Samantha Lewes: What Really Happened to Tom Hanks’ Ex-Wife?

Samantha Lewes was the first wife of Tom Hanks. She knew him before he became a big movie star. They fell in love in college and got married. They had two children, but their marriage ended after nine years.

Samantha was also an actress. She worked in a few TV shows and movies. After her divorce, she stayed away from fame. Sadly, she died in 2002 at just 49 years old. Her death left her family in deep sadness.

In 2025, her daughter shared new stories about their family. Some of these stories were very sad. They helped people learn more about Samantha’s life. This article looks at her childhood, acting work, marriage, children, and divorce.

Samantha Lewes Quick Bio

Who Was Samantha Lewes?

Samantha Lewes was an American actress. She was born on November 29, 1952, in San Diego, California. Her real name was Susan Jane Dillingham. She used Samantha Lewes as her acting name and became known as Tom Hanks’ first wife.

She loved acting and wanted to work in movies and TV shows. She appeared in Bosom Buddies in 1981 and Mr. Success in 1984. These were her best-known roles. She did not become a big Hollywood star.

Samantha was also a mother of two children. Her son Colin became an actor, while her daughter Elizabeth became a writer. Samantha lived a quiet life after her divorce. She died on March 12, 2002, when she was 49.

Samantha Lewes’ Early Life

Samantha Lewes grew up in an American family. Some reports say her father was John Raymond Dillingham. He served in the US military. Her mother, Harriet Hall Dillingham, worked as a teacher and helped young children learn at school.

Her parents separated when she was young. Reports say Samantha lived in several states, including California, Florida, Hawaii, and Virginia. Her mother later moved the family to Northern California. These moves were part of Samantha’s early life.

As she grew older, Samantha became interested in acting. She later went to California State University, Sacramento. She enjoyed being around people who loved plays and theater. This was also where she met the man she would later marry.

How Samantha Lewes Met Tom Hanks

Samantha Lewes met Tom Hanks in college during the 1970s. They both studied at California State University, Sacramento. Tom loved acting and worked on school plays. Samantha also liked theater, so they had something special in common.

At that time, Tom was not famous. He was just a young man who wanted to become an actor. Samantha knew him before he became rich and successful. They spent time together, became close friends, and soon fell in love.

Their love grew stronger as they spent more time together. Both were young and had big dreams. But life changed when Samantha became pregnant. They were going to have their first child, and soon they would start a family.

Samantha Lewes and Tom Hanks’ Marriage

Samantha Lewes married Tom Hanks in January 1978. Their son Colin had been born in November 1977. Tom was 21 years old, while Samantha was 25. They were still young and had to learn how to raise a child.

Money was tight during their early marriage. Tom was still looking for good acting jobs. The family spent some time living in a small apartment in New York. They did not have the rich life that Tom would enjoy later.

Tom later said he got married because he wanted a happy family. His own parents had divorced when he was young. He hoped his marriage would last. Sadly, things did not go as planned, and their relationship became difficult.

Samantha Lewes’ Acting Career and Movies

Samantha Lewes wanted to become an actress. She enjoyed acting and taking part in plays. Her best-known TV role came in 1981. She appeared in an episode of Bosom Buddies, a funny TV show that also starred Tom Hanks.

In 1984, Samantha appeared in a TV movie called Mr. Success. These were her main known acting roles. She did not appear in many other films. Her acting career was short, and she later stayed away from Hollywood.

Her daughter Elizabeth later shared that Samantha loved Shakespeare and poetry. She enjoyed stories and the arts. Even though she did not become a famous actress, acting was part of her life. She later spent more time with her children.

Samantha Lewes’ Children and Family Life

Samantha Lewes had two children with Tom Hanks. Their son Colin Hanks was born on November 24, 1977. He grew up and became an actor like his father. He appeared in movies such as Orange County, King Kong, and Jumanji.

Their daughter Elizabeth Anne Hanks was born on May 17, 1982. She appeared in small movie roles when she was young. Later, she became a writer. In 2025, she wrote a book about her childhood and family life.

Samantha spent many years raising her children. Tom was often busy with his acting work. Their family had happy moments, but they also faced hard times. After the divorce, Colin and Elizabeth spent most of their time living with Samantha.

Why Did Samantha Lewes and Tom Hanks Divorce?

Samantha Lewes and Tom Hanks separated in 1985. Their divorce became final in 1987. They had been married for about nine years. By that time, Tom was becoming a well-known actor, and their family life had changed.

Tom later said he had married too young. He wanted love and a happy home but was not ready for all the duties of marriage. He also worried that his children would feel sad because their parents had separated.

The couple never shared every reason for their divorce. After they split, Samantha raised their children for much of the time. Tom married Rita Wilson in 1988. Samantha did not marry again, and her life took a new turn.

Samantha Lewes’ Life After Divorce

After her divorce from Tom Hanks, Samantha Lewes started a new life. She spent most of her time with her two children, Colin and Elizabeth. Tom was busy making movies, while Samantha stayed home and cared for the children.

Samantha later moved with her children to Sacramento, California. Elizabeth said Tom did not know about the move at first. He went to pick up his children from school, but they were gone. He later found out where they lived.

Samantha never married again. Her son Colin said she did not date much after the divorce. She also became more interested in religion. While Tom became a big Hollywood star, Samantha lived a quiet life away from fame.

Samantha Lewes’ Mental Health and Family Struggles

Samantha Lewes had some hard years after her divorce. In 2025, her daughter Elizabeth shared stories about their home life. She said things became harder as she grew older. Their home was not always a happy or safe place.

Elizabeth said her mother often shouted and became angry. Sometimes, there was not enough food at home. Elizabeth believes her mother may have had bipolar disorder, a mental health problem. However, doctors never confirmed that Samantha had this condition.

These stories showed a sad side of Samantha’s life. Elizabeth also shared that there was love in their family. Her book tells what she saw and felt as a child. Samantha was no longer alive to tell her own story.

What Did Samantha Lewes’ Daughter Reveal in 2025?

In 2025, Elizabeth Hanks wrote a book called The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road. She shared memories of growing up with her mother. Some stories were happy, while others showed the pain she faced as a child.

Elizabeth said her mother hurt her with words and sometimes hit her. She recalled being hit in the face when she was 14. After this, Tom Hanks became her main caregiver. She then spent more time living with her father.

Elizabeth said her brother Colin helped her through those hard years. Tom Hanks also spoke about her book in May 2025. He said he was proud of her for telling her story. He knew that family life could be difficult.

Samantha Lewes’ Illness and Cause of Death

Samantha Lewes became very sick in the early 2000s. Doctors found that she had cancer. Many older reports say she had bone cancer. However, a PEOPLE article from June 2025 said she died from lung cancer. The reports do not agree.

Some reports say Tom Hanks helped Samantha get medical care. Although they were no longer married, they still had two children together. He reportedly helped her find doctors who could treat her. Sadly, her illness was very serious.

Samantha died on March 12, 2002, in Sacramento, California. She was only 49 years old. Her death was a sad loss for her family. Reports say she was buried at East Lawn Memorial Park in Sacramento, where her life ended.

Samantha Lewes’ Net Worth and Personal Life

Many people want to know how much money Samantha Lewes had. Some websites say she had millions of dollars. However, there is no clear proof of these claims. Her real net worth at the time of her death is unknown.

Samantha worked as an actress but appeared in only a few known shows and movies. Tom Hanks later became very rich through his acting career. However, his money was not the same as Samantha’s own money after their divorce.

Samantha was born in California and was an American citizen. Some reports say she was about five feet five inches tall. She enjoyed poetry and theater. She also liked keeping her life private and stayed away from the news.

Final Thoughts

In 2026, many people still remember Samantha Lewes as Tom Hanks’ first wife. She was with him before he became famous. They shared many years together and had two children. Even after their divorce, they remained linked through their family.

Her son Colin Hanks became a successful actor. Her daughter Elizabeth became a writer. In 2025, Elizabeth shared more about her childhood in a book. This helped people learn about the happy and sad parts of Samantha’s family life.

Samantha was more than the former wife of a famous actor. She was also a mother and an actress. Her life had many hard moments. Today, people remember her through her children, her acting work, and her family story.

(FAQs)

What Was Samantha Lewes’ Age and Birthday?

Samantha Lewes was born on November 29, 1952. She died on March 12, 2002, at just 49 years old. She would have turned 74 in November 2026.

What Was Samantha Lewes’ Cause of Death?

Samantha Lewes died from cancer in 2002. Some reports say bone cancer, while others say lung cancer. She was only 49 years old when she died.

What Movies Did Samantha Lewes Act In?

Samantha Lewes appeared in Bosom Buddies (1981) and Mr. Success (1984). She acted with Tom Hanks in Bosom Buddies. These were her two best-known roles.

Was Samantha Lewes Tom Hanks’ First Wife?

Samantha Lewes was Tom Hanks’ first wife. They married in 1978 and divorced in 1987. They had two children, Colin Hanks and Elizabeth Hanks.

Where Was Samantha Lewes’ Funeral Held?

Samantha Lewes died on March 12, 2002. She was reportedly buried at East Lawn Memorial Park in Sacramento, California. The exact details of her funeral were not made public.

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