, yet deeply impactful, existence. This deep dive explores the full biography and the tragic, untold details of the woman who was Tom Hanks’ first great love, a relationship that shaped the early lives of their two children and the trajectory of the two-time Oscar winner's career. Born Susan Dillingham, who later adopted the stage name Samantha Lewes, she was a talented actress and the mother of two of Hanks' four children, Colin and Elizabeth. Their relationship began in college, a whirlwind romance that led to an early marriage in the late 1970s, long before Hanks became the global superstar known today. Lewes' story is one of a promising career cut short, a turbulent personal life, and a heartbreaking battle with cancer that ended her life prematurely in 2002.

Samantha Lewes: A Complete Biography and Profile

Samantha Lewes, born Susan Dillingham, was an American actress whose life was deeply intertwined with the early career of Tom Hanks. While her acting roles were limited, her personal story—from a young college sweetheart to a single mother battling serious personal demons—has left an indelible mark on the Hanks family.

• Birth Name: Susan Dillingham
• Stage Name: Samantha Lewes
• Date of Birth: November 29, 1952
• Place of Birth: San Diego, California, U.S.
• Spouse: Tom Hanks (m. 1978; div. 1987)
• Children: Colin Hanks (born 1977) and Elizabeth Ann Hanks (born 1982)
• Occupation: Actress, primarily in theatre and television
• Notable Roles: Amanda Quartermaine on the soap opera *General Hospital* (1980) and a role in the TV movie *Bosse and Fanny* (1981).
• Date of Death: March 12, 2002
• Age at Death: 49
• Cause of Death: Bone Cancer (some reports cite Lung Cancer)

The Turbulent College Romance and Early Marriage

The relationship between Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes began in 1977 while both were students at California State University, Sacramento. Hanks was only 21 and Lewes was 25 when they married in January 1978.

Their union was a classic story of young, struggling artists trying to make it in Hollywood. Colin Hanks, their eldest son and now a successful actor in his own right, was born before they married, a detail that highlights the rushed and intense nature of their early commitment.

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The couple faced significant financial and emotional hurdles as Hanks’ career was just starting to gain traction with roles in shows like *Bosom Buddies*. Their marriage lasted nine years, separating in 1985 and finalizing their divorce in 1987.

Hanks has been open about the difficulties of his first marriage, attributing the failure not to a lack of love, but to his own emotional immaturity at the time. He has often spoken about the pressures of being a young father and husband while chasing a demanding career. This period of his life was foundational, shaping his later commitment to Rita Wilson, whom he married a year after his divorce from Lewes was finalized.

A Life Shrouded in Difficulty and Addiction

While Tom Hanks quickly moved on to become one of the most beloved figures in cinema, Samantha Lewes' life took a more difficult path. Information that has surfaced in recent years suggests that Lewes struggled significantly with her mental health and addiction issues following the divorce.

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Sources close to the family have described her as a "troubled" individual. One particularly difficult revelation, which has been cited in several biographies of Hanks, suggests that the atmosphere in their home was at times volatile.

Despite these challenges, Lewes maintained primary custody of their children, Colin and Elizabeth, after the split. Tom Hanks has consistently emphasized the importance of co-parenting and maintaining a strong relationship with his children, regardless of the marital outcome. The shared focus on their children's well-being is a testament to the enduring familial bond, even after the romantic relationship ended.

The Tragic End: Her Battle with Cancer

Samantha Lewes' life was tragically cut short in 2002. She was only 49 years old when she passed away after a devastating battle with cancer.

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The exact nature of her illness is a point of minor confusion in public records: some reports state she died from lung cancer, while others, including more detailed accounts, specify that she was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2001.

Regardless of the type, the diagnosis was a devastating blow to the family. She was diagnosed after a routine checkup and, according to reports, had only a few months left to live.

During her final months, Tom Hanks, along with his second wife Rita Wilson, reportedly provided financial and emotional support to Lewes and their children. This act of compassion highlights the deep respect and commitment the Hanks family held for Samantha, even years after their divorce. The entire family mourned her loss, demonstrating that the bonds of parenthood transcended the end of their marriage.

The New Memoir and Samantha Lewes' Lasting Legacy

The most recent and compelling update concerning Samantha Lewes is the new memoir being written by her daughter, Elizabeth Ann "EA" Hanks. EA Hanks, a writer and editor, is reportedly opening up about her late mother in the book.

This memoir is expected to offer the most intimate and honest portrait of Samantha Lewes to date, moving beyond the sensationalized headlines to reveal the complexities of a woman who was a mother, an artist, and a person struggling with her own demons. Tom Hanks has publicly supported his daughter's endeavor, expressing his pride in her work and her courage to tell her story.

Samantha Lewes’ legacy lives on most prominently through her children. Colin Hanks is a critically acclaimed actor with a career spanning film and television, often noted for his resemblance to his famous father. Elizabeth Ann Hanks is a successful writer and editor whose work is now bringing her mother’s story back into the public consciousness. Both children have spoken fondly of their mother, remembering her spirit and the love she gave them, ensuring that the memory of Samantha Lewes remains a vital part of the Hanks family narrative.

The story of Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes is a powerful reminder that even the most celebrated Hollywood figures have complex, often painful, personal histories. Her life, though cut short, was a defining chapter in the life of a cinematic legend and continues to influence the lives of her children today.