Tom Hanks & First Wife Samantha Got Divorced despite Sharing Children – She Died 15 Years Later

The media commonly terms actors Tom Hanks and his wife of many decades, Rita Wilson a match made in heaven. However, very little is known about Samantha Lewes, Hanks' first wife, who died at a young age.

When Tom Hanks is not getting hearts tingly on screen, he is a model family man. Thankfully, he has an equally perfect partner, actress and film producer Rita Wilson, whom he married in 1988.

Before that, however, Hanks was married to Samantha Lewes. Sadly, their union only lasted for nine years and the couple parted ways in 1987. Here are a few things to know about the deceased star.

LEWES WAS AN ACTRESS

Born Susan Jane Dillingham on November 29, 1952, Lewes found fame as an actress in the 1980s. She starred in the hit films "Mr. Success" in 1980 and the movie "Bosom Buddies" in 1984.

Although her educational details were never publicly shared, it is believed that Lewes was highly educated and developed a passion for acting from a very young age.

LEWES AND HANKS WERE SCHOOLMATES

The most private thing that people knew about her life was her relationship with Hanks. According to reports, Lewes and Hanks first met back at school when they were acting students at Sacramento State University.

They had only been friends at the time, but their relationship quickly became more serious. By 1978, the young actors decided to tie the knot.

THEIR MARRIAGE

At the time of their marriage, Hanks was only 23, while Lewes was 27. The age difference meant nothing to them, and during the time they were together, the public held them in high regard as the perfect couple.

The couple shares two children, son Colin born in 1977, and daughter Elizabeth born in 1982. Everything was going well for the couple until sometime in 1984 when the couple decided to start living in different homes.

REASON FOR THE DIVORCE

In the beginning, it was believed the couple grew apart due to misunderstandings and complications leading to their divorce in 1987. However, Hanks once revealed that the actual reason was not that.

The movie star explained that he married too early and discovered that it was not the right choice to make so early on. He added that at the time, he was not ready to take the responsibility of raising a child.

THINKING ABOUT HIS CHILDREN

After growing up in a broken family, the "Forrest Gump" actor initially did not want his children to experience the same thing. However, he felt like it was something he had to do.

While he did not have vices, Hanks admitted that he could have been a much better dad back then. By being better, he meant being there for them, explaining things more, and not being too preoccupied with other things.

SPEAKING ABOUT THEIR DIVORCE

Getting divorced was a difficult decision for both Lewes and Hanks, but it was something they needed to do. Opening up about it in 2013, he said:

"A broken marriage meant I was sentencing my own kids to the sort of feelings I had at their age. I was just too young and insecure for marriage."

COLIN'S CAREER

In terms of their children, Colin and Elizabeth are both credited as actors. However, Colin seems to be a lot busier, as he is also a producer and director.

He is most popularly known for starring in films such as "Orange County," "King Kong," "The House Bunny," the "Jumanji" film series as well as some notable television appearances.

ELIZABETH'S CAREER

Meanwhile, Elizabeth is credited for her performances in the 1994 American comedy-drama, "Forrest Gump," the 1996 comedy musical, "That Thing You Do!" and the short drama "Anchoraged."

Elizabeth is also a writer and an important figure in the American world of publishing and currently works with the Los Angeles Review of Books as the Children's Editor.

LEWES' CANCER BATTLE

Following her split from Hanks, Lewes kept a low profile while taking care of their children. She was later on diagnosed with bone cancer, something she dealt with for the rest of her life.

According to reports, the "The Terminal" actor was devastated by the news. Despite their ups and downs, they remained friends through the years.

HER DEATH IN 2002

Lewes passed away on March 12, 2002, in her residence at Carmichael, Sacramento County, California. She was 49 years old.

She was laid to rest at the East Lawn Memorial Park in the same area, and Hanks mourned alongside his two children. Through it all, he had the best support system in his second wife Rita Wilson.

HIS SECOND MARRIAGE

Hanks is now known for his long-lasting marriage to Wilson. They have been married for over three decades, and it all began when they met in 1984 on the set of "Volunteers."

Hanks was drawn to Wilson's personality. At the time, even their co-stars could tell that they were "fond of each other." It was only a matter of time until they got together.

ROCKY BEGINNINGS

While Hanks was married when they met, Wilson was engaged. However, she was not in love. In fact, she would, later on, claim that she did not know what being in love meant until she met Hanks.

By 1987, the actor and his first wife divorced and they did not look back. He and Wilson got married in 1988, and the pair went on to share two children named Truman and Chet.

As for why their marriage stood the test of time this time around, the "Cast Away" actor admitted that it was timing, maturity, and their willingness to share such an intimate connection with one another.

When they looked at each other, they could feel a sense of home. Because of that, Hanks believes they got married for all the right reasons and they've proven that by how long their marriage has lasted.