Tom Hanks, one of the most celebrated actors of his generation, has built a legacy filled with iconic roles that have earned him a place in Hollywood history. However, his rise to fame came with its own set of challenges, particularly for his ex-wife, Susan Dillingham. In her memoir, The 10: A Memoir of Family and The Open Road, Hanks’ daughter, Elizabeth Anne, opened up about the difficult toll her father’s fame took on her mother.
Elizabeth described her mother’s experience with Tom Hanks’ growing popularity as “catastrophic.” She explained that Susan had once dreamed of being an actress herself, but Hanks’ newfound stardom, especially following his roles in hits like Forrest Gump, effectively overshadowed her own aspirations. Elizabeth noted that her mother felt that Hanks’ fame “obliterated” her and any chance she had at pursuing her career in acting. In her memoir, she revealed that, tragically, Susan’s lack of a strong career made the situation feel like an even greater blow.
After their divorce, Hanks went on to marry Rita Wilson, with whom he had two sons. Meanwhile, Susan, struggling with her personal challenges, became increasingly withdrawn. Elizabeth, who grew up in this environment, reflected on how her mother’s mental health seemed to deteriorate. She even speculated that Susan might have suffered from bipolar disorder, with the emotional neglect growing as time passed. Elizabeth recalled how her mother became more reclusive, spending hours in bed reading the Bible while the household fell into disrepair. The family home became chaotic, with dog waste in the backyard and expired food filling the fridge.
As Susan’s emotional state worsened, the situation became physically abusive, which led Elizabeth to make the difficult decision to move to Los Angeles in the middle of seventh grade. This painful chapter in her life, along with the complex relationship with her mother, is candidly explored in Elizabeth Anne’s memoir. Through these raw and emotional revelations, she sheds light on the deep effects of fame and the personal struggles it can bring.
