Samantha Lewes, born Susan Jane Dillingham, was more than just the first wife of Hollywood icon Tom Hanks. She was a talented actress in her own right, a devoted mother, and a woman who faced life’s challenges with grace and resilience.
While her name may not be as well-known as her famous ex-husband’s, Samantha Lewes’ story is one that deserves to be told. From her early days as an aspiring actress to her battle with bone cancer, Lewes left an indelible mark on those who knew her.
Early Life and Acting Career
Born on November 29, 1952, in San Diego, California, Samantha Lewes grew up with a passion for the performing arts. Her mother, Harriet Hall Dillingham, was an elementary school English teacher, while her father, John Raymond Dillingham, served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 26 years.
Lewes’ childhood was marked by frequent moves, as her family relocated to various states, including Hawaii, Florida, and Virginia, due to her father’s military service. Despite the challenges of a transient lifestyle, Lewes remained focused on her dream of becoming an actress.
After graduating from high school, Lewes enrolled at California State University, Sacramento, where she studied theater arts. It was there that she met a young Tom Hanks, who was also pursuing his acting dreams. The two fell in love and married in 1978, when Lewes was 26 and Hanks was 22.
As a young couple, Lewes and Hanks struggled to make ends meet while pursuing their acting careers. They lived in a small apartment and took on various odd jobs to support themselves. Despite the financial challenges, Lewes remained dedicated to her craft.
Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, Lewes appeared in several television shows and movies. Some of her notable roles include:
- An episode of the ABC sitcom “Bosom Buddies” in 1981, which also starred her then-husband Tom Hanks
- The 1984 film “Mr. Success”
- Guest appearances on popular TV series such as “Family Ties” and “St. Elsewhere”
While Lewes’ acting career may not have reached the same heights as Hanks’, she was a talented performer who brought depth and nuance to her roles.
Marriage to Tom Hanks and Motherhood
Samantha Lewes and Tom Hanks were married for nine years, from 1978 to 1987. During their marriage, the couple welcomed two children: a son, Colin Hanks, born in 1977, and a daughter, Elizabeth Hanks, born in 1982.
As Hanks’ career began to take off in the 1980s, the couple faced increasing challenges in their relationship. The demands of Hollywood, combined with the pressures of raising a young family, took a toll on their marriage. In 1987, Lewes and Hanks divorced.
Despite the end of their marriage, Lewes remained a devoted mother to her children. She prioritized their well-being and worked to create a stable home environment, even as she navigated the challenges of single parenthood.
Both Colin and Elizabeth Hanks followed in their parents’ footsteps and pursued careers in the entertainment industry. Colin has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including “Orange County,” “King Kong,” and the “Jumanji” series. Elizabeth has also acted in several projects, such as “Forrest Gump” and “That Thing You Do!”
Battle with Cancer and Legacy
In the early 2000s, Samantha Lewes received devastating news during a routine checkup: she had bone cancer. The disease had already spread to her lungs and brain, leaving her with only a few months to live.
Lewes faced her diagnosis with courage and grace. She focused on spending quality time with her loved ones and finding moments of joy, even as she underwent treatment to manage her pain.
On March 12, 2002, at the age of 49, Samantha Lewes passed away in Sacramento, California. Her death deeply affected those who knew and loved her, including her ex-husband Tom Hanks.
Despite their divorce, Hanks had remained close to Lewes and continued to care for her and their children. In the wake of her passing, he paid tribute to her strength and resilience, acknowledging the profound impact she had on his life.
Today, Samantha Lewes’ legacy lives on through her children and the memories she created with those who knew her. While her time in the spotlight may have been brief, her story serves as a reminder of the importance of pursuing one’s passions, cherishing family, and facing life’s challenges with courage and grace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Samantha Lewes
- Q: What was Samantha Lewes’ cause of death?
- A: Samantha Lewes passed away from bone cancer, which had spread to her lungs and brain.
- Q: How long were Samantha Lewes and Tom Hanks married?
- A: Lewes and Hanks were married for nine years, from 1978 to 1987.
- Q: Did Samantha Lewes have any children with Tom Hanks?
- A: Yes, Lewes and Hanks had two children together: a son, Colin Hanks, and a daughter, Elizabeth Hanks.
- Q: What notable acting roles did Samantha Lewes have?
- A: Lewes appeared in an episode of “Bosom Buddies,” the film “Mr. Success,” and had guest roles on “Family Ties” and “St. Elsewhere.”
- Q: How old was Samantha Lewes when she passed away?
- A: Lewes was 49 years old at the time of her death in 2002.
Samantha Lewes’ story is one of love, resilience, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. Though her life was cut short by cancer, her legacy endures through the lives she touched and the memories she created.
As we remember this talented actress and devoted mother, we are reminded of the importance of cherishing the moments we have with those we love and facing life’s challenges with courage and grace.
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