Ever wondered about the woman who captured Tom Hanks' heart before Rita Wilson? Samantha Lewes, more than just Tom Hanks' first wife, was a talented actress and a significant figure in his early life, shaping the man and the career we know today. Her story, often overshadowed by Hanks' immense fame, deserves to be told with the respect and recognition it warrants.

While Tom Hanks continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his remarkable performances, the life of Samantha Lewes, the woman who shared a crucial chapter of his journey, remains largely unexplored. She was not merely an appendage to a superstar; she was Susan Jane Dillingham, who embraced the stage name Samantha Lewes, an actress with her own aspirations, a partner during Hanks' formative years, and most importantly, the mother of his two eldest children, Colin and Elizabeth. Their story began in the hallowed halls of California State University, where a young Tom Hanks found not only a sweetheart but also a fellow spirit in the arts.

Category	Information
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, USA
Cause of Death	Bone Cancer (Some sources mention Lung Cancer)
Nationality	American
Occupation	Actress
Spouse(s)	Tom Hanks (m. 1978; div. 1987)
Children	Colin Hanks, Elizabeth Hanks (E.A. Hanks)
Notable Works	Bosom Buddies (1981), Mr. Success (1984)
Early Life	Grew up in a creative environment in California, fostering a passion for acting and art.
University	California State University (where she met Tom Hanks)

Source: Samantha Lewes IMDB Profile

Their marriage in 1978 marked the beginning of a shared journey, one that saw the arrival of their children and the nascent stages of Tom Hanks' career. Lewes was a constant presence during these formative years, offering support and companionship as Hanks navigated the challenges of establishing himself in Hollywood. While Hanks strived to find his footing as an actor, Lewes pursued her own career, appearing in productions such as the ABC sitcom "Bosom Buddies" in 1981 and the television movie "Mr. Success" in 1984. These roles, though perhaps not headlining features, showcased her talent and dedication to the craft.

However, their path was not without its difficulties. The pressures of early marriage, the demands of burgeoning careers, and underlying personal struggles began to take their toll. Samantha Lewes battled mental health issues, addiction, and ultimately, a devastating illness. This created a turbulent environment, as revealed in her daughter Elizabeth Hanks' memoir, "The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road," which offers a glimpse into the complexities of their family life. Elizabeth Ann Hanks (who now goes by E.A.) has also spoken about her difficult childhood, hinting at the challenges they faced behind the camera.

The marriage between Samantha Lewes and Tom Hanks ended in divorce in 1987. This marked a significant turning point in both their lives. Hanks went on to marry Rita Wilson in 1988, a union that has become one of Hollywood's most enduring love stories. While Hanks found lasting happiness, Samantha Lewes continued to grapple with her health and personal demons. She retained primary custody of Colin and Elizabeth, navigating the challenges of single parenthood while battling her own inner struggles.

Despite the divorce, Lewes remained a part of Hanks' life, especially through their children. He has consistently acknowledged her role in his life and the lives of his children. It is important to remember that during a period when hanks was facing difficulties in finding a stable acting job, Lewes was there to support him through every thick and thin. Their relationship was a support system that help hanks to achieve his goal to some extent.

Sadly, Samantha Lewes' life was cut short. She passed away on March 12, 2002, in Sacramento, California, after a battle with bone cancer. Some sources also cite lung cancer as the cause of her death. She was only 49 years old (almost 50), and her passing marked a profound loss for her children and all who knew her. Her death served as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing loved ones.

Samantha Lewes' story is more than just a footnote in Tom Hanks' biography. It's a narrative of a woman who pursued her own dreams, faced significant challenges, and played a pivotal role in the life of one of the world's most beloved actors. It's a story of love, loss, and the enduring bonds of family. It's a reminder that behind every celebrated figure are individuals whose lives, though perhaps less visible, are equally deserving of recognition and respect.

Born Susan Jane Dillingham on November 29, 1952, in San Diego, California, Samantha Lewes cultivated a passion for acting from a young age. Her upbringing in a creative environment nurtured her artistic sensibilities, leading her to pursue a career in the performing arts. She adopted the stage name Samantha Lewes, a decision that reflected her ambition to carve out her own identity in the entertainment industry.

Lewes' early life was marked by a strong interest in both acting and art. She developed her skills through local theater productions and creative workshops. This early exposure to the arts instilled in her a sense of confidence and a desire to express herself through performance. It was this passion that ultimately led her to cross paths with Tom Hanks at California State University.

The meeting between Samantha Lewes and Tom Hanks at California State University was a serendipitous moment that shaped the course of both their lives. They were both young, ambitious, and passionate about the arts. Their shared interests and mutual attraction quickly blossomed into a romantic relationship. This period was marked by shared dreams, creative collaboration, and the burgeoning excitement of young love.

Their decision to marry relatively early in their lives reflected their deep commitment to one another. The marriage in 1978 was a testament to their belief in their shared future. They embarked on their journey together, supporting each other's aspirations and building a family. The arrival of their children, Colin and Elizabeth, further solidified their bond and brought immense joy into their lives.

During the early years of their marriage, Samantha Lewes played a crucial role in supporting Tom Hanks' career. She provided emotional support and encouragement as he navigated the challenges of breaking into the entertainment industry. She also contributed financially, working various jobs to help make ends meet. Her unwavering belief in his talent helped him persevere through periods of uncertainty and rejection.

Samantha Lewes' own career as an actress, though often overshadowed by Tom Hanks' rising stardom, was marked by dedication and talent. She appeared in several productions, showcasing her versatility and commitment to her craft. Her role in "Bosom Buddies" in 1981 and "Mr. Success" in 1984 provided her with valuable experience and exposure in the industry.

While details about her specific roles and performances may be scarce, her contributions to the entertainment industry should not be underestimated. She was a working actress, striving to make her mark in a competitive field. Her dedication to her craft and her passion for acting are a testament to her talent and perseverance.

The challenges that Samantha Lewes faced during her marriage to Tom Hanks were significant. The pressures of early marriage, the demands of raising a family, and the stresses of navigating the entertainment industry took a toll on their relationship. Furthermore, Lewes' struggles with mental health issues and addiction added further complexities to their lives.

Her battles with mental health and addiction were undoubtedly a contributing factor to the strains in their marriage. These struggles not only impacted her own well-being but also created challenges for her family. The impact of these issues is alluded to in Elizabeth Hanks' memoir, offering a glimpse into the difficult realities they faced.

The divorce between Samantha Lewes and Tom Hanks in 1987 marked a painful chapter in both their lives. It was a difficult decision that had a profound impact on their children and their respective futures. The end of their marriage signaled a significant shift in their individual paths.

Following the divorce, Samantha Lewes continued to raise Colin and Elizabeth as a single mother. She faced the challenges of providing for her children and navigating the complexities of co-parenting with Tom Hanks. She remained committed to her children's well-being and worked hard to create a stable and loving environment for them.

While Tom Hanks remarried and continued to achieve phenomenal success in his career, Samantha Lewes continued to grapple with her health and personal struggles. She battled cancer with courage and determination, but ultimately succumbed to the disease in 2002. Her death was a tragic loss for her family and all who knew her.

The legacy of Samantha Lewes extends beyond her connection to Tom Hanks. She was a talented actress, a dedicated mother, and a woman who faced significant challenges with resilience and determination. Her story serves as a reminder that even in the shadows of fame, individual lives hold their own significance and deserve to be remembered with respect.

Elizabeth Hanks, Samantha Lewes' daughter, has offered insights into her mother's life through her memoir and interviews. She has spoken candidly about the challenges they faced as a family and the impact of her mother's struggles. Her willingness to share her experiences has helped to shed light on the complexities of Samantha Lewes' life and to humanize the woman behind the headlines.

The memoir "The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road" provides a personal and intimate account of Elizabeth Hanks' childhood and her relationship with her mother. It offers a glimpse into the dynamics of their family and the challenges they faced navigating a turbulent family environment. The memoir is a testament to the enduring bond between a mother and daughter, even in the face of adversity.

Elizabeth Hanks' decision to share her story has been met with both praise and criticism. Some have lauded her courage in speaking openly about her family's struggles, while others have questioned the appropriateness of sharing such personal details. However, her willingness to share her experiences has undoubtedly contributed to a greater understanding of Samantha Lewes' life and the challenges she faced.

Samantha Lewes' contribution to Tom Hanks' early career should not be overlooked. She provided unwavering support and encouragement during a time when he was struggling to establish himself in the entertainment industry. Her belief in his talent helped him to persevere through periods of uncertainty and rejection. She was, in many ways, his rock during those formative years.

Her presence in his life provided him with a sense of stability and groundedness as he navigated the challenges of Hollywood. She was a constant source of support, offering encouragement and practical assistance. Her contributions to his early success, though often unacknowledged, were undoubtedly significant.

It is important to remember that Samantha Lewes was more than just Tom Hanks' first wife. She was an individual with her own aspirations, talents, and struggles. Her life deserves to be recognized and celebrated for its own merits, not simply as a footnote in the biography of a famous actor. She was a talented actress, a dedicated mother, and a woman who faced significant challenges with courage and determination. Her story deserves to be told with respect and recognition.

While much of the focus remains on Tom Hanks' illustrious career, it is essential to acknowledge the role that Samantha Lewes played in his life and the lives of their children. Her story is a reminder that behind every successful individual are often unseen figures whose contributions deserve to be recognized and appreciated. Samantha Lewes was one such figure, and her legacy should be celebrated for its own merits.

The story of Samantha Lewes serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of life and the importance of cherishing loved ones. It is a story of love, loss, and the enduring bonds of family. It is a story that deserves to be remembered and shared with respect and compassion. Her life, though marked by challenges, was also filled with moments of joy, love, and creativity. These moments, along with her enduring legacy as a mother and actress, should be celebrated and remembered.

In conclusion, Samantha Lewes was a multifaceted individual whose life deserves to be recognized and celebrated for its own merits. She was a talented actress, a dedicated mother, and a woman who faced significant challenges with courage and determination. Her story is an integral part of Tom Hanks' narrative, and it is a story that should be told with respect and recognition. Her legacy lives on through her children and through the memories of all who knew and loved her.

Samantha Lewes was born on November 29, 1952. Samantha Lewes died on March 12, 2002 in Sacramento, California, USA.

Samantha Lewes Cause Of Death How Did Tom Hanks' Ex Wife Die? ABTC

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Samantha Lewes Tom Hanks' Ex wife Was an Actress & Suffered from Bone Cancer before Her Death at 50

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