Wives

The Life and Legacy of Samantha Lewes, Ex-Wife of Tom Hanks

Discover why Samantha Lewes was famous as the ex-wife of Tom Hanks. She was also a successful actor, but sadly passed away from bone cancer in 2002.

Kinsey Jones

☰ Questions & Answers show

Who was Samantha Lewes and why was she famous?

Samantha Lewes was the ex-wife of Hollywood superstar Tom Hanks. You know, the guy who talks to volleyballs in Cast Away and runs across America in Forrest Gump. Samantha was also an actress, appearing in TV shows like Bosom Buddies (1980) and Mr Success (1984). Sadly, she passed away from complications due to bone cancer in 2002.

Samantha and Tom met in college in the 1970s and moved to New York to pursue their acting dreams. They even had two kids together! But with Tom’s acting career taking off, he spent a lot of time away from home, and the couple eventually drifted apart. Samantha focused on raising their children until her passing at the age of 49.

Tom talks about how his divorce affected his kids:

Was Samantha Lewes still married when she died?

Samantha Lewes was married to award-winning actor Tom Hanks from 1978 to 1987.

Did Samantha Lewes have any kids?

Samantha Lewes had two children with Tom Hanks. They are Colin Hanks and Elizabeth Hanks, who like their parents, are also actors.

Colin Hanks looks just like his father

View this post on Instagram

That moment you stumble upon the beach from the end of Point Break without really trying.
A post shared by Colin Hanks (@colinhanks) on Sep 27, 2020 at 2:26pm PDT

How did Samantha Lewes die?

Samantha died in her forties when bone cancer claimed her life. Samantha was diagnosed with cancer around the year 2000. Upon finding out about her condition, Tom did his best to find a specialist, however, Samantha’s cancer cells had already metastasized, leading her vital organs to fail. Samantha eventually died on March 12, 2002. She is survived by her son and daughter, Colin Hanks and Elizabeth Hanks.

Who was Samantha Lewes?

Samantha Lewes was the first wife of actor Tom Hanks. Tom Hanks and Samantha were at Sacramento State University when they first met. It was Samantha who convinced Hanks to go to New York to pursue his acting career, and it was there that Hanks discovered his flair for acting. With two children in tow, their relationship went sour, leading the young couple to divorce. It was said that Tom had met his current wife, American actress and producer Rita Wilson, whilst still married to Samantha.

Samantha Lewes Photo Gallery

What was Samantha Lewes’s offscreen name?

Samantha Lewes’s offscreen name was Susan Jane Dillingham.

How old was Samantha Lewes?

Samantha Lewes was born on November 29, 1952, in San Diego, California. She died in her forties from bone cancer.

How tall was Samantha Lewes?

Samantha Lewes’s registered height was 5 feet 4 inches. She weighed around 122 pounds.

How much was Samantha Lewes’s net worth?

Samantha did not remain in show business for long and devoted her efforts to raising their children. From the money she made in acting and from the divorce settlement with Tom, Samantha Lewes’s net worth was estimated to be around $15 million.