Sam Morgan is a multi-hyphenate actor, director, musician, activist, and model widely known for starring in the critically acclaimed Netflix series “Shameless” as well as Paramount’s “American Woman.”
Sam attended NYU for film directing, where his thesis was produced by acclaimed writer/show runner John Riggi (“The Four Seasons,” “30 Rock,” “The Comeback”) and has taught acting throughout his career.
He has several upcoming projects that he’s been in production on that will soon be announced and last year a film he starred in, Object of Desire, received a Director’s Guild Award after a long run on the festival circuit.
He’s also performed on many stages across LA alongside musical artists like LJ Benet and Grammy-Winner Sam Pounds. He plays the guitar and harmonica in his free time.
Check out our Q&A with Sam:
Many people, like myself know you from “Shameless,” but you’ve been an artist for quite some time. Did you find art or did art find you?
Sam: My first and forever love is music. I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. My grandma was from Appalachia and loved sad folk music, so she used to make me sing that kind of stuff when I’d spend the night at her house. It’s probably why I’m such a huge fan of early Bob Dylan and Loretta Lynne.
What drives your passion for creation?
Sam: I truly believe every single person is a creative being in one way or another. I practice Transcendental Meditation every day and I think that 20 minutes of stillness is really what keeps me tapped in not only to myself but to my creative process.
You are the definition of multi-hyphenate, are there any skills that you’d like to add to the list?
Sam: You are talking to the KING of side quests. I have a million and one hobbies from working on my motorcycle (BMW f650GS for those of you who are curious) to playing golf with this group of Korean ladies at the par 3 course near my house. I think I’d like to do a film where I get to speak French next. That’s on the bucket list for sure.
I can imagine that there are times when being an artist is not easy. What are some struggles you have faced?
Sam: You know, I’m a big fan of Paolo Coelho’s book “The Alchemist”. It reminded me a lot of the trajectory of my career so far. I was a bit of an anomaly in the sense that I crash landed in LA and booked my first audition. I felt like I had this golden ticket but (as many actors will tell you) you never know how things will land. That show got cancelled after one season and it took me a minute to bounce back. But these are just the natural ebbs and flows of working in a mercurial industry. I’m happy to have survived those moments because now when I’m on set I feel way more grounded and zen about the whole thing. There’s always another wave, man.
What has been the most rewarding part of being an artist?
Sam: I love getting to see other artists working up close. That is one of the coolest feelings ever. I get to work with these incredible musicians and actors and models and directors all the time. I’m just totally in awe. I’m a huge believer in always being a fan. Don’t let bitterness take the joy out of whatever it is you like to do.
Is there a piece of advice that you received in your career that you could offer to other artists?
Sam: When I first moved to L.A. I met an actress named Beth Grant on set. We’ve gone on to become friends and collaborators since, but initially I was very nervous excuse I loved her in Donnie Darko (which is one of my all time favorite films). So, I went up to her and asked if she had any advice for somebody starting out and she smiled and said, “A lot of people go home!” And it’s great advice actually, because everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) gets lucky if you stick it out long enough.
You are also an activist for a wide range of causes. What are these causes and why are they so important to you?
Sam: My go to organizations are Doctors without Borders, UNICEF, and Save the Children. I truly believe in their respective missions to preserve and uphold humanitarianism all over the world.
I hear you have several upcoming projects. What can you tell us about them?
Sam: I do! One project I’m really looking forward to is called The Betrayer. It’s a horror film about a woman whose deep seated insecurities and fears begin to manifest physically through the people around her; very spooky but it will be a lot of fun to shoot. I love doing horror films even though I can’t watch them.
If people want to stay up to date with you and your work, where can they follow you?
Sam: @thesammorgan on Instagram
Is there anything else you want us to know about you?
Sam: I’m going to adopt my first dog this weekend. So, there’s another side quest for you.