The Tragic Life And Legacy Of Samantha Lewes: 7 Things You Never Knew About Tom Hanks' First Wife

The story of Samantha Lewes, the first wife of Hollywood icon Tom Hanks, is one often overshadowed by the actor's subsequent decades-long marriage to Rita Wilson. However, her life—marked by early love, a burgeoning acting career, personal struggles, and an untimely death—is a compelling narrative that deserves a deeper look. As of December 11, 2025, renewed interest in her life has surfaced, largely through the public sharing of her children, Colin and Elizabeth Ann "E.A." Hanks, who continue to honor their mother’s complex legacy.

Lewes, born Susan Jane Dillingham, was a talented actress who met Hanks at the start of his career. Their relationship began in the high-pressure environment of college theater, leading to a quick marriage and the birth of two children. While their union ended in divorce, her impact on the Hanks family remains profound, particularly concerning her battle with cancer and the candid revelations about her personal life that have emerged in recent years.

Samantha Lewes: A Complete Biographical Profile

Samantha Lewes, whose real name was Susan Jane Dillingham, led a life that was both celebrated on stage and screen and deeply private. She was an American actress who made a lasting impression on those who knew her, despite her career being relatively short-lived compared to her famous ex-husband.

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• Full Name: Susan Jane Dillingham
• Stage Name: Samantha Lewes
• Date of Birth: November 29, 1952
• Place of Birth: San Diego, California, USA
• Spouse: Tom Hanks (Married: 1978; Divorced: 1987)
• Children: Colin Hanks (Born: 1977) and Elizabeth Ann "E.A." Hanks (Born: 1982)
• Occupation: Actress
• Notable Work: *Bosom Buddies* (1980), *General Hospital* (1984)
• Date of Death: March 12, 2002
• Age at Death: 49
• Cause of Death: Bone Cancer (with metastases)

The Early Years: Meeting Tom Hanks and a Quick Marriage

Samantha Lewes and Tom Hanks’s relationship began in the mid-1970s while they were both students at California State University, Sacramento. Their connection was immediate, fueled by a shared passion for acting and the performing arts. This was a pivotal time for both, as they were on the cusp of their professional careers, navigating the uncertainty of the entertainment industry.

The couple's first child, future actor Colin Hanks, was born in 1977, before they officially married. They tied the knot in 1978, at a time when Tom Hanks was still a struggling actor. Their marriage coincided with Hanks's breakthrough role in the TV sitcom *Bosom Buddies* in 1980, on which Lewes also made a brief appearance. The pressure of balancing a young family with two demanding, nascent careers in Hollywood proved to be a significant challenge.

Their second child, Elizabeth Ann Hanks (who goes by the pen name E.A. Hanks), was born in 1982. Despite the growing family, the marriage began to strain under the weight of fame, professional ambition, and personal issues. Hanks would later admit that he married too young, largely due to loneliness and a desire for stability. The couple officially divorced in 1987, seven years before Tom Hanks married his current wife, Rita Wilson.

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7 Lesser-Known Facts About Samantha Lewes's Life and Legacy

While often remembered solely through the lens of her marriage to a superstar, Samantha Lewes had a rich and complicated life. Her children have been instrumental in sharing a more nuanced, honest portrait of their mother in recent years, shedding light on her struggles and her enduring artistic spirit.

1. Her Acting Career Included a Major Soap Opera Role

Beyond her appearance alongside Hanks in *Bosom Buddies*, Samantha Lewes had a notable credit in the world of daytime television. She appeared in the iconic soap opera *General Hospital* in 1984, showcasing her talent as an actress independent of her husband’s rising fame. While her career was not as prolific as Hanks's, she was a working professional in the industry, contributing to her own creative legacy.

2. The Cause of Death is Cited as Bone Cancer

Samantha Lewes tragically passed away on March 12, 2002, at the age of 49. Her death was attributed to bone cancer, which had reportedly metastasized to her vital organs. She was diagnosed in 2001, giving her only a short time to live. Despite their divorce, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson reportedly supported Lewes during her final months, ensuring she received the best care possible and showing a remarkable level of familial respect.

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3. Her Daughter Revealed Details of Her Troubled Childhood

In recent years, E.A. Hanks, Samantha Lewes's daughter, has spoken openly about her mother’s difficult past. E.A. Hanks described her mother’s childhood as abusive, detailing emotional and verbal abuse. This candid revelation offers critical context to the personal challenges Lewes faced later in life, providing a deeper understanding of the woman behind the headlines.

4. She Allegedly Struggled with Addiction and Mental Health

Several reports, often citing her daughter's accounts, suggest that Samantha Lewes struggled with mental illness and addiction during her life. These personal battles were a significant part of her reality, adding a layer of complexity and sadness to her life story. Her children’s willingness to discuss these difficult topics highlights their commitment to a truthful and compassionate remembrance of their mother.

5. Tom Hanks Maintained a Strong Co-Parenting Relationship

Despite the divorce and the challenges within the marriage, Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes maintained a civil and effective co-parenting relationship for their children. Lewes had primary custody, and Hanks has often spoken about the importance of being present for his children, even as his career skyrocketed. This commitment to their family unit, even after the marriage ended, is a key part of her enduring legacy.

6. Both of Her Children Have Followed a Creative Path

Samantha Lewes’s artistic influence lives on through both of her children. Colin Hanks is a successful actor, known for roles in films like *Orange County* and TV shows such as *Fargo*. Her daughter, Elizabeth Ann, is a published author and a writer, often going by the name E.A. Hanks. Their careers in the creative arts are a testament to the environment and genetic predisposition fostered by both their parents, including their mother’s early acting career.

7. Her Real Name Was Susan Jane Dillingham

Like many aspiring actors, Samantha Lewes adopted a stage name for her professional career. She was born Susan Jane Dillingham. The choice to use "Samantha Lewes" was a professional decision that helped define her identity in the entertainment world, distinguishing her from her personal life and the growing fame of her husband.

The Enduring Legacy Through Her Children

Samantha Lewes’s most powerful and enduring legacy is unequivocally her children, Colin and E.A. Hanks. They have both spoken with immense love, honesty, and complexity about their mother. Colin Hanks often mentions his mother in interviews, focusing on the positive impact she had on his life and career. E.A. Hanks has taken a more public stance in discussing the nuanced reality of her mother’s life, including the personal struggles she faced.

This openness allows for a more complete and human portrait of Samantha Lewes—not just as "Tom Hanks's ex-wife"—but as Susan Jane Dillingham: a struggling actress, a devoted mother, and a woman who battled her own demons until her premature death. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the personal costs and complexities that often lie behind the glamorous façade of Hollywood fame, and how love and family transcend even the most difficult circumstances.