Tom Hanks' life off-screen - first wife's cancer, health woes and on-set lover

01 December 2023 , 19:50

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The screen legend has led an eventful life (Image: FilmMagic)

Tom Hanks has tackled many hard-hitting issues in his long Hollywood career, and he's also navigated plenty of drama behind the scenes.

The 67-year-old Oscar winner rose to fame in fantasy comedy Big (1988), and soon became a household name, starring in cinematic classics such as Philadelphia (1993), Forrest Gump (1994), and Apollo 13 (1995).

As one of the brightest stars of the 1990s, Tom remains a beloved icon of the screen to this day, often referred to affectionately as 'America's dad'. Illustrious career aside, however, Tom has endured various ups and downs throughout his eventful life from health woes to an on-set love affair.

Tom made some significant lifestyle changes following his diagnosis

Health concerns

In 2013, Tom learned that he had Type 2 diabetes, having struggled with blood sugar levels throughout his life. Opening up on the Late Show with David Letterman, the actor recalled: "I went to the doctor, and he said, 'You know those high blood sugar numbers you've been dealing with since you were 36? Well, you've graduated! You've got type 2 diabetes, young man".

During a separate interview with the Radio Times, Tom admitted that he felt like a 'total idiot' following his diagnosis, admitting: "I'm part of the lazy American generation that has blindly kept dancing through the party and now finds ourselves with a malady. I was heavy. You've seen me in movies, you know what I looked like. I was a total idiot."

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Nowadays, the 67-year-old works hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle, making sure to keep active in a bid to control his blood sugar levels.

Tom came to his ex-wife's aid during her final days (Bei/REX/Shutterstock)

Sad loss of first wife

California-born Tom met his first wife Samantha Lewes during their drama student days, and the pair tied the knot in 1978. The couple welcomed their son Colin in 1977, and Elizabeth in 1982, but their happiness didn't last, and they ended up signing their divorce papers in 1987.

Sadly, Samantha was later diagnosed with bone cancer, and although they'd been divorced for more than 10 years, Tom came to her aid, even hiring a specialist to treat her condition. There was nothing that could be done, however, and the incurable cancer spread to Samantha's lungs and other parts of her body. Samantha passed away in 2002, at the age of 49.

Tom and Rita were instantly attracted to each other (Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

The couple have since welcomed two children (FilmMagic)

Co-star romance

Tom met his second wife Rita Wilson on the set of the 1980s sitcom Bosom Buddies, with the pair then going on to star together in the 1985 film Volunteers. Sparks flew, and an affair began while Tom was still married to Samantha. Opening up about their instant connection during an interview with GQ, Tom shared: "Rita and I just looked at each other and — kaboing — that was that. I asked Rita if it was the real thing for her, and it just couldn't be denied."

In a separate interview with Esquire, Tom, who was only 23 at the time of his first wedding, admitted: "I did happen to be married at the time. And there's nothing to celebrate about that." In 1985, one year after his divorce was finalised, Tom and Rita tied the knot and went on to welcome sons Chester 'Chet', born 1990, and Truman, born 1995.

Julia Banim