Tom Hanks’ Daughter E.A. Explains Mother’s Abuse In New Book

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Tom Hanks’ daughter, Elizabeth Anne Hanks (often referred to as E.A.), is about to publish a new memoir titled “The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road.” This book provides unique perspectives into the life of Tom Hanks’ first wife, Susan Dillingham, who tragically passed away in 2002. The memoir delves into how Dillingham’s mental health struggles impacted their children, with a focus on Elizabeth Anne’s personal experiences.

E.A. Hanks talks about her mother’s abuse in her new book

In a starkly truthful account, I, E.A. Hanks, lay bare the hardships of my past in my latest memoir. This compelling narrative delves deep into the harrowing experiences of my mother’s abuse, the decline of Dillingham’s mental health, and my early recollections of what I perceived as “family” life. As I reflect on my journey, I can only recall two instances where both my parents were present simultaneously: the day my brother Colin graduated from high school and the day I did the same. (Adapted from People)

Tom Hanks and his former spouse, Susan Dillingham, parted ways in 1987 following nine years of matrimony. They were parents to Colin and E.A. Hanks. In the wake of their divorce, Dillingham was granted primary care of the children, with Tom Hanks enjoying visitation privileges.

However, as Dillingham’s circumstances evolved, so did the impact on her children, unfortunately. E.A. Hanks documented her mother’s mistreatment in her book, revealing how emotional abuse escalated to physical violence on one instance. Consequently, custody arrangements were altered, and E.A. Hanks visited her mother while residing with Tom in Los Angeles.

From age five to fourteen, I, E.A. Hanks, grew up as a Sacramento girl, surrounded by my mother. Those years were a whirlwind of emotions – chaos, pain, scarcity, and affection all rolled into one. In high school, I recounted how the emotional turmoil escalated to physical abuse in our home, which was often left unkempt and disorganized.

In a surprising turn of events, the 42-year-old writer disclosed that one fateful night, her emotional aggression escalated to physical violence. Consequently, she relocated to Los Angeles, finding herself right in the heart of the seventh grade. The arrangement for my custody was altered – I now resided in L.A., spending weekends and summer vacations in Sacramento instead.

Later on, E.A. Hanks discussed the condition of the house where she resided with Dillingham upon reaching 10 or 11 years old. In an interview with People, she explained, “The yelling became even more frightening. The meals were less predictable. She found it easier to maintain her composure in public, but that didn’t last long.

E.A. Hanks discusses the substantial impact both her difficult past and her father, Tom Hanks, have had on her life. In her words, “I am equally shaped by my father because he instilled in me the importance of honesty and the courage to keep moving forward.

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2025-04-04 16:10