Tom Hanks, well-known for his successful acting career and heartwarming persona on and off-screen, had a life before his marriage to Rita Wilson. Before their enduring relationship began, Hanks was married to his first wife, Samantha Lewes. This is the story of their relationship, marriage, and the challenges they faced along the way.
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Hanks and Lewes tied the knot in 1978, after meeting and falling in love while studying at California State University, Sacramento. Lewes, also an actress like Hanks, appeared in various roles alongside her husband, including in the sitcom Bosom Buddies. Their love story continued as they welcomed two children, a son named Colin and a daughter named E.A., short for Elizabeth Anne.
Unfortunately, their marital bliss was not meant to last, as they parted ways in 1985, finalizing their divorce in 1987. Subsequently, Hanks found love again with actress Rita Wilson, whom he married in 1988. Despite the end of their marriage, Hanks and Lewes continued to co-parent their children, with Lewes eventually relocating to Sacramento with primary custody of Colin and E.A.
Tragically, Lewes battled with health issues and passed away in 2002 from lung cancer at the age of 49. Her daughter, E.A., later revealed in her memoir, “The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road,” that her mother had a complex and challenging life marked by mental health struggles and addiction. E.A. shared intimate details about her upbringing, disclosing instances of emotional and physical abuse she endured at the hands of her late mother.
In a candid interview with Access Hollywood in May 2025, Tom Hanks acknowledged his daughter’s revelations, stating, “I’m not surprised that my daughter had the wherewithal as well as the curiosity to examine this thing that I think she was incredibly honest about.” Hanks reflected on their family’s past, acknowledging the complexities and imperfections that existed within their lives.
E.A. detailed in her memoir the hardships she faced growing up, including instances of violence and deprivation, culminating in her mother’s emotional abuse turning physical. Despite the challenges, E.A. found solace in her brother Colin, who provided support and understanding during difficult times in their shared experiences with their mother.
The legacy of Samantha Lewes, though marked by struggles and pain, lives on through her children and their reflections on their shared history. It serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of family relationships and the impact they can have on individuals, even in the midst of fame and success.
As Tom Hanks continues to captivate audiences with his acting prowess and endearing charm, his personal journey with his first wife, Samantha Lewes, stands as a testament to the resilience and complexities of family dynamics that shape the lives of even the most celebrated individuals.