Samantha Lewes, born Susan Jane Dillingham on November 29, 1952, in San Diego, California, became a recognizable name in Hollywood, not only for her acting but also for being the first wife of renowned actor Tom Hanks.
Although her career was short-lived, her legacy is cemented due to her contributions to the entertainment industry and her family. Samantha’s life was full of trials and triumphs, from navigating the ups and downs of Hollywood to raising two children, Colin and Elizabeth Hanks. Her story continues to inspire those who understand the complexity of balancing personal and professional life.
Samantha Lewes Bio/Wiki
Attribute | Details |
Full Name | Samantha Lewes-Hanks (born Susan Jane Dillingham) |
Stage Name | Samantha Lewes |
Date of Birth | November 29, 1952 |
Place of Birth | San Diego, California, United States |
Date of Death | March 12, 2002 (aged 49) |
Cause of Death | Bone cancer |
Nationality | American |
Parents | John Raymond Dillingham, Harriet Hall Dillingham |
Siblings | Information not publicly available |
Education | Attended Sacramento State University |
Occupation | Actress, TV Personality |
Spouse | Tom Hanks (m. 1978–1987) |
Children | Colin Hanks, Elizabeth Ann Hanks |
Notable Roles | Bosom Buddies (1980–1982), Mr. Success (1984) |
Net Worth | $2 million (USD) |
Height | 1.73 meters (5 feet 8 inches) |
Who is Samantha Lewes?
Samantha Lewes, a talented actress, rose to fame as the first wife of actor Tom Hanks, though she had her own accomplishments within the entertainment industry. Born Susan Jane Dillingham on November 29, 1952, in San Diego, California, Lewes made her debut in acting with appearances on television and film.

Known for roles in Bosom Buddies and Mr. Success, her career was closely tied to her personal life, especially her relationship with Hanks, which resulted in the birth of their two children, Colin and Elizabeth Hanks. Despite her relatively brief career, Samantha Lewes remains a memorable figure in Hollywood history.
Samantha Lewes Early Life And Background
Born Susan Jane Dillingham on November 29, 1952, Samantha Lewes spent her early years in San Diego, California, a city far removed from the glamor of Hollywood. She was raised in a family that valued privacy, and little is known about her early education and formative years.
From a young age, Samantha displayed a natural talent for acting, which led her to pursue her dreams of working in film. While her career did not reach the same heights as her ex-husband Tom Hanks’, she achieved recognition for her role in Bosom Buddies and maintained a personal life centered around family.
Samantha’s early life shaped the woman she became—one who was determined to pursue her dreams while remaining grounded in her values.
Samantha Lewes Amazing Career
Samantha Lewes’ career in Hollywood may have been brief, but it was impactful. Her big break came in the early 1980s when she starred in the sitcom Bosom Buddies, which featured her then-husband Tom Hanks.
Although her role was small, it marked her entry into the entertainment world. Following Bosom Buddies, Samantha appeared in the film Mr. Success (1984), further solidifying her presence in the industry. Despite not pursuing a long career in Hollywood, Samantha’s legacy lives on through her work and her family.
Her acting projects may not have been numerous, but she is remembered for her contribution to the entertainment world during her time.
Samantha Lewes Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
Attribute | Details |
Height | 1.73 meters (5 feet 8 inches) |
Weight | Information not publicly available |
Eye Color | Brown |
Hair Color | Brown |
Build | Slim |
Physical Appearance | Attractive with a graceful presence |
Samantha Lewes Husband Relationship Status
Samantha Lewes was married to Tom Hanks from 1978 to 1987. The couple met while attending Sacramento State University, where both were studying theater. Their love story began while they were navigating their studies and quickly blossomed into a deep and lasting connection.

They had two children together, Colin Hanks and Elizabeth Hanks, before their relationship ended in divorce. The reasons behind their separation remain private, though it is speculated that the demands of Hanks’ rising career and personal challenges played a role.
After their divorce, Samantha continued to raise her children, and Hanks went on to achieve global stardom.
Samantha Lewes Net Worth
Samantha Lewes, though not a household name for her acting roles, accumulated a respectable net worth of approximately $2 million. Her income primarily stemmed from her acting career, with notable appearances in television and film.
After her divorce from Tom Hanks, Samantha’s financial stability was secured through a divorce settlement that allowed her to maintain a comfortable lifestyle for herself and her children. Although she did not pursue acting after her divorce, her wealth was sufficient to live a fulfilling life. Samantha’s financial legacy is a reflection of her work and the ability to provide for her family throughout her life.
Samantha Lewes Plans and Goals
Though Samantha Lewes’ life was tragically cut short by bone cancer in 2002, her goals and ambitions were centered around her family and career. She had hoped to continue her acting career, but life’s challenges led her to focus more on raising her children, Colin and Elizabeth Hanks.

Samantha’s personal life often took precedence over her career, with her marriage and family being her main priorities. She strived to maintain a balance between her public persona and private life, ensuring her children had a stable and loving upbringing. While her career aspirations may have shifted after her marriage, her dedication to her family was her ultimate goal.
Samantha Lewes Controversies
Samantha Lewes was not known for being involved in major controversies during her life. Her personal struggles, particularly her marriage to Tom Hanks, were often kept private, and she focused on her family and career.
The dissolution of her marriage to Hanks in 1987 was a difficult period, but it did not lead to public disputes or media attention. Samantha lived a relatively private life, avoiding the limelight as much as possible. After her divorce, she continued to raise her children with dignity and grace, leaving behind a legacy of love and strength that overshadowed any negative aspects of her personal life.
Samantha Lewes on Social Media
Attribute | Details |
Social Media Presence | No known active social media accounts |
Platforms | N/A |
Verified Accounts | N/A |
Fun Facts about Samantha Lewes
- Samantha Lewes was the first wife of actor Tom Hanks and the mother of his two children, Colin and Elizabeth Hanks.
- She made her acting debut in the 1980s with the sitcom Bosom Buddies alongside her then-husband Tom Hanks.
- Samantha was known for her down-to-earth personality and preference for privacy, staying out of the media spotlight.
- She was diagnosed with bone cancer, which ultimately led to her passing in 2002 at the age of 49.
- Despite her brief acting career, Samantha left a lasting impression with her roles in television and film, including Mr. Success.
- Samantha and Tom Hanks met while they were both attending Sacramento State University, where they studied theater.
- She was a proud mother and maintained a close relationship with her children, Colin and Elizabeth, throughout her life.
Samantha Lewes Video and Images

Frequently Asked Questions about Samantha Lewes
Who was Samantha Lewes married to?
Samantha Lewes was married to actor Tom Hanks from 1978 to 1987.
How many children did Samantha Lewes have?
Samantha Lewes had two children with Tom Hanks: Colin Hanks and Elizabeth Hanks.
What was the cause of Samantha Lewes’s death?
Samantha Lewes passed away from bone cancer on March 12, 2002, at the age of 49.
Did Samantha Lewes continue acting after her marriage to Tom Hanks?
Samantha Lewes’ acting career was brief, with her notable roles in Bosom Buddies and Mr. Success. She did not pursue acting after her divorce from Tom Hanks.
Was Samantha Lewes active on social media?
No, Samantha Lewes did not engage in social media during her lifetime.
Conclusion of Samantha Lewes
Samantha Lewes’ life was filled with love, personal challenges, and moments of career achievement. Though she is primarily remembered for her marriage to Tom Hanks, her own legacy as an actress and devoted mother is undeniable.
From her early acting roles to her dedication to raising her children, Samantha’s story is one of resilience and grace. She may not have sought fame, but her impact lives on through her children, particularly her son Colin Hanks, who continues to honor her legacy. Samantha Lewes’ life serves as a reminder that behind every public figure, there are real stories of perseverance and dedication