Behind the Spotlight: Unveiling the Untold Story of Tom Hanks' First Family

Unveiling the Shadows: A Daughter's Journey Through Fame, Family Struggles, and the Legacy of Tom Hanks' First Marriage

In the glamorous yet complicated world of Hollywood, family dynamics reveal deep and often painful stories. One instance that sheds light on these hidden struggles is the life of Susan Dillingham, Tom Hanks' first wife, whose troubled experiences came to the forefront through the memoir of their daughter, E.A. Hanks. As one of the industry's most beloved icons, Tom Hanks is known for his charming roles and humanitarian efforts, but his personal life, particularly his early marriage, reveals a different, more complex narrative.

Susan Dillingham, an actress who initially gained attention as Samantha Lewes, was once married to Tom Hanks from 1978 until 1985. They welcomed two children, son Colin and daughter Elizabeth Anne, who now goes by E.A. In her revealing memoir, *The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road*, released in April 2025, E.A. uncovers the hardships her mother went through, including a turbulent childhood and a battle with mental health that affected her family life after her divorce from Hanks. The memoir portrays a compelling and often somber view of a family fractured by fame and personal demons—an experience that is both startling and relatable in the celebrity landscape.

Their romance blossomed during their time as theater students at Sacramento State University in the '70s. They married in 1978, shortly after the birth of Colin, with E.A. joining the family a few years later. However, their seemingly idyllic beginning disintegrated, and by 1985, they were separated. Just two years after their split, Hanks moved on and married Rita Wilson, with whom he has two sons, Truman and Chet. Tragically, Susan Dillingham passed away at the young age of 49 in 2002, after a battle with lung cancer.

E.A.'s memoir paints a heartbreaking picture of her childhood post-divorce. She alleges that her mother began exhibiting abusive and neglectful behavior after separating from Hanks. According to E.A., Susan had primary custody, which led to disturbing circumstances, including a sudden move from Los Angeles to Sacramento that left her father scrambling to find them. This tumultuous childhood was marked by “confusion, violence, deprivation, and love,” as E.A. recalls her mother descending into emotional turmoil that eventually manifested as physical violence.

The memoir further explores the mental health issues that may have plagued Susan, as E.A. suggests that undiagnosed bipolar disorder could have played a significant role in her behavior. Susan's home life deteriorated, characterized by neglect, confusion, and an obsession with the Bible, often cloistered in her bedroom. After a particularly violent episode, E.A. moved into her father’s care, and the relationship between mother and daughter became strained. Their bond frayed under the weight of unresolved issues, culminating in a poignant moment when E.A. received a call from her mother revealing her impending death.

In her journey to make sense of her mother’s life, E.A. embarked on a six-month road trip to discover more about Susan’s past. This quest was not only an exploration of physical distances but also a reconciliation of emotional landscapes. She uncovered haunting accounts of her mother's childhood, including a deeply disturbing narrative that involved witnessing horrific violence against a child. E.A. speculates that these accounts may symbolize her mother's own experiences of trauma and abuse, suggesting a cycle of pain that stretched back generations.

E.A.'s journey is not just about reclaiming her mother’s story but also about acknowledging the shadows cast by her father's fame. She contends that Susan's struggles were exacerbated by the pressure of being the ex-wife of a superstar. In an interview, E.A. articulated that her mother felt overshadowed by Hanks' monumental success, stating that it may have obliterated Susan's dreams and aspirations in the entertainment industry. The contrasts between the glitzy world of Hollywood and the reality of personal strife are laid bare, illustrating how fame can complicate familial relationships.

Despite the tumultuous past, E.A. credits her father for inspiring her to write her memoir. Tom Hanks has largely maintained a distance from discussing his relationship with Susan in public. However, through E.A.’s account, it becomes evident that he has played a supportive role in her life, assisting her through the writing process and offering a perspective that validates her experiences. In interviews, E.A. expressed gratitude for her father's guidance, emphasizing the importance of truth-telling in overcoming the past.

As tales of celebrity lives often suggest, the glamorous veneer of fame can conceal profound suffering and complexity. E.A.'s memoir serves as a poignant reminder that behind the headlines and the smiles lies a human experience marked by challenges, loss, and a quest for understanding. The narrative intertwines threads of Hollywood glamour with the raw realities of mental health, familial breakdown, and resilience. In the end, while Tom Hanks continues to bask in the glow of his acclaim, it’s E.A. who sheds light on the hidden stories that shape a family's legacy—testimonies that resonate far beyond the walls of the entertainment industry. This exploration invites readers to appreciate the complexity of celebrity lives and the truths that often remain untold.