Hey Samuel, so excited to be chatting with you! What would you say brought on your passion for acting?
When I was younger, I was big into Martial Arts and tricking. I had instructors, like Jamie Webster and Micah Karns, who had been actors or stunt performers, and I wanted to be like them. As I started taking acting classes, I realized I could play any character I wanted and that people would believe it. That’s when my passion began.
What is one movie that has greatly influenced your life?
I would say that “12 Years a Slave” and “Birth of a Nation” are films that have most influenced my life. I didn’t study as much about my history as I probably should have, and those films gave me a sense of what my people have gone through.
What has been your favorite acting role to date?
My favorite acting role so far would have to be Jaywon in the short film “RESET”. When I first auditioned for the role, the director, Domonic Smith, sent me some footage of his other work and I knew I had to book that role! It was my first real film. The cast and crew were great to work with. “RESET” was recently added to an collection of science fiction films called “Time Jumpers”, and is on Amazon Prime Video just in case you would like to see it.
What would be your dream acting role?
I would love to be in a comedy action film someday. I think it would be fun to be in fights and do funny things at the same time. You know, a badass and have jokes!
Is there anyone you are dying to work/collaborate with in your acting career?
There are so many people I wish I could work with one day. If you are going to make me pick one, that would have to be Denzel Washington. He can play so many characters.
Do you plan on working in the entertainment industry after college?
Of course I plan to continue working in the industry after college… what kind of question is that??
Do you have any projects in the works you can tell us about?
With COVID-19, things are so slow right now, there’s not much to talk about –I’m still auditioning, though!
If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it — metaphorically speaking, getting a message out to millions or billions — what would it say and why? (If helpful, it can be someone else’s quote: Are there any quotes you think of often or live your life by?)
If I could have a giant billboard alongside the 405 in Los Angeles, it would say, “Perfect Practice Makes Perfect”. That was something my instructors at Sharkey’s Karate used to say. You’re only going to be as good as the effort you put into rehearsal.
What is an unusual habit or an absurd thing that you love?
Ok, something weird or absurd… I went to a professional costume store in Burbank and bought a serious fake beard and mustache. I put them on and then went to the Burger King drive thru and ordered a chicken nugget combo and got a senior discount!
What is your current go-to song?
My current go to song would have to be “Sunday Best” by Surfaces.
What do you like to do during your free time?
In my free time I like to walk around the neighborhood and take pictures, and edit videos.
