E.A. Hanks, daughter of Tom Hanks and his first wife, Susan Dillingham, recently released her memoir, *The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road*. In it, she delves into the complexities of her childhood, offering a candid look at her unique family dynamic and the questions she grappled with growing up. One particularly revealing passage discusses a conversation she had with her father about the circumstances surrounding her birth.
E.A. recounts asking Tom Hanks if she was a ‘save the marriage baby,’ a question many children of separated parents might ask. His response, however, was unexpected and poignant. He assured her that she wasn’t, but shared a deeply personal revelation about the circumstances of her conception. He explained that after the death of Susan’s father, her mother’s desire for another child led to E.A.’s birth. This honest answer sheds light on the emotional context behind E.A.’s arrival and the profound impact of grief on family dynamics.
The memoir also explores the challenges of E.A.’s childhood, marked by a complex relationship with her mother and the frequent transitions between her mother’s home in Sacramento and her father’s home in Los Angeles. She describes a period of her life marked by confusion, violence, deprivation, and love, all while navigating the unique challenges of growing up in a family thrust into the public eye. Her reflections highlight the emotional toll of parental separation and the struggle to reconcile conflicting versions of family history.
At 14, E.A. moved to live with her father, forming close relationships with her stepmother, Rita Wilson, and her half-brothers, Chet and Truman Hanks. However, the transition was not without its difficulties. She describes the pain of being separated from her mother, and the challenges of reconciling her memories of a complex relationship with her late mother, who passed away from lung cancer when E.A. was just 19. E.A.’s memoir offers a deeply personal exploration of family, loss, and the enduring power of love in the face of adversity.
The memoir also provides insights into the lives of Tom Hanks’ other children, Colin, Chet, and Truman. It highlights the unique experiences and paths each has taken while offering a glimpse into their family’s dynamics. The book showcases the various ways the Hanks children have embraced their family legacy, each carving their own unique path while maintaining a connection to their famous father.
E.A.’s candid reflections offer a raw and honest portrayal of a family grappling with both immense success and deep personal struggles. It’s a story of resilience, honesty, and the enduring bonds of family, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the personal lives of celebrities or the complexities of family relationships.
