- Published: September 10, 2022
- Updated: September 10, 2022
- University / College: Queen Mary University of London
- Language: English
- Downloads: 33
If you are well-acquainted with the American movie star and award-winning filmmaker named Tom Hanks, then you’d certainly want to know more about his better half and his first love Samantha Lewes. Their amazing love story began several years ago while the pair was in college. Just like Hanks, Samantha was also an amazing actress during the ‘ 70s and ‘ 80s. Combining their exceptional abilities, the amazing couple also gave birth to two adorable children – Collin and Elizabeth Hanks. Read on as we take you through Samantha Lewes Biography, career, family, and cause of death below.
Who was Samantha Lewes?
Samantha Lewes was an American actress best known for being the first wife of the multi-talented American filmmaker and actor Tom Hanks. She is well-known for her appearance in the 1981 television series titled Bosom Buddies where she played the role of a waitress; as well as, the 1984 movie titled Mr. Success where she played the role of a customer alongside Rita Wilson and her husband Tom Hanks.
Samantha Lewes Biography
Samantha Lewes was born in San Diego California on November 29, 1952. Her birth name was Susan Jane Dillingham but she later adopted her stage name, Samantha Lewis. There are no much about details about her early life, parents, siblings and educational history. Being an actress, Lewes must have received a quality education which led her to pursue a career in acting.
Although she was in the limelight, Samantha never enjoyed the glamour of the limelight; rather she preferred keeping her personal details away from the media. She starred in the 1981 comedy series titled Bosom Buddies where she played the role of a waitress. Her husband Tom Hanks also played the lead role in the same movie. Later on, she appeared in the 1984 movie titled Mr. Success, among others. There is no record of her subsequent projects.
Her Family
Lewes Children Collin, Elizabeth with her husband Tom, Rita and her two sons
Lewes came from a loving and caring family where experienced a good parental upbringing. In view of that, the amazing actress has always wanted to have an amazing family of her own. She fell in love with a fellow actor Tom Hanks and after a few years of romantic relationship, they became a couple. Tom is four years younger than Lewes; he was born on July 9, 1956. He grew up in California where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in theatre from the California State University. Upon graduation, he moved to New York City, where he kicked off his acting career in 1979. Hanks has been outstanding since the inception of his career and has starred in several movies; thus recording many awards in his name.
Some of his movies include Bridge of Spies, Sleepless in Seattle, A League of their Own, The Terminal, and Saving Private Ryan, just to mention a few. Over the years, Hanks has recorded tremendous successes and has become an icon in the American entertainment industry. He exchanged marital vows with Samantha on January 24, 1978; in the presence of their close friends and family members. The amazing couple was blessed with two children, a son named Collin Hanks, born on November 24, 1977, and a daughter named Elizabeth Hanks who was born on May 17, 1982.
Just like their parents, Collin and Elizabeth have established themselves in the American movie industry. Collin is best known for his appearance in movies such as Orange County, The House Bunny, and The Great Buck Howard, among others. While Elizabeth is notable for her role in That Thing You Do, Forest Gump, Anchoraged, and many more.
Her Divorce from Tom Hanks and Cause of Death
Samantha Lewes had a blissful relationship with Tom Hanks; she helped shape the star to have a focus in his acting career which contributed to his excellent achievements today. While Hanks was climbing the ladder of fame, his relationship with Lewes turned sour after nine years of marriage. However, the power couple got a divorce and went their separate ways in 1987. They were granted equal custody of their children by the court.
After their divorce, while there’s no news of Samantha’s subsequent relationships; Hanks, on the other hand, later got hitched to another actress named Rita Wilson the following year. Together they have two sons named Chester Hanks and Truman Hanks.
Furthermore, Samantha was diagnosed with bone cancer and this affected her so much as she lived most of her later years in pains. She got the best medical treatments there was at the time. Above all, her ex-husband Tom didn’t abandon her; he was with her every step on the way until she gave up the ghost. After battling with the illness for so long, it started affecting her vital internal organs such as the lungs and brain. On March 12, 2002, Samantha Lewes gave up the ghost; she died in a hospital in California. It was indeed a very sad moment for her family, her son Collin got his first award nomination that year; unfortunately, she wasn’t alive to celebrate that moment with him. She was buried in Sacramento, California.
