Samantha Lewes Biography: All you need to know about Tom Hanks' first wife

May 2024 · 3 minute read

Samantha Lewes was a popular Hollywood actress of her era; although she is late, her legacy lives on.

For those who don’t know, Samantha Lewes was popular actor Tom Hanks first wife before he married his current wife, Rita Wilson.

Lewes and Tom married when they were young and had two children together. While Tom Hanks is always in the news, many may not know who Samantha is.

Samantha Lewes Biography & Profile Summary

Her real name is Susan Jane Dillingham; she was born on the 7th of November 1952 to John Raymond Dillingham and Harriet Hall Dillingham in San Diego, California, USA.

Samantha Lewes’s mother was an English teacher, while her father was a US Marine who served during the Korean War, World War II, and the Vietnam War.

Things became complicated when her parents separated as she had to stay with her mother. She was born in California, Hawaii, Florida, Virginia and Northern Carolina.

Full nameSusan Jane Dillingham
Also known asSamantha Lewes
Date of birthNovember 9 1952
Age50
Date of deathMarch 12 2002
Zodiac signSagittarius
ParentsJohn Raymond Dillingham and Harriet Hall Dillingham
SpouseTom Hanks (from 1978 to 1987)
ChildrenElizabeth Ann Hanks and Collins Hank
ProfessionActress

Education

She was an acting student at Sacramento State University, where she met Tom Hanks

Career

Before venturing into acting full-time, Samantha spent one year as an exchange teacher in England. Some popular films Samantha featured included an episode of the ABC sitcom Bosom Buddies and the movie Mr. Success, released in 1981 and 1984, respectively.

Marriage

The reports revealed that Samantha and Tom Hanks had known each other well before marriage as school friends at Sacramento State University. However, after a while, their friendship became a relationship that led to the altar.

Tom Hanks and Samantha got married in 1978 at a young age. Tom at the time, was 23, while Samantha was 27.

Things went smoothly until 1984 when they started leaving separately and divorced in 1987. Tom Hanks would later reveal that their divorce was because loneliness was a dominant reason he got married at a very young age, and he felt it was too early to make such commitments.

Their union was blessed with two children named Elizabeth Hunks, now a writer, and Collins Hanks, now an actor.

How did Samantha Lewes die?

The actress was diagnosed with bone cancer, a news which broke down Tom Hanks even though he was her ex at the time.

Tom supported Samantha by paying all her medical expenses, but it was not enough to save her as cancer had affected her brain and lungs. She died on the 12th of March 2002.

Samantha Lewes and Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks is a renowned American comic and drama actor. After his divorce from Samantha, he married Rita Wilson in 1988. Samantha, however, chose not to remarry till her death.

Who is Samantha Lewes?

Samantha was famously known for being the ex-wife of an American filmmaker and actor, Tom Hank. She was an actress who was certainly familiar with portraying the character of a waitress in an American television sitcom Bosom buddies.

When was Samantha Lewes born?

Samantha was born on November 29, 1952.

Who was Samantha Lewes ex-husband?

Samantha Lewes’ ex-husband was Tom Hanks.

Did Samantha Lewes tie the knot after getting divorced?

No, Samantha didn’t tie the knot after getting separated.

What was the net worth of Samantha Lewes?

The net worth of Samantha was US $ 15 million.

How many films were done by Samantha Lewes?

Samantha has done multiple films but not in lead roles.

What are the professions of Samantha Lewes’ children?

Samantha’s children are Hollywood artists.

What was the cause for death of Samantha Lewes?

Samantha, born Susan Jane Dillingham, was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2001.

When did Samantha Lewes die?

Samantha died on March 12, 2002.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7rLHMop2ipJGjtm%2B6xmiZq52RoLavs4ynnLCrX6iurq3NrZ%2BaZZyaxKa%2FjJugqJ%2Bilr2pxYyao6VlqaTCbrrEnptmrJ9iuK%2B71maYm6elqXq1u8xmn5qmm6h6p7XRrKtmr5mbsg%3D%3D