Tom Hanks recently expressed his pride in his daughter E.A. Hanks, who has opened up about her difficult childhood in her memoir, “The 10: A Memoir of Family And The Open Road.” During an interview at the premiere of “The Phoenician Scheme,” Hanks emphasized the courage it takes to share such personal experiences, particularly as E.A. details the alleged abuse she suffered from her late mother, Samantha Lewes.
Hanks praised his daughter’s honesty and bravery in tackling these difficult subjects. “We all come from checked or cracked lives, all of us,” he remarked, acknowledging that everyone faces challenges, regardless of their background. He shared that he recognized his daughter’s unique personality from a young age, stating that her inquisitive and determined nature was evident even when she was just six weeks old.
E.A. Hanks, now 43, reflects on her tumultuous childhood, describing a home life marked by chaos, with her mother reportedly struggling with mental health issues that led to abusive behavior. In her memoir, she recalls traumatic experiences, such as being physically restrained and subjected to frightening narratives about “men in closets.”
Following her parent’s divorce in 1987, E.A. moved to Sacramento with her mother before eventually living with her father in Los Angeles due to escalating violence. She expressed gratitude for her father’s second marriage to Rita Wilson, calling her “my other mother,” which highlights a sense of stability and love that she found later in life.
E.A.’s candid storytelling serves as a reminder of resilience and the importance of addressing difficult truths for personal healing. The reception of her memoir, combined with her father’s supportive remarks, suggests a shared commitment to personal growth and a hopeful future. Hanks’ endorsement of his daughter’s journey underscores the importance of family support in overcoming adversity.