5 Shocking Revelations In E.A. Hanks' New Memoir 'The 10' And Her Life Beyond Tom Hanks' Shadow

As of late 2025, the name E.A. Hanks is synonymous with a powerful new voice in literary non-fiction, not just as the daughter of a Hollywood icon. Elizabeth Ann Hanks, a seasoned writer and journalist, has recently captivated the public with her revelatory memoir, *The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road*, which hit shelves and generated significant buzz in early 2025. This deeply personal work moves beyond the glamour of her famous family name, instead focusing on her turbulent childhood, the complicated relationship with her mother, and a quest for self-discovery through a cross-country journey. The book has cemented her status as a serious author and a compelling mental health advocate, stepping definitively out of her father's shadow. The release of *The 10* has provided the most current and comprehensive look into E.A. Hanks' life, offering fresh, unique details about her early years and the complex dynamics of the Hanks family. Readers are drawn to her candid exploration of family secrets, trauma, and resilience, which is a far cry from the typical celebrity offspring narrative. This article delves into her complete biography, the key themes of her groundbreaking memoir, and how her career as a journalist has shaped her compelling narrative style.

E.A. Hanks: Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Elizabeth Ann Hanks, professionally known as E.A. Hanks, has forged a distinct career path as a writer, editor, and journalist, separate from the acting world of her famous father.

Full Name: Elizabeth Ann Hanks

Known As: E.A. Hanks

Date of Birth: May 17, 1982

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Age (as of 2025): 43

Place of Birth: Burbank, California, United States

Nationality: American

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Education: Vassar College

Occupation: Writer, Journalist, Editor, Author

Father: Tom Hanks (Acclaimed Actor, Filmmaker, Producer)

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Mother: Susan Dillingham (Also known as Samantha Lewes; Actress, deceased)

Siblings: Colin Hanks (Older Brother, Actor), Chet Hanks (Half-Brother), Truman Hanks (Half-Brother)

Notable Work: *The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road* (2025), Contributions to *The New York Times*, *The Guardian*, and *Vanity Fair*.

E.A. Hanks is the second child of Tom Hanks and his first wife, the late Susan Dillingham (Samantha Lewes). Her early life was marked by the separation and subsequent divorce of her parents in 1987. She grew up primarily with her mother and older brother, Colin Hanks, which is a central theme of her recent literary work.

After graduating from Vassar College, E.A. Hanks established herself in the competitive world of journalism and editing. Her byline has appeared in major publications, showcasing her sharp wit and insightful commentary. This foundation in factual reporting and narrative structure provided the perfect groundwork for her transition into memoir writing.

The 5 Most Shocking Revelations in 'The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road'

E.A. Hanks’ memoir, released in 2025, is a raw and unflinching look at her early life and her journey to understand her mother, Susan Dillingham. The book centers on a cross-country road trip she took to retrace an historic immigration route, an experience she used to reflect on her own family's turbulent history. The book is far from a celebrity tell-all; it is a profound literary work about trauma, identity, and the search for truth.

1. Life with a Troubled Mother and Childhood Trauma

The core of the memoir is E.A.'s candid description of her childhood with her mother, Susan Dillingham, who struggled significantly with personal issues. Hanks describes a challenging environment where she and her brother, Colin, often felt like they were "walking on thin ice." This revelation provides a stark contrast to the public image of the Hanks family, offering a look at the deeply personal struggles behind the scenes.

2. Uncovering Her Mother's Abusive Past

A major focus of the book is E.A.'s attempt to understand the source of her mother's troubles, which led her to uncover facts about a difficult and "abusive" past. The book details her investigative effort to piece together the life of Susan Dillingham after her death, seeking to find the humanity and the reasons behind the instability she experienced as a child.

3. The 'Ten' as a Metaphor for Identity

The title, *The 10*, refers to a specific, historic migration route that E.A. Hanks retraces as a symbolic and literal journey. The road trip serves as a framework to explore themes of American identity, family history, and how the past shapes the present. She uses the journey to reflect on her own identity, separate from the pressures of being a celebrity's child.

4. Tom Hanks' Reaction to the Memoir

E.A. Hanks shared that her father, Tom Hanks, was supportive of her decision to write the memoir, even though it dealt with sensitive family material. She noted that both her father and her brother, Colin Hanks, were aware of the book and its contents. This insight provides a rare glimpse into the private family dynamics and the healing process that followed the book's creation.

5. Advocating for Mental Health and Open Dialogue

Beyond the personal narrative, the memoir establishes E.A. Hanks as a mental health advocate. By openly discussing her family’s struggles and the impact of trauma, she encourages a more open dialogue about mental health issues that are often hidden, especially within high-profile families. Her work champions the idea that sharing one's truth is a vital step toward healing and understanding.

E.A. Hanks' Literary Entities and Topical Authority

E.A. Hanks’ career is built on a foundation of intellectual curiosity and journalistic rigor, establishing her topical authority in areas far removed from Hollywood gossip. Her work consistently explores complex social and personal themes.

Her focus on themes of family, legacy, and identity—particularly through the lens of a writer who is a child of divorce—resonates with a broad audience. Her literary style is often praised for its emotional depth and structural clarity, a direct result of her years spent as a professional editor and journalist.

The success of *The 10* has positioned her firmly within the contemporary literary landscape, drawing comparisons to other authors who explore family secrets and American road narratives. The book is not just a personal story; it is a commentary on the complexities of the American family unit and the enduring power of the open road as a setting for self-reflection. The depth of her research into the historic route and her mother's life demonstrates a commitment to factual accuracy intertwined with emotional truth.

Key Entities and Themes Explored in Her Work:

• Elizabeth Ann Hanks: Her primary professional identity.
• Tom Hanks: Her celebrated father.
• Susan Dillingham (Samantha Lewes): Her late mother and the subject of her investigation.
• Colin Hanks: Her older brother, a source of support.
• The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road: Her seminal literary work (2025).
• Vassar College: Her alma mater.
• Journalism: Her professional background.
• Memoir Writing: Her current literary genre.
• Mental Health Advocacy: A key theme in her public discourse.
• Family Secrets: The central conflict of her book.
• Cross-Country Road Trip: The structural device for the memoir.
• Burbank, California: Her birthplace.
• Trauma and Resilience: Core psychological themes.
• Identity Formation: The search for self-definition.
• American Family Dynamics: A broader social commentary.
• The New York Times: One of her notable publishing outlets.
• The Guardian: Another major publication she has contributed to.
• Vanity Fair: A high-profile magazine where her work has appeared.
• Elizabeth Hanks: An alternative name she is known by.
• Chet Hanks and Truman Hanks: Her half-brothers.
• Rita Wilson: Her stepmother.
• Susan Dillingham's Abusive Past: A specific, difficult topic covered.
• Historic Immigration Route: The specific path she retraced.
• Literary Non-Fiction: The genre of her published book.
• Hollywood Offspring: The label she actively subverts.
• Divorce (1987): A key timeline event in her childhood.

In conclusion, E.A. Hanks has successfully carved out a unique and respected place in the media landscape. Her 2025 memoir, *The 10*, is the definitive statement on her life and career, proving that her voice is powerful, independent, and deeply necessary for a conversation about family, legacy, and the complex journey of self-discovery.