Tom Hanks And Samantha Lewes: Their Marriage And Family

Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes shared a foundational chapter long before Hollywood superstardom defined the actor's life. Married from 1978 to 1987, their relationship predates Hanks's iconic roles in films like Big and Forrest Gump. Together, they welcomed two children, Colin and Elizabeth, navigated the grueling early years of regional theater and struggling career steps, and ultimately shaped paths that diverged before tragic illness touched Lewes's later years.

Understanding this early marriage requires separating historical fact from internet mythology. The relationship offers a look at a young actor finding his footing, a shared college theater background, and the quiet reality behind a high-profile divorce that led to Hollywood's most enduring second act with Rita Wilson.

Early Life, College Romance, and the Wedding of 1978

Samantha Lewes was born Susan Jane Dillingham on November 29, 1952, in San Diego, California. Before she became known as an actress and the first wife of Tom Hanks, she pursued the arts with a quiet, steady focus. Hanks and Lewes crossed paths at California State University, Sacramento, where both immersed themselves in theater arts and acting classes.

In the mid-1970s, the theater department served as an incubator for their relationship. Hanks was an aspiring stage actor trying to secure work in local productions, including the Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival in Cleveland, Ohio. They married on January 24, 1978, when Hanks was just 21 years old and Lewes was 25.

• The wedding took place in Sacramento, California, surrounded by close friends and theater colleagues.
• Early married life involved constant moving as Hanks chased regional acting contracts and theatrical gigs across state lines.
• Financial pressure defined their first apartment rentals, living on modest budgets while auditioning for television and film roles.

Building a Family: Colin and Elizabeth Hanks

During their marriage, Hanks and Lewes welcomed two children who later carved out their own spaces in the creative arts. Their son, Colin Hanks, was born on November 24, 1977, shortly before their wedding. Their daughter, Elizabeth Hanks, arrived on May 17, 1982, just as Tom Hanks began landing recurring television roles in sitcoms like Bosom Buddies.

Raising two young children while navigating the unstable life of a working actor created immense pressure. Hanks spent months away from home during theater seasons, while Lewes managed household responsibilities in California. Despite the strain, both parents maintained a strong focus on their children's upbringing, shielding them from the erratic nature of the entertainment industry during their early childhood years.

• Colin Hanks: Followed his father into acting, starring in television series like Fargo, Mad Men, and films like Orange County.
• Elizabeth Hanks: Pursued a career in writing and journalism, contributing to major publications and working as an editor and author.

Separation, Divorce, and Moving On

By the mid-1980s, the compounding pressures of early marriage, demanding career schedules, and personal growth took their toll. Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes legally separated in 1985 and finalized their divorce in 1987.

Divorce at such a formative career stage presented unique challenges for both individuals. Hanks was transitioning from a struggling sitcom actor to a bankable film star, landing breakout roles in movies like Splash (1984) and The Man with One Red Shoe (1985). Meanwhile, Lewes stepped back from the public eye to focus on raising Colin and Elizabeth as a single mother in Los Angeles.

Unlike many high-profile celebrity splits filled with public acrimony, Hanks and Lewes kept their separation private. Both focused on co-parenting their children without dragging personal grievances into the media spotlight. Shortly after finalizing his divorce, Hanks married actress Rita Wilson in 1988, a partnership that continues to thrive decades later.

Samantha Lewes's Later Years and Legacy

Following her divorce from Hanks, Samantha Lewes attempted to return to acting and creative pursuits. She appeared in a 1993 television special titled Non-Stop Trouble with My Kids, working alongside her children. However, health challenges soon overshadowed her professional ambitions.

In the late 2010s, Lewes was diagnosed with terminal bone cancer. As her health declined, Tom Hanks and their children stepped in to support her medical care, ensuring she received comprehensive treatment and comfort during her final years. Samantha Lewes passed away on March 12, 2002, in Sacramento, California, at the age of 49.

Her passing prompted private mourning from her family, with Hanks and her children remembering her dedication as a mother and her resilience through personal hardship. Though she spent her life outside the glaring spotlight of modern celebrity culture, her impact on Hanks's early life and the upbringing of their children remains a foundational part of the family's history.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes get married?

Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes married on January 24, 1978, in Sacramento, California, after meeting during their college years at California State University, Sacramento.

How many children did Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes have?

They shared two children: actor Colin Hanks, born in 1977, and writer Elizabeth Hanks, born in 1982.

When did Samantha Lewes pass away?

Samantha Lewes passed away from bone cancer on March 12, 2002, at the age of 49. Tom Hanks and their children assisted in arranging her medical care during her final illness.

What was Samantha Lewes's profession?

She was an actress and theater artist who studied drama at California State University, Sacramento, and later appeared in local stage productions and a 1993 television special.