Who was the woman who captured Tom Hanks' heart before his decades-long marriage to Rita Wilson? Samantha Lewes, a name often overshadowed by the megastar's subsequent relationships, played a pivotal role in shaping Hanks' life, both personally and professionally, leaving behind a legacy of love, loss, and a complex family dynamic.

Born Susan Jane Dillingham on November 29, 1952, in San Diego, California, Samantha Lewes, as she would become known, was a California native whose life intertwined with that of a rising Hollywood star. She wasn't just a footnote in Tom Hanks' biography; she was his college sweetheart, his first wife, and the mother of his two eldest children, Colin and Elizabeth. Their story, a tapestry woven with early romance, shared dreams, and the inevitable trials of life, offers a glimpse into the man behind the iconic roles.

Lewes and Hanks' paths first crossed at California State University, where their connection blossomed amidst the shared experiences of campus life. Their relationship deepened, culminating in marriage in 1978, a pivotal year that marked the beginning of their journey together. It was a time of mutual support and shared aspirations, as Hanks embarked on his acting career, and Lewes, also an actress, pursued her own creative endeavors. Their union, however, would eventually face challenges, leading to a separation and divorce in 1987.

Lewes's career, though perhaps less celebrated than her ex-husband's, still merits recognition. She graced the screen with appearances in the ABC sitcom "Bosom Buddies" in 1981, sharing the stage with her then-husband, and the TV movie "Mr. Success". Lewes' presence in "Bosom Buddies" was a notable moment, with the pair sharing the screen, offering a glimpse into their life and shared professional journey. The role of the waitress, the job she played was a beautiful example of their collaboration.

Her career showcased her own talent, but it also gave her a platform to be an integral part of the rise of Tom Hanks in Hollywood, and she even worked with him. She embodied an important era of the career of Tom Hanks, even starring with him in an episode of his sitcom, the show was one of his first big steps in the world of acting.

The personal journey of Samantha Lewes was also marked by struggles. She battled with mental health issues, addiction, and eventually, cancer. These challenges, documented in her daughter Elizabeths memoir, "The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road," paint a picture of a woman who faced adversity with resilience. Lewes' death in 2002 at the age of 50, due to bone cancer, marked the end of her life, it also added more depth to the complicated nature of her life.

Elizabeth Hanks' memoir offers a poignant account of her mothers life, shedding light on the complexities of their relationship and the impact of Lewess struggles. The book speaks to the many layers to the relationship of a mother and a daughter, especially when their lives were marked by the challenges and experiences faced by Lewes. The candidness of the memoir offers a unique opportunity for the readers to get a better picture of who Samantha Lewes truly was.

In the wake of her death, Lewes's legacy continues to resonate. While her name might not be as instantly recognizable as some other figures in Hollywood, her impact on the lives of those she loved, especially her children, and her contribution to the world of acting, are undeniable. Her story reminds us that behind every public persona, there are private lives filled with joys, sorrows, and the enduring power of human connection. Her life, though marked by both triumphs and trials, serves as a testament to the enduring power of love, family, and the complexities of the human experience.

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
Marital Status	Divorced (Tom Hanks, 1978-1987)
Children	Colin Hanks, Elizabeth Hanks (E.A.)
Education	California State University (where she met Tom Hanks)
Known For	Actress, First wife of Tom Hanks, Mother of Colin and Elizabeth Hanks, "Bosom Buddies"
Notable Works	"Bosom Buddies" (1980), "Mr. Success" (1984)
Relationship with Tom Hanks	College Sweethearts, Married in 1978, Divorced in 1987. Hanks reflected on the couple's connection in her memoir, the 10: A memoir of family and the open road.
Additional Information	She struggled with mental health issues, addiction, and cancer. She had primary custody of their children after the divorce.
Source of Information	IMDb

Lewes was a talented actress, showcasing her skills in productions like "Mr. Success" (1984). Her presence in the show "Bosom Buddies" played a very important role in the early career of Tom Hanks and her part in the show was very important. She also went on the show as a waitress, she worked in this role with her husband, which was a significant part of the era.

The marriage between Samantha Lewes and Tom Hanks was a part of the early years of Tom Hanks' rise to fame. They married relatively early in their lives. The couple had two children together, Colin and Elizabeth, before divorcing in 1987. Their time together was marked by the usual ups and downs of life as a married couple. Despite the challenges, Lewes remained a key figure in Hanks' journey, a reminder of his roots, and the formative years of his career.

Tom Hanks has famously been married to Rita Wilson for decadesbut did you know that he was married before to Samantha Lewes? She was by her husband Tom Hanks' side as he rose to fame by starring in the show "Bosom Buddies" and the movie "Splash". Hanks reflected on the couple's connection in her memoir, the 10: A memoir of family and the open road.

Lewes, as Susan Jane Dillingham, was born in San Diego, California, on November 29, 1952. She grew up in a creative environment that encouraged her passion for acting. This was a critical factor that helped her to pursue a career in the arts. Her work on "Bosom Buddies" (1980) and "Mr. Success" (1984) brought her much recognition. Beyond her roles in these works, she is also known for her role as the first wife of the Academy Award-winning actor, Tom Hanks.

Lewes' legacy is seen not only in her work as an actress but also in the family she helped create. Her children, Colin and Elizabeth, have followed in their parents' footsteps, with Colin Hanks having carved a successful acting career of his own. The memory of Samantha Lewes lives on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who remember her contributions to the world of acting and her significant role in the life of a Hollywood icon.

In many ways, the story of Samantha Lewes is a story of resilience. Even through the challenges she faced, she lived life with grace and made a lasting impression on everyone around her. Her lifes story reminds us that every person has a unique and impactful narrative, full of its own set of experiences and obstacles that influence the lives of others. Her life serves as a reminder of the many complexities of life, which encompasses love, loss, and the ability to live fully.

Lewes's contribution to Hollywood cannot be underestimated. Her presence and support in the life of Tom Hanks during his rise to fame was significant. Her role in "Bosom Buddies" alongside Hanks, and her performance in "Mr. Success" added to her professional journey. Moreover, her family life with Hanks and their children highlights her as a woman who lived and faced the challenges of life with bravery and love.

Her impact continues to echo in the world. The memory of Samantha Lewes is very important in Hollywood. Her children, Colin and Elizabeth, who inherited her legacy and built their own successful careers, are proof that her influence has endured. Her legacy offers valuable insights into her contribution to acting and the role that she played in the life of an iconic actor and the legacy that she created.

The story of Samantha Lewes is a testament to the power of the human spirit, marked by a journey of love, creativity, struggle, and unwavering resilience. While her life was not always easy, her story gives a compelling narrative that showcases the complexities of family, the arts, and the lasting influence one person can have on the world. Her legacy offers lessons to all of us.