Tom Hanks, the beloved Hollywood icon, recently opened up about his daughter E.A. Hanks’ candid memoir, The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road. Published on April 8, 2025, the book delves into E.A.’s turbulent childhood, marked by her parents’ divorce and allegations of emotional and physical abuse by her mother, Samantha Lewes. In a heartfelt response, Hanks expressed pride in his daughter’s courage to share her story, emphasizing that “we all come from checkered, cracked lives.” This blog post explores Hanks’ reflections, the memoir’s revelations, and the broader themes of family, resilience, and healing.
A Father’s Pride in His Daughter’s Honesty
During an interview at the red carpet premiere of his latest film, The Phoenician Scheme, on May 26, 2025, Tom Hanks spoke to Access Hollywood about E.A.’s memoir. He described her as a “knockout” and praised her bravery in examining her past. “I’m not surprised that my daughter had the wherewithal as well as the curiosity to examine this thing that I think she was incredibly honest about,” Hanks said. His words reflect a deep sense of pride in E.A.’s willingness to confront difficult memories, even if it meant, as he put it, a “shoot-herself-in-the-foot kind of wherewithal.”
Hanks’ response highlights a universal truth about family dynamics: no one’s life is perfect. By acknowledging that “we all come from checkered, cracked lives,” he normalizes the struggles many face in their personal histories.
E.A. Hanks’ Memoir: A Journey Through a Troubled Childhood
E.A. Hanks, whose full name is Elizabeth Anne, uses her memoir to unpack the complexities of her upbringing following her parents’ 1987 divorce. After Tom Hanks and Samantha Lewes (born Susan Dillingham) parted ways, Lewes gained primary custody of E.A. and her brother, Colin Hanks. The family moved to Sacramento, where E.A. describes a home environment filled with neglect and instability. In an excerpt published by People magazine, she wrote, “The backyard became so full of dog s— that you couldn’t walk around it, the house stank of smoke. The fridge was bare or full of expired food more often than not.”
E.A. also believes her mother suffered from undiagnosed bipolar disorder, marked by episodes of paranoia and delusion. These challenges culminated in a pivotal moment when, as E.A. recounts, her mother’s “emotional violence became physical.” This incident prompted E.A. to move to Los Angeles in the middle of seventh grade to live with her father, flipping her custody arrangement. For more insights into how childhood experiences shape us, read our article on The Impact of Childhood Trauma.
The Turning Point: Escaping a Difficult Environment
The move to Los Angeles marked a significant shift for E.A. She describes the transition as a way to escape the escalating abuse. “My custody arrangement basically switched — now I lived in L.A. and visited Sacramento on the weekends and in the summer,” she wrote. This change allowed her to find stability with her father and stepmother, Rita Wilson, whom E.A. refers to as “my other mother” rather than a stepmother. The memoir also touches on the tragic loss of her mother, who died of lung cancer in 2002 at age 49, adding another layer of complexity to E.A.’s journey.
Themes of Resilience and Healing
E.A.’s memoir is not just a recounting of hardship but also a testament to resilience. Through her six-month road trip from California to Florida, she sought to understand her mother’s struggles and her own path to healing. The book blends personal reflection with broader themes, such as political and sociological issues in the U.S., making it a compelling read for those interested in personal growth and family dynamics.
Hanks’ support for his daughter’s work underscores the importance of open communication in families. His comments suggest a belief in the power of honesty to foster understanding and healing.
Key Takeaways from E.A. Hanks’ Memoir
- Honesty as Healing: E.A.’s willingness to share her story highlights the therapeutic power of confronting painful memories.
- Complex Family Dynamics: The memoir sheds light on the challenges of navigating divorce and custody arrangements.
- Mental Health Awareness: E.A.’s belief that her mother suffered from undiagnosed bipolar disorder emphasizes the need for mental health support.
- Resilience Through Reflection: The cross-country journey symbolizes E.A.’s quest for understanding and closure.
Tom Hanks’ Perspective on Parenting and Personality
Hanks’ reflections on parenting add depth to his response. He noted, “If you’ve had kids, you realize that you see who they are when they’re about 6 weeks old. Their personality is on display right there.” This insight speaks to his belief in the innate strength of his daughter’s character, which shines through in her memoir. It also resonates with parents who recognize their children’s unique traits early on. For more parenting insights, visit Parenting.com.
Hanks’ marriage to Rita Wilson, whom he wed in 1988, also plays a role in the family’s story. E.A. speaks warmly of Wilson, indicating a strong bond that helped her navigate her challenges. This dynamic highlights the importance of supportive family figures, a topic explored further by Psychology Today.
Why This Memoir Matters
The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road is more than a celebrity tell-all. It’s a story of grappling with a difficult past while seeking understanding and closure. E.A.’s honesty, coupled with Hanks’ supportive response, offers a powerful example of how families can address painful truths with empathy and openness. The memoir also contributes to broader conversations about mental health, parenting, and resilience, making it a valuable read for a wide audience.
For those interested in mental health resources, NAMI provides excellent support and information. E.A.’s story reminds us that healing is possible, even from “checkered, cracked lives.”
Tom Hanks’ response to his daughter E.A. Hanks’ memoir reflects a father’s pride and a universal truth about the complexities of life. The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road offers a raw, honest look at E.A.’s childhood, marked by her parents’ divorce and her mother’s struggles. Through her journey, E.A. demonstrates resilience, while Hanks’ support underscores the importance of empathy in family dynamics. This story resonates with anyone who has faced challenges and sought healing through understanding.
