Samantha Lewes was a successful Hollywood actress in her own right prior to her breakup with actor Tom Hanks and her untimely death. She may be best remembered for being the former spouse of the actor. Even though Samantha didn’t win many accolades, she was nonetheless a remarkable achiever.
Who Was Samantha Lewes?
Samantha Lewes was born as Susan Jane Dillingham on November 29, 1952, in San Diego, California, USA, to John Raymond Dillingham and Harriet Hall Dillingham. Her father was a US marine who served during the World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Lewes’ mother was an English teacher. In addition, she worked for a year as an exchange teacher in England while teaching elementary school students in English.
Along with her three siblings, Samantha grew up all across the US. Following their parents’ divorce in 1962, their mother reared them. Her early years were split between California, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Hawaii, and Florida. In the end, her mother made the decision to relocate the family to northern California in order to be near her brother David.
She first became interested in acting when she was quite young. Following graduation from high school, she attended California State University, Sacramento to pursue her acting studies. She eventually began going by Samantha Lewes, her professional name.
Samantha Lewes’ Career
In 1981, she made a cameo as a waitress in the sitcom “Bosom Buddies” season one episode “Cahoots.” Lewes was chosen to play a client in Jack Shea’s 1984 telefilm “Mr. Success,” which centres on a man who severs all relations with his family in order to achieve success. James Coco, Patrick Cochran, and Viveka Davis are also featured in the TV film.
Samantha Lewes And Tom Hanks’ Relationship
Samantha met Hanks while attending California State University, Sacramento. She became pregnant with their first child in early 1977. The young couple had financial difficulties during this time, and after their children were born, things got even more difficult. Still residing in Sacramento, Lewes gave birth to their eldest child, Colin Hanks, on November 24, 1977. On January 24, 1978, she and Hanks exchanged wedding vows.
Lewes, Hanks, and Colin moved to New York City in 1979, where Hanks became somewhat well-known for his acting and stand-up comedy. He relocated the family to Los Angeles in 1980 after being cast as a major character on “Bosom Buddies.” The couple welcomed Elizabeth, a daughter, as their second child on May 17, 1982.
After six years of marriage, Lewes and Hanks divorced in 1984. On March 19, 1987, their divorce became official. Chester and Truman, Hanks’ two boys from his marriage to Rita Wilson, were born on April 30, 1988.
Samantha Lewes’ Death
Following her split from Tom Hanks, Samantha Lewes avoided the spotlight. She raised her two children in Sacramento for the remainder of her life. Colin and Elizabeth have both pursued acting careers similar to those of their parents.
Lewes received a bone cancer diagnosis and a few months to live at a regular check-up. Hanks, upon learning of it, made arrangements for her to see leading experts in the subject. The family was informed by the physicians that there was nothing more they could do except treat her discomfort when they discovered the cancer had progressed to her lungs and possibly even her brain. On March 12, 2002, Lewes passed away at the age of 49.
Even though Samantha Lewes passed away more than 20 years ago, many people still hold fond memories of her. She was a devoted mother in addition to a well-known actress. She bravely battled cancer all the way to the end. Her admirers will always cherish her life and the excellent deeds she accomplished.
