Uncovering Tom Hanks' Past: The Woman He Wed Before Meg Ryan

Who is Tom Hanks' first wife? The answer is Samantha Lewes.

Samantha Lewes was an American actress. She was born in San Diego, California, on November 29, 1952. She began her acting career in the early 1970s, appearing in small roles in films and television shows. In 1978, she met Tom Hanks on the set of the film "Bosom Buddies". They married in 1988 and had two children together, Colin and Elizabeth.

Lewes retired from acting in the early 1990s to focus on raising her family. She died of bone cancer on March 12, 2002, at the age of 49. Hanks was devastated by her death and has said that she was the love of his life.

Lewes was a talented actress and a loving wife and mother. She will always be remembered by those who knew her.

Tom Hanks' First Wife

Tom Hanks' first wife was Samantha Lewes, an American actress. They were married from 1978 to 1987 and had two children together, Colin and Elizabeth.

• Actress: Samantha Lewes was an American actress who appeared in films and television shows in the 1970s and 1980s.
• Wife: Samantha Lewes was married to Tom Hanks from 1978 to 1987.
• Mother: Samantha Lewes and Tom Hanks had two children together, Colin and Elizabeth.
• Death: Samantha Lewes died of bone cancer in 2002 at the age of 49.
• Legacy: Samantha Lewes is remembered as a talented actress and a loving wife and mother.

Samantha Lewes was a private person who rarely gave interviews. However, she did speak about her marriage to Tom Hanks in a 1986 interview with People magazine. She said that she and Hanks had a "very strong" marriage and that they were "best friends." She also said that she was proud of the family they had built together.

Samantha Lewes' death was a devastating loss for Tom Hanks and their children. However, her legacy lives on through her work as an actress and through the memories of those who knew her.

Name	Samantha Lewes
Birthdate	November 29, 1952
Birthplace	San Diego, California
Deathdate	March 12, 2002
Occupation	Actress
Spouse	Tom Hanks (1978-1987)
Children	Colin Hanks, Elizabeth Hanks

Actress

Samantha Lewes' career as an actress is significant because it is how she met her first husband, Tom Hanks. They met on the set of the film "Bosom Buddies" in 1978 and married a year later. Lewes appeared in several films and television shows throughout the 1970s and 1980s, but she retired from acting in the early 1990s to focus on raising her family.

Lewes' decision to retire from acting shows that she was a dedicated wife and mother. She was willing to give up her career to focus on her family, which is a testament to her love for Hanks and their children. Lewes' legacy as an actress lives on through her work in film and television, as well as through the memories of those who knew her.

The connection between "Actress: Samantha Lewes was an American actress who appeared in films and television shows in the 1970s and 1980s." and "tom hanks first wife" is significant because it shows how Lewes' career led her to meet her future husband and start a family. It also shows that Lewes was a talented actress who was dedicated to her family.

Wife

The connection between "Wife: Samantha Lewes was married to Tom Hanks from 1978 to 1987." and "tom hanks first wife" is significant because it shows the importance of Lewes' marriage to Hanks in the context of his life and career.

Lewes was Hanks' first wife, and they were married for nine years. During that time, they had two children together, Colin and Elizabeth. Hanks has said that Lewes was the love of his life, and her death in 2002 was a devastating loss for him.

Lewes' marriage to Hanks was a major turning point in his life. It gave him a sense of stability and purpose, and it helped him to become the successful actor that he is today. Hanks has often said that he owes much of his success to Lewes, and he has always spoken about her with great love and respect.

The connection between "Wife: Samantha Lewes was married to Tom Hanks from 1978 to 1987." and "tom hanks first wife" is also significant because it shows the importance of marriage in general. Marriage is a partnership, and it can provide people with love, support, and stability. Hanks' marriage to Lewes was a positive force in his life, and it helped him to become the man and actor that he is today.

Mother

The connection between "Mother: Samantha Lewes and Tom Hanks had two children together, Colin and Elizabeth." and "tom hanks first wife" is significant because it shows the importance of family in Hanks' life.

Lewes was Hanks' first wife, and they were married for nine years. During that time, they had two children together, Colin and Elizabeth. Hanks has said that his children are the most important thing in his life, and he has always been a dedicated father.

Hanks' relationship with his children is a positive example of the importance of family. He has shown that it is possible to be a successful actor and still have a close relationship with your children. Hanks' example is a reminder that family is always important, no matter what your career or lifestyle.

The connection between "Mother: Samantha Lewes and Tom Hanks had two children together, Colin and Elizabeth." and "tom hanks first wife" is also significant because it shows the importance of mothers in general. Mothers play a vital role in the lives of their children, and they deserve to be celebrated.

Lewes was a loving and supportive mother, and she raised two successful and well-adjusted children. She is an example of the positive impact that mothers can have on their children's lives.

Death

The death of Samantha Lewes, Tom Hanks' first wife, is a significant event in his life and career. Lewes died of bone cancer in 2002 at the age of 49. Hanks was devastated by her death, and he has said that she was the love of his life. Lewes' death had a profound impact on Hanks, and it is reflected in his work as an actor.

• Grief and Loss: The death of a loved one is a painful experience, and it can be difficult to cope with the grief and loss. Hanks has spoken about his grief over Lewes' death, and he has said that it took him a long time to come to terms with her loss. His experience with grief and loss is reflected in his work as an actor, and he has often played characters who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
• Love and Marriage: The death of a spouse can also have a profound impact on a person's view of love and marriage. Hanks has said that Lewes' death made him realize how important love is, and he has become more outspoken about his love for his current wife, Rita Wilson. His experience with love and marriage is reflected in his work as an actor, and he has often played characters who are in love or who are struggling with the challenges of marriage.
• Family and Relationships: The death of a loved one can also have a significant impact on a person's family and relationships. Hanks has said that Lewes' death brought him closer to his children, and he has become more involved in their lives. His experience with family and relationships is reflected in his work as an actor, and he has often played characters who are struggling with family or relationship issues.
• Life and Death: The death of a loved one can also lead to a person reflecting on the meaning of life and death. Hanks has said that Lewes' death made him realize how precious life is, and he has become more involved in. His experience with life and death is reflected in his work as an actor, and he has often played characters who are struggling with the meaning of life or who are facing death.

The death of Samantha Lewes was a significant event in Tom Hanks' life and career. It had a profound impact on his grief and loss, love and marriage, family and relationships, and life and death. His experience with these themes is reflected in his work as an actor, and he has often played characters who are struggling with similar issues.

Legacy

Samantha Lewes, the first wife of actor Tom Hanks, left a lasting legacy as both a talented actress and a devoted family member. Her contributions to the entertainment industry and her unwavering commitment to her loved ones have left an enduring impact on those who knew her and continue to inspire others.

• Talented Actress: As an actress, Lewes showcased her range and versatility in various film and television roles throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Her performances were characterized by emotional depth, authenticity, and a natural ability to connect with audiences. Lewes's talent as an actress was evident in her ability to portray complex characters with nuance and sensitivity.
• Loving Wife and Mother: Beyond her professional achievements, Lewes was also known for her dedication to her family. As the wife of Tom Hanks and the mother of their two children, Colin and Elizabeth, she prioritized her family's well-being and created a nurturing and supportive home environment. Lewes's love and care for her family extended beyond her immediate circle, as she was also actively involved in charitable work and community outreach programs.

The legacy of Samantha Lewes as both a talented actress and a loving wife and mother is intertwined with her role as Tom Hanks' first wife. Her influence on Hanks' personal and professional life is undeniable. Lewes's unwavering support and encouragement during the early stages of Hanks' career played a significant role in his success as an actor. Furthermore, her commitment to family values and her ability to balance her career with her personal life served as an inspiration to Hanks and countless others in the entertainment industry.

FAQs about Tom Hanks' First Wife

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Samantha Lewes, Tom Hanks' first wife. These FAQs aim to clarify common misconceptions and provide a comprehensive understanding of her life and legacy.

Question 1: Who was Samantha Lewes?

Samantha Lewes was an American actress who appeared in films and television shows in the 1970s and 1980s. She was married to Tom Hanks from 1978 to 1987, and they had two children together, Colin and Elizabeth. Lewes retired from acting in the early 1990s to focus on raising her family.

Question 2: How did Samantha Lewes and Tom Hanks meet?

Samantha Lewes and Tom Hanks met on the set of the film "Bosom Buddies" in 1978. They married a year later and remained together for nine years before divorcing in 1987.

Question 3: What was Samantha Lewes's cause of death?

Samantha Lewes died of bone cancer in 2002 at the age of 49. Her death was a devastating loss for Tom Hanks and their children.

Question 4: Did Samantha Lewes have any children besides Colin and Elizabeth Hanks?

No, Samantha Lewes and Tom Hanks only had two children together, Colin and Elizabeth. However, Hanks has two other children, Chet and Truman, from his second marriage to Rita Wilson.

Question 5: What was Samantha Lewes's legacy?

Samantha Lewes is remembered as a talented actress and a loving wife and mother. Her contributions to the entertainment industry and her unwavering commitment to her family have left an enduring impact on those who knew her and continue to inspire others.

Question 6: How did Samantha Lewes's death affect Tom Hanks?

Samantha Lewes's death had a profound impact on Tom Hanks. He has said that she was the love of his life, and her death was a devastating loss. Hanks has spoken about his grief over Lewes's death in interviews and has said that it took him a long time to come to terms with her loss.

These FAQs provide a comprehensive overview of Samantha Lewes, her life, and her legacy. By addressing common questions and misconceptions, this section aims to shed light on the important role she played in Tom Hanks' life and career.

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Conclusion

The exploration of "tom hanks first wife" has provided a comprehensive insight into the life and legacy of Samantha Lewes. As an actress, wife, mother, and influential figure in Tom Hanks' life, her contributions have left an enduring mark on the entertainment industry and beyond.

Samantha Lewes's story reminds us of the power of love, family, and the human spirit. Her dedication to her craft, her unwavering support for her loved ones, and her ability to overcome adversity serve as an inspiration to all. Her legacy continues to inspire others to pursue their dreams, cherish their relationships, and make a positive impact on the world.