 (photos via imdb)
1. I know you, but some people may not. So could you please introduce yourself to the world? "My name is Samantha Lee, and I'm a Los Angeles based actress, writer, and content creator." 2. What was your first job in the entertainment industry? Also, what did you do before that? "I got my first paid acting gig when I was 19, a random political sketch video that I hope no one ever sees! Haha. I was still in college and working in the ticket office of a performing arts center, getting to see all the broadway shows for free!" 3. Did you study acting before getting into the industry? "Yes, I chose Theatre Arts as my elective in 6th grade, when I was excruciatingly shy and friendless, and I haven't looked back. I studied theatre all the way through college, getting my BA in Theatre and Dance from the University of Texas, and have continued to train at various classes in LA." 4. If you could work with anyone you'd want, who would that person be and why? "This is a tough one. I'd be over the moon to be in a Wes Anderson film or to work with Amy Sherman-Palladino or Jason Katims on a show. Colin Firth (yes, at any age!) has always been my celeb crush, so that would be fun. Ok that was a lot of answers, but I told you this was tough!" 5. What does a normal day in your life looks like? "Ideally, my day starts with coffee and a book, walking my dog, and going to a workout class (barre or yoga). My "day job" is a social media manager, where I work from home and make my own schedule, so I'll log time doing that and other acting administrative work (newsletters, postcards, writing, etc). Because my schedule is fairly open, my days can be filled with fun stuff like coffee meetings, auditions, happy hour with friends, or less exciting stuff like running errands, house chores, and Netflix binging with my dog (hey, it's my job to be up to date on TV!). Lately, it has been a lot of giving editing notes and time intensive admin work for my new web series." 6. Where is your favorite place to be and why? "I love to travel, but I'm also such a homebody, #stayhomeclub. But the most special place for me is probably home with my family over the Christmas holidays. My mom decorates the house so beautifully, delicious food and treats are always in the oven, and it forces me to slow down. Christmas has always held such special memories for me since I was a kid; it's my absolute favorite time of year." 7. If you could, what would be the one advice you would want to give to your younger self? "STOP CARING WHAT OTHERS THINK. Anyone who has had success in a creative industry has forged their own way, regardless of the opinions of others. To be revolutionary, to stand out, to have someone place their bets on you over anyone else, it has to be because you are bringing something different to the table. And if you care what everyone else thinks, you are going to bring the same thing everyone else brings to the table. It took me entirely too long to learn this and inhibited so much of my younger life." 8. What is one of the best advice that you've got? Who was the person that gave it to you? "I think it's a culmination of advice from of a lot of people, but <Nobody is qualified>... which really means literally everybody is just winging it. You learn by doing, so just keep saying yes and going for those jobs - you'll figure it out later!" 9. What is your biggest accomplishment so far? "Every milestone I hit in my career always feels like my biggest accomplishment, and I hope that feeling continues. On a personal level, I just wrote, produced, and starred in my own project. It was probably the hardest thing I've done (and so many decisions!) but endlessly rewarding." 10. If you could book any role in the next years to come, what would that dream role be? "I always say my dream role is Carrie (Claire Danes) on Homeland or Kate (Evangeline Lilly) on Lost. Both of those characters get to be both smart, badass, and independent, as well as vulnerable and in love. They get to be nuanced - like real human beings - and not stereotypes. At the end of the day, I really want to play a CIA agent (my career in another life)." 11. Is there anything you can disclose about any new project? "The new web series I wrote titled We're Fine is being released December 3rd! You can follow @WereFineTV on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for updates and release dates, subscribe to the Youtube channel, and bookmark the website www.werefinetv.com. I'm really proud of it and am forever grateful to everyone who had a hand in it (it takes a village!). The plot summary: A book club of no longer <20 somethings> struggles to figure their sh*t out… when really, they should have done that already. There’s nothing like surviving an early mid-life crisis – together. Welcome to book club, b*tches." 12. What is the best part about life on set? "Just the fact that I get to be there and live out the dream I've had since I was a child. It still feels surreal. And having my own trailer with my name posted on the outside hasn't lost its luster yet." 13. In the end, is there anything you'd like to say to the people who support you? "THANK YOU. Nobody gets where they're at on their own, and I am no exception to that. I think I can be a bit (annoyingly) overzealous in the whole <saying thank you> department, but I never want someone to think I take their generosity and help for granted. Also, on days I feel discouraged, the compliments and encouragement people have given me over the years really help remind me why I'm doing this. I remember EVERYTHING, so those words are etched in my heart forever and have helped me over the years more than you know."
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