- How would your friends describe you?
Quiet, observant, down to earth with quirky tendencies.
- How would you describe yourself?
Reserved, playful, into details and have a quirky sense of humour.
- Why acting and what keeps you in the craft?
Well… I was bitten by the “theatre bug” while in high school and it became something I had to do ever since. I have tried running from it, but I always find myself right back on stage or set. There’s nothing quite like the experience of bringing a character to life.
- Which was the first role you ever played?
That would be a priest at Phoenix Players in Cajetan Boy's Family Ties. This is way back in August of 2001.
- What was it like going in front of people or the cameras?
Forget the people. I was acting alongside big names in the industry. Jane Onsando, Lorna Irungu, Ainea Ojiambo, Niq Njache, Debbie Asila of the Tattuu girl group fame, Simon Smithers… Granted I was only on stage briefly but still… it was nerve-wracking.
- Have you had moments when you froze or forgot lines? How did you deal with it?
Yes, it has happened and not just once. If it’s a situation where I can’t be bailed out by my fellow actors, then I just run the couple of lines before I freeze again in my mind while maintaining character.
- Is acting a lucrative career?
Perhaps in other parts of the world but in Kenya you would have to have work lined up one after the other, and sometimes that’s just enough to make ends meet, not produce wealth.
- What would you tell someone who is thinking of pursuing acting as a career?
I’d tell them to make sure they know why they want to do it. The number of rejections we get can make someone doubt themselves, the period between jobs and the difference between the illusion of the life you live, and reality can be depressing. Also, fame can go to your head and one can very easily lose it. So, reminding yourself ‘why’ helps ground you.
- How would you describe your character in Shanga?
Naipei is a shrewd and cunning schemer, who keeps his cards close to his chest. He is always up to something sinister. What you see is definitely not what you get.
- Can you relate to your character in real life?
Mmmh… may be the keeping cards close to my chest. For me what you see is not always what you get.
- What is it like acting alongside such a talented crew?
It is wonderful. Makes everything easier. I am comfortable enough to make suggestions, which is a big deal for me seeing as I am naturally reserved and keep things to myself.
- Do you ever find yourself doubting your abilities? If yes, how do you deal with it?
Yeah, especially when I don’t book a role after auditions. When I don’t get a role, I just remind myself it was most likely because I didn’t fit the role and nothing to do with my performance. If it happens on set (which it seldom does) then I just remind myself to trust that the director would say something.
- Describe one moment on the Shanga set that you will never forget
It’s hard to describe. Let’s just say it was an emotional day because it was during a vigil, and we were shooting characters having flashbacks of their best moments with Soila.
- Outside of acting, which other talents/passions do you have?
I love playing games, especially brainy ones among them is chess and also video games like football and racing. Been told I can hold a note, so I enjoy singing oldies at karaoke.
- What is next for Sam?
I directed a couple of short films in 2024 and would love to explore more being in “the director’s chair”.
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