Unveiling Samantha Lewes: Tom Hanks' First Wife & Untold Story

05 May, 2025

Who was the woman who stood beside Tom Hanks, not just as a wife, but as a companion during his rise to stardom? Samantha Lewes, a name often overshadowed by the luminous career of her famous ex-husband, was a talented actress and a pivotal figure in the early life of Tom Hanks, leaving an undeniable mark on both his personal life and his journey to Hollywood success.

While the world often focuses on the celebrated actor Tom Hanks, whose name is synonymous with cinematic excellence, it's important to delve into the life of Samantha Lewes. This article aims to shed light on the life of Samantha Lewes, exploring her own accomplishments, her significant role in Hankss life, and the impact she had on those around her. Born Susan Jane Dillingham, she chose the stage name Samantha Lewes, forging her own path in the entertainment industry.

Samantha Lewes met Tom Hanks while they were both undergraduates at California State University. Their connection transcended the classroom, blossoming into a romance that would lead to marriage and the birth of two children, Colin and Elizabeth Hanks. This relationship began in a quest to end the lonely life Hanks had experienced during his childhood. Lewes was by his side as he took his first steps into the world of acting, appearing with him in the show "Bosom Buddies" and the movie "Splash".

The bond between them was evident, even as Hanks career began to soar. Lewess presence served as a constant reminder of the early days and the shared journey. Her story is more than a footnote in a celebrity biography; it's a tale of resilience, talent, and the complexities of life in the spotlight. Samantha Lewes's life deserves to be examined and celebrated for its own merits, independent of her famous ex-husband. Lewes was a talented actress who deserves to be remembered. The actress was known for her roles in "Bosom Buddies" (1980) and "Mr. Success" (1984). She married Tom Hanks in 1978, and the couple divorced in 1987.

Category	Details
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
Zodiac Sign	Sagittarius
Occupation	Actress
Known For	"Bosom Buddies" (1980), "Mr. Success" (1984), First Wife of Tom Hanks
Spouse	Tom Hanks (m. 19781987)
Children	Colin Hanks, Elizabeth Hanks
Education	California State University
Reference	IMDb - Samantha Lewes

Samantha Lewess contribution to the world extended beyond her relationship with Tom Hanks. She was an actress in her own right, and her work provided entertainment and, for those who knew her, the experience of being in her presence. She played roles in movies and television shows. She was known for her appearance in "Bosom Buddies" (1980) and "Mr. Success" (1984).

The complexities of their relationship have also been explored by their children. Colin Hanks, the eldest of the children, followed in his father's footsteps and carved a successful acting career. Elizabeth Hanks, who was a child during her parents' divorce, has shared her experiences in her new book, "The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road," providing a more intimate look at her relationship with her mother. In her memoir, Hanks reveals how one day after the divorce, Dillingham moved the family to Sacramento.

Samantha Lewes was a constant presence during Hanks's early days in Hollywood. The two went through many highs and lows as a married couple and as close friends. In 1978, Hanks married Samantha Lewes, who was already the mother of his son Colin Hanks. She was with him at the start of his career, when he was still trying to find steady work as an actor.

Lewes's journey through life, marked by talent, marriage, motherhood, divorce, and ultimately, a battle with bone cancer, paints a picture of a woman who navigated the highs and lows of life with grace and resilience. As her daughter, Elizabeth, details their complicated relationship in her memoir, the depth of Samantha Lewes's life unfolds, revealing her as a complex, multifaceted individual deserving of recognition that extends beyond the shadow of her famous ex-husband.

Samantha Lewes's legacy is a story of a woman who was a mother, a wife, and a performer in her own right. She remains a part of Tom Hanks's story. Lewes was a talented actress and had a life of her own, her contribution to the entertainment industry made an impact on both her fans and her family. Before passing away at the age of 50, Samantha Lewes had a life filled with love and had many experiences with Tom Hanks and as a mother to Colin and Elizabeth Hanks. The narrative of Samantha Lewes serves as a reminder that everyone has a story to tell, and every life has its own value and significance.

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

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