Tom Hanks First Wife: The Story of His Marriage to Samantha Lewes
Many fans searching for Tom Hanks’ first wife are surprised to learn that before his long and famously loving marriage to Rita Wilson, Tom Hanks shared a deeply formative relationship with a woman named Samantha Lewes. Although their marriage ended decades ago, Samantha played a central role in Hanks’s early adult life, his first steps into fatherhood, and the foundation of his emotional development. Their story includes youthful ambitions, personal struggles, genuine affection, and a legacy carried by the two children they shared. Understanding their relationship offers a fuller picture of Tom Hanks—not just the beloved actor, but the young man who grew through hardship and responsibility.
Who Was Tom Hanks’ First Wife, Samantha Lewes?
Tom Hanks’s first wife, Samantha Lewes, was born Susan Jane Dillingham on November 29, 1952. She was a talented actress, a creative soul, and a devoted mother. Raised with an interest in the arts, she pursued acting during her college years and later performed in several small projects, including appearances connected to Tom Hanks’s early television work. Although she never sought widespread fame, Samantha was driven by her artistic passion and had a gentle, grounded presence that complemented Tom’s youthful energy.
When she met Hanks, both were aspiring performers still figuring out their futures. Samantha played a crucial role in his early years, offering support while he pursued acting opportunities that had yet to pay off. Their relationship began during a time of uncertainty, long before Tom Hanks became an international icon.
How Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes Met
Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes met at Sacramento State University in the 1970s. Both were aspiring actors, taking classes, performing in college productions, and dreaming of careers in entertainment. Their shared passion for acting brought them together, but it was their emotional connection that deepened their bond.
Hanks has often spoken about feeling lonely and directionless during his early adulthood. Meeting Samantha gave him a sense of belonging and stability that he had long been searching for. They began dating, moved in together soon after, and navigated the challenges of early adulthood as a team.
Their young love was sincere and intense. They were not living glamorous Hollywood lives—they were struggling artists balancing rent, auditions, and limited opportunities. But during this period, they built a life together based on loyalty and shared dreams.
Their Marriage and Early Family Life
Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes married in 1978. Their wedding took place when they were both very young—Hanks was only 21. Not long after, they became parents. Their son, Colin Hanks, was born in 1977, before they officially married, and their daughter, Elizabeth, arrived in 1982. These early years were marked by financial stress, long working hours, and the pressures of navigating adulthood while raising two children.
Hanks has openly reflected on this chapter, describing it as a time of anxiety and uncertainty. He adored being a father but struggled with the responsibilities that came far earlier than he had expected. He has said that he married young partly out of a desire for family, stability, and belonging—something he lacked during his own childhood.
Samantha, for her part, took on the role of primary caregiver. She provided emotional and practical support as Tom pursued acting roles, starting with theater work and eventually landing parts that would launch his career. Even as Hanks’s fame began to rise in the early 1980s through shows like Bosom Buddies and films like Splash, Samantha remained grounded, focusing her energy on their children.
Despite the challenges, their early family life created cherished memories and shaped both of their lives profoundly. Their children, Colin and Elizabeth, grew up to have successful careers in entertainment, reflecting their parents’ artistic influence.
Why Their Marriage Eventually Ended
Although Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes shared a deep connection, their marriage ultimately could not withstand the pressures of early parenthood, emotional strain, and Tom’s rapidly evolving career. By the mid-1980s, their relationship had begun to shift. Hanks was becoming a rising Hollywood star, traveling more, and navigating new social circles, while Samantha preferred a quieter, more private lifestyle.
In interviews, Hanks has expressed regret about the emotional immaturity he brought into their marriage. He admitted he felt overwhelmed and unsure of himself, qualities that can weigh heavily on any relationship. Their separation was not explosive or dramatic; rather, it reflected two people growing in different directions.
The couple divorced in 1987. Despite the end of their marriage, they remained committed to co-parenting their children and ensuring a stable environment. Colin and Elizabeth continued to benefit from the love and support of both parents.
Samantha Lewes’ Life After the Divorce
After the divorce, Samantha Lewes stepped back from the entertainment industry. She maintained a quiet, private life and focused deeply on raising Colin and Elizabeth. While Tom Hanks’s stardom continued to rise, Samantha intentionally stayed out of the public spotlight. This choice allowed her to remain centered and present for her children, offering them a sense of consistency during a period of major change.
Those who knew her describe Samantha as gentle, nurturing, and fiercely devoted to her family. She created a warm, stable environment for her children and balanced motherhood with a life that was peaceful and fulfilling away from Hollywood’s attention.
Her Illness and Passing
Tragically, Samantha Lewes was diagnosed with bone cancer in the early 2000s. Upon learning of her illness, Tom Hanks stepped in immediately to ensure she received the best possible medical care. Despite the end of their marriage, the two shared a lifelong connection, and Hanks remained supportive throughout her treatment.
Sadly, Samantha passed away on March 12, 2002, at the age of 49. Her death deeply affected her family, especially Colin and Elizabeth, who lost a devoted mother. Hanks, too, mourned her passing, acknowledging the important role she played in shaping his early life and reminding him of the value of compassion and personal growth.
Tom Hanks’ Reflections on His First Marriage
Tom Hanks has spoken candidly about his early marriage, expressing both gratitude and regret. He has shared that being a young parent taught him responsibility but also revealed his own emotional shortcomings at the time. He often credits Samantha for giving him the experience of building a family, something that profoundly shaped the man he became.
Hanks has also said that his first marriage helped him grow emotionally, eventually allowing him to form the strong partnership he now shares with Rita Wilson. Samantha’s role in his life was foundational, even though their marriage did not last.
Featured Image Source: people.com
