From Samantha Lewes to Rita Wilson: Tom Hanks' Enduring Hollywood Love Story

Tom Hanks, one of Hollywood's most beloved and respected actors, has navigated a public career spanning decades, often with his personal life, particularly his romantic relationships, under a watchful eye. While his on-screen roles have captivated audiences worldwide, his enduring love story with actress Rita Wilson has become as iconic as his filmography, standing as a testament to stability in an often tumultuous industry. However, before finding his lifelong partner, Hanks experienced a significant first marriage that shaped his early adult life.

Hanks' first marriage was to Samantha Lewes (born Susan Dillingham), an actress he met while they were both students at California State University, Sacramento. Their relationship began in the mid-1970s, and they tied the knot in 1978. During their marriage, the couple welcomed two children: their son, Colin Hanks, born in 1977, who also became a successful actor, and their daughter, Elizabeth Hanks, born in 1982. Their early years together coincided with Hanks' nascent career in film and television, including his role in the sitcom Bosom Buddies.

The marriage to Lewes lasted for nearly a decade, but as Hanks' career began to ascend, the couple faced challenges. After nine years of marriage, Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes ultimately divorced in 1987. While the specific reasons for their split were kept private, it marked a significant turning point in Hanks' personal life. Despite the end of their marital relationship, they reportedly maintained an amicable co-parenting relationship for their children. Lewes tragically passed away from bone cancer in 2002.

It was during the filming of the 1985 comedy Volunteers that Tom Hanks met Rita Wilson, an actress who would become his second wife and the enduring love of his life. Although they had first crossed paths briefly on the set of a TV show in 1981, their connection deepened while working on Volunteers. At the time, Hanks was still married to Lewes, but he and Wilson developed a strong friendship that eventually blossomed into romance after his divorce.

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson made their relationship public shortly after his divorce was finalized, and their deep connection was evident. They married on April 30, 1988, in a private ceremony, marking the beginning of one of Hollywood's most enduring and admired unions. Their marriage has been characterized by mutual support, public affection, and a shared commitment to family, often appearing together at red-carpet events and openly expressing their admiration for one another.

Over the decades, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have built a strong family together. They have two sons: Chester "Chet" Hanks, born in 1990, and Truman Hanks, born in 1995. The couple has frequently spoken about the strength of their bond and the importance of their relationship in navigating the pressures of fame. Hanks often credits Wilson as his rock and the foundation of his happiness and success.

"I'm a lucky man," Hanks once stated in an interview, reflecting on his marriage to Wilson. "She's a fantastic woman, and we've been together for a long, long time."

Their relationship has weathered various challenges, including Wilson's battle with breast cancer in 2015, during which Hanks was a steadfast support. More recently, in 2020, they were among the first high-profile celebrities to publicly announce they had contracted COVID-19, sharing their recovery journey with the world. Through it all, their public displays of affection and unwavering support for each other have only solidified their image as a power couple.

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary in 2024, a remarkable milestone in Hollywood terms. Their enduring partnership is often cited as an example of a successful celebrity marriage, built on shared values, humor, and a deep, abiding love. Their romantic journey, from Hanks' early marriage to Samantha Lewes to his long-standing and beloved union with Rita Wilson, paints a picture of a man who ultimately found his true partner, creating a legacy that extends far beyond his celebrated acting career.