Key Point Summary – Tom Hank’s Daughter

• Tom Hanks responds publicly to his daughter E.A. Hanks’s emotional memoir.
• E.A. recounts disturbing childhood abuse by her late mother, Samantha Lewes.
• Her book, “The 10,” explores trauma, mental illness, and survival.
• Hanks expresses pride in her honesty and curiosity.
• The memoir revisits family history, divorce, and Hollywood fame.

Tom Hanks Praises Daughter’s Courage

Tom Hanks has finally spoken out about his daughter’s explosive new memoir. E.A. Hanks, the 42-year-old daughter of Tom and the late actress Samantha Lewes, published “The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road” in April. In it, she paints a painful portrait of her childhood, including emotional and physical abuse by her mother.
At a red carpet premiere for his latest film, Tom said he wasn’t surprised by her decision to write the book. He called her honest and curious, saying she had always been open about her journey.

A Painful Look Back At A Troubled Childhood

E.A. spent her early years in Los Angeles before her mother moved her and brother Colin to Sacramento without warning. From ages five to fourteen, E.A. lived in what she describes as chaos—violence, confusion, and emotional neglect.
She recalls her home stinking of smoke and her mother lying in bed for days. Eventually, after a violent episode, she moved back to live with Tom in Los Angeles.

Memoir Reveals Dark Family Secrets

In her memoir, E.A. shares a disturbing journal entry written by her mother. It described a horrifying event where Samantha claimed her own father raped and killed a child. The claim was never proven, but it shook E.A. to the core.
She believes her mother may have suffered from undiagnosed bipolar disorder, contributing to her paranoia and delusions. Samantha died in 2002 of bone cancer at just 50.

From Marriage To Meltdown

Tom Hanks married Samantha Lewes in 1979 after they met at college. They had two children, Colin and E.A. Hanks, before divorcing in 1987. Their marriage had been strained by Tom’s rising fame and growing distance.
Hanks met his current wife, Rita Wilson, on set in 1985. They married in 1988 and have two children together—Chet and Truman.

A Daughter Reclaims Her Past

After her mother’s death, E.A. set out on a six-month road trip across the U.S. in a Winnebago. She hoped to make sense of the trauma she endured. Her memoir, “The 10,” isn’t just about her childhood. It’s about reclaiming her identity and finding peace.
And now, her father—one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors—has shown public support. Despite the painful memories exposed, Tom Hanks stood by his daughter and praised her bravery.