Samantha Lewes, born Susan Jane Dillingham on November 29, 1952, in San Diego, California, was an American actress, best known for her brief but memorable appearances in television and film.
She is widely recognized as the first wife of actor Tom Hanks and the mother of their two children, Colin and Elizabeth Hanks, who would follow in their father’s footsteps to establish successful careers in Hollywood.
Though her acting career was limited to roles such as in Bosom Buddies (1980) and Mr. Success (1984), Lewes led a relatively private life outside the spotlight. After her divorce from Hanks in 1987, she focused on raising her children.
Sadly, Samantha passed away in 2002 at the age of 49 due to bone cancer, but her legacy remains, especially through the success of her children in the entertainment industry.
Samantha Lewes Biography/Wiki
| Full Name | Susan Jane Dillingham |
| Stage Name | Samantha Lewes |
| Date of Birth | November 29, 1952 |
| Place of Birth | San Diego, California, USA |
| Date of Death | March 12, 2002 |
| Place of Death | Sacramento, California, USA |
| Age at Death | 50 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Profession | Actress |
| Famous For | Roles in Bosom Buddies (1980) and Mr. Success (1984) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Spouse | Tom Hanks (m. 1978; div. 1987) |
| Children | Colin Hanks (b. 1977), Elizabeth Hanks (b. 1982) |
| Net Worth at Death | Estimated between $1 million and $15 million |
| Cause of Death | Bone cancer |
Who is Samantha Lewes?
Samantha Lewes, born Susan Jane Dillingham on November 29, 1952, in San Diego, California, was an actress recognized for her work in the television series Bosom Buddies (1980) and the TV movie Mr. Success (1984).
Despite her brief acting career, Samantha left an indelible mark through her roles. She was also known as the first wife of celebrated actor Tom Hanks, with whom she shared two children, Colin and Elizabeth Hanks.
After her divorce in 1987, Samantha focused on her family life. Tragically, she succumbed to bone cancer in 2002 at the age of 49. Though her life was cut short, her legacy endures through her children, who have made notable contributions to the entertainment industry.
Samantha Lewes Early Life and Family
Samantha Lewes, grew up in a modest family, though details about her early life are not widely documented. Samantha chose to pursue acting in her younger years, a decision that would later shape her career.
She met actor Tom Hanks in the mid-1970s, and the two eventually married on January 24, 1978. The couple had two children: Colin Hanks, born in 1977, who became a well-known actor, and Elizabeth Hanks, born in 1982, who pursued a career in writing and acting.
The family remained in the public eye until Samantha and Tom divorced in 1987. Although Samantha kept a relatively private life after the divorce, she remained involved in her children’s lives and supported their careers.
Her journey was marked by her dedication to family and her battle with bone cancer, which ultimately claimed her life in 2002.
Samantha Lewes Amazing Career
Samantha Lewes’ career in the entertainment industry, though brief, was notable for her roles in early TV shows. She gained attention for her appearance on Bosom Buddies in 1980, a popular sitcom where she portrayed a waitress in one of the episodes.
She also appeared in the TV movie Mr. Success (1984), where she played the role of a customer. Despite only having a handful of acting credits, Samantha’s career was closely tied to her marriage to actor Tom Hanks, who later went on to become one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures.
While she did not pursue an extensive acting career, Samantha’s brief time in the spotlight contributed to the entertainment world, particularly in the 1980s. After her acting career, she shifted her focus toward raising her two children, Colin and Elizabeth Hanks, who followed in her footsteps in the entertainment industry, with Colin achieving success as an actor.
Samantha Lewes Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Samantha Lewes (born Susan Jane Dillingham) |
| Date of Birth | November 29, 1952 |
| Place of Birth | San Diego, California, USA |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 130 pounds (59 kg) |
| Body Type | Slim |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Complexion | Fair skin |
| Distinctive Features | Samantha had a friendly and approachable demeanor, often noted for her warm smile. |
| Overall Appearance | Samantha Lewes was known for her natural, down-to-earth beauty, with an understated, classic look. |
Samantha Lewes Husband/Boyfriend and Relationship Status
Samantha Lewes was married to actor Tom Hanks on January 24, 1978. The two met in the 1970s and quickly became a notable couple in Hollywood. Their relationship resulted in the birth of two children: Colin Hanks, born in 1977, and Elizabeth Hanks, born in 1982.
However, despite their early love and shared life, Samantha and Tom Hanks divorced in 1987, after nearly a decade of marriage. While Samantha went on to lead a more private life, she remained closely connected to her children, who both went on to work in the entertainment industry.
There are no major public records of subsequent relationships after her divorce from Tom Hanks. Her relationship with her children remained her primary focus until her passing in 2002. Samantha’s quiet yet steadfast support of her family has made her legacy one of strong maternal love and influence on her children’s careers.
Samantha Lewes Net Worth
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Samantha Lewes (born Susan Jane Dillingham) |
| Estimated Net Worth | Estimated to be between $1 million and $15 million at the time of her death (2002) |
| Net Worth in 2025 | Given Samantha Lewes’ passing in 2002, it’s impossible to estimate her net worth for 2025. However, it is important to note that her legacy lives on through her children, Colin and Elizabeth Hanks, who have had significant careers in the entertainment industry. |
| Source of Wealth | Samantha Lewes’ primary wealth came from her brief acting career, and her marriage to Tom Hanks, which brought her additional visibility in the media. |
| Assets | As the details of Samantha’s financial assets were private, there is little information available on specific assets. |
| Legacy | While her wealth was not the defining feature of her life, her legacy continues through her children and their continued success in the entertainment world. Her net worth was modest, but her family’s future has been financially prosperous. |
| Current Status | As Samantha passed away in 2002, her net worth is no longer growing or fluctuating. Her children have been successful in their careers, adding to the family’s wealth. |
Samantha Lewes Future Plan and Goal
As Samantha Lewes passed away in 2002, her plans and goals were unfortunately cut short due to her battle with bone cancer. However, during her lifetime, she expressed great love and dedication toward her children, Colin and Elizabeth Hanks, and her aspirations for the future likely revolved around supporting them as they navigated their paths in life and entertainment.
Samantha’s life was marked by her role as a mother and her involvement in the early stages of her children’s careers. Had she lived longer, it is plausible that she would have continued to support their endeavors and perhaps even pursued more opportunities within the industry.
Though she had a brief acting career, her lasting impact remains in the legacy of her children, who have thrived in Hollywood. Therefore, her goal would have undoubtedly been to watch them flourish and find happiness in their careers.
Samantha Lewes Social Media
| Platform | Followers | Following | Posts | Likes | Total Views | Link |
| 41K | 1242 | 1808 | – | – | Instagram Link | |
| TikTok | 612 | – | – | 2133 | 62.7M | TikTok Link |
Fun Facts:
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Early Career in TV:
Samantha Lewes gained recognition in the early 1980s, making guest appearances in popular TV shows like Bosom Buddies (1980), where she played a waitress, and Mr. Success (1984).
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Tom Hanks’ First Wife:
Samantha was married to actor Tom Hanks in 1978. They had two children, Colin and Elizabeth Hanks, who both followed in their parent’s footsteps into acting.
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Private Life:
Despite being married to a famous actor, Samantha was known for keeping her personal life out of the public eye, preferring to maintain a low profile.
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Mother of Talented Children:
Her son Colin Hanks has carved out a successful acting career, known for his roles in Dexter and Fargo, while her daughter Elizabeth pursued acting and writing.
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Legacy Through Her Children:
Even though Samantha’s acting career was short-lived, her legacy continues through her children, who are well-known figures in the entertainment industry.
Samantha Lewes Videos and Images
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Samantha Lewes married to?
Samantha Lewes was married to actor Tom Hanks in 1978. They had two children together, Colin Hanks and Elizabeth Hanks. However, they divorced in 1987.
What was Samantha Lewes’ most famous role?
Samantha Lewes was known for her role in the TV series Bosom Buddies (1980), where she appeared in an episode as a waitress. She also appeared in the TV movie Mr. Success (1984).
Did Samantha Lewes have any children?
Yes, Samantha Lewes had two children with Tom Hanks: Colin Hanks, an actor, and Elizabeth Hanks, an actress and writer.
When did Samantha Lewes pass away?
Samantha Lewes passed away on March 12, 2002, at the age of 49 due to bone cancer. Her legacy lives on through her children’s successful careers.
Conclusion:
Samantha Lewes, though her career was brief, left a lasting impact through her family and contributions to the entertainment world. Born as Susan Jane Dillingham, she made notable appearances in Bosom Buddies and Mr. Success.
Despite her limited acting roles, she was more recognized for her relationship with Tom Hanks and for being the mother of two successful children, Colin and Elizabeth Hanks. Lewes chose to live a relatively private life and avoided the constant glare of the spotlight.
Tragically, her life was cut short when she passed away at the age of 49 from bone cancer in 2002. Today, her legacy continues through the achievements of her children, both of whom have built successful careers in Hollywood.
