Samantha Lewes | The Life and Legacy of Tom Hanks’ First Wife

 

While the entire world continues talking about Tom Hanks, who is a worldwide sensation and star of a myriad of blockbuster hits. Samantha Lewes also lived a life that deserves a great deal of respect and accolades. Much more than an actress and mother, this steadfast and devoted woman also played a great part in Tom Hanks’ life during his formative years and the earliest part of his career. 

The following article aims at taking an avid glimpse into the life of Samantha Lewes, with great insight into her background, her career path, her marriage to Tom Hanks, and importantly, her legacy.

Who is Samantha Lewes?

Born Susan Jane Dillingham on November 29, 1952, in San Diego, California, Samantha Lewes was an American actress noted for the little time spent acting in both television and theatre. Though she had lesser screen time on camera, her impact echoed far beyond any of the characters she portrayed. 

Throughout her acting professional career, she went with the name of “Samantha Lewes,” which all along would be associated as an integral detail with her very own personal story.

Lewes was always a private person, never one for the limelight, even when marrying one of Hollywood’s biggest names. Her life was filled with resilience, creativity, and devotion to her family.

Early Life and Background

Samantha was raised in a simple family far away from the glamor and magic of Hollywood. This budding young star developed an interest in performing arts that would lead her into studying drama. It was in Sacramento State University that she met Tom Hanks, also at his tender age of being an ambitious, aspiring actor that wanted to hit it big.

A love of acting and encouraging each other in their respective dreams made them really bond. They began dating and quickly realized they wanted to spend their lives together despite having little money and no guarantee about the direction their futures would take.

Samantha Lewes Career in Acting

Samantha Lewes had a short but remarkable acting career; she did a few television projects, most notable of which are:

• “Bosom Buddies” (1981): Sitcom in which the famous actor Tom Hanks starred. Lewes guested on this series, showing her acting talent.
• “Mr. Success” (1984): Another film in which she did wonders-a performance that spellbound the audiences.

While her career was not quite as successful as her husband’s, one could tell Samantha loved the craft. She opted to attend to her family and children instead of indulging full-time in acting.

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Samantha Lewes and Tom Hanks

Meeting and Early Relationship

In the early 1970s, while in college, Samantha Lewes and Tom Hanks met. Later in 1978, the couple got married. Both were struggling actors in Hollywood at that time.

Building a Family

At the time of their marriage, Tom Hanks was just starting his career, and the couple had to suffer a lot of financial burdens. However, they both worked together to establish a stable life for their family. They had two children:

• Colin Hanks, born November 24, 1977, took after his parent’s footsteps to success as a movie and television actor; his biggest roles have been in the movies “Fargo” and “Orange County”.
• Elizabeth Ann Hanks-better known as Elizabeth Hanks (May 17, 1982): After college, Elizabeth would try her luck with writing; to date, her works have found their place within different publications. She also used to act in some movies as a child actress.

Samantha’s devotion to her family was an essential element in the lives and careers of her children.

Challenges and Separation

Despite the strong bond between them, Samantha and Tom had their issues in marriage. In the early 1980s, Tom’s career was at high heights, which included pressures of fame and personal differences that gradually strained their relationship. Both decided to get separated, and they divorced in 1987.

After this experience, Tom Hanks has been able to speak easily nowadays of the reasons there were tough times marrying quite young, with pressures on them as a couple. Samantha and Tom remained committed to co-parenting their children well and keeping respect between them even though separated.

 

 

Life After Divorce

Following her divorce, Samantha Lewes preferred a low-profile life, raising her children and avoiding the limelight. She moved to Northern California to provide Colin and Elizabeth with a stable and nurturing environment.

While Tom Hanks would go on to marry actress Rita Wilson and enjoy unparalleled success in Hollywood, Samantha took a very different path: quieting her pursuits and growing into her role as a wife and mother.

 

The Legacy of Samantha Lewes

Motherhood

The most important legacy of Samantha is being a mother. She brought up her children on strong values, teaching them to pursue their dreams and not lose their feet. Colin and Elizabeth always keep their mom updated for achieving certain things and guiding them correctly in the formative years of their life.

Influence on Tom Hanks

Though the marriage ended in divorce, Samantha had a great impact on Tom Hanks’ life and career. She was always by his side through the early years of his career, which were tough; thus, she provided him with all her emotional and financial support. These experiences definitely shaped Tom’s view on relationships, family, and success.

Battling Sickness

In the late 1990s, Samantha was diagnosed with bone cancer. She, too dialogued her illness with so much bravery and dignity, surrounded by her loved ones. She is no longer with us, having passed away on March 12, 2002, at age 49.

Her death was a huge loss for the family and friends. Tom Hanks and the children were very attached to her, and he still remembers her with great respect and love.

Remembering Samantha Lewes

Although the whole world may hardly have taken cognition of Samantha Lewes, in some way, or another, yet her life in the difference she succeeded in making at all did leave an impact on those who knew her well in the first place- a tough task but kind and very unique lady, though the impacts went much wider than their nameless time span it had.

Samantha Lewes

Lessons from the Life of Samantha Resilience

• Resilience: Samantha keeps her poise through all weathers, truly an inspiration.
• Family First: Her commitment to her children and their well-being remains her most lasting legacy.
• Quiet Strength: Samantha’s penchant for a low-profile life speaks volumes of the power of humility and selflessness.

Honoring Her Legacy

Today, the world looks back at Samantha Lewes as nothing less than Tom Hanks’ first wife but as an outstanding identity herself. There is a teaching in her life that an individual away from spotlights can bring changes into this world. 

Conclusion

Samantha Lewes lived a life full of love, strength, and devotion. From an early life of ambition to be an actress, into motherhood and partnership, the choices she made de-emphasized fame for family and personal fulfillment. She lives on through her children, who continue to keep her memory alive in their respective personal and professional lives.