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Tom Hanks’ Daughter, Elizabeth Anne Hanks, Shares Childhood Experiences
Elizabeth Anne Hanks, daughter of renowned actor Tom Hanks, has recently offered a rare glimpse into her early years, detailing challenging experiences from her childhood. In excerpts from her forthcoming memoir, “The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road,” E.A. Hanks, also known as Elizabeth Anne Hanks, recounts alleged mistreatment by her late mother, Samantha Lewes, the former wife of the Oscar-winning actor.
Accusations Against Samantha Lewes
Elizabeth Anne Hanks, 42, states that the alleged abuse began after her mother, Samantha Lewes (stage name of Susan Dillingham), secured primary custody of her and her brother, Colin Hanks, 47, following her divorce from Tom Hanks in the 1980s. She describes a sudden and disruptive move from Los Angeles to Sacramento, California, which she indicates was unexpected by her father.
Sudden Relocation and Parental Separation
According to the memoir excerpt, the relocation was abrupt and without Tom Hanks’ knowledge. E.A. Hanks describes the incident: “My dad came to pick us up from school and we weren’t there. And it turns out we hadn’t been there for two weeks and he had to locate us.” This event underscores the strained circumstances following her parents’ separation and the ensuing custody arrangements.
Memoir Details Childhood Turmoil
Elizabeth Anne Hanks further elaborates on the complexities of her childhood in Sacramento. “Eventually a divorce agreement was finalized, and I would visit my dad and stepmother (and subsequently my younger half brothers) on weekends and during summers,” she wrote, referencing Tom Hanks’ wife, Rita Wilson, and their sons, Chet Hanks, 34, and Truman Hanks, 29. However, she emphasizes the significant period from ages 5 to 14 as formative “years filled with turmoil, brutality, hardship, and affection” in Sacramento.