Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Samantha Henderson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Samantha , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

In 2022, I sold everything and moved across the country from Connecticut to LA with no job, car, or apartment set up in order to chase my dream of being an actor; even though I had no experience or training in acting.

I had wanted to be an actor my entire life, but began to increasingly feel like I could not get the idea out of my head. I was feeling extremely unfulfilled and depressed. Every time I watched a show or movie, I felt an immense heartache that I was supposed to be involved in something bigger. So, when I lost my job, my car, and my apartment all at once, I knew it was a sign from the universe to pursue my dream. I found a random sublet in Venice Beach on Facebook to live in while I searched for a job and an apartment, sold everything I owned, and bought a plane ticket.

I barely told anyone that I was going because I didn’t want anyone’s point of view or feedback to influence me. I knew I had to do this, although it was unconventional and maybe not the most logical choice, having no income.

Within a week of getting to LA, I had secured a flexible remote job that allowed me to work from anywhere while attending shoots or classes as much as I needed. I enrolled in The Groundlings School and immediately felt like I was where I needed to be.

I took this risk because I felt like the universe was pushing me toward it, and it all fell into place. It’s been two and a half years, and I’m happier than ever.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Samantha Henderson and I’m an LA-based actor, improvisor, comedian, model, VoiceOver artist, content/UGC creator, and influencer.

In 2019, I graduated college with a Bachelor’s in Corporate and Organizational Communication Arts and Marketing. From 2019, I had been working full-time in sales and marketing roles, until I was recently laid off in June 2024 and have been working in film and social media full-time since.

I was juggling a corporate job and acting/influencing up till June, but my lay-off was actually extremely timely, although unfortunate. I worked on three feature films this summer and I wasn’t sure how I would ever be able to work my full-time job at the same time. So, I’ve been dedicated to being on set as much as possible since my layoff and I couldn’t be happier. I am able to say ‘yes’ to any and all projects that come across my desk. I also have the flexibility to audition full-time as well, which is extremely important.

As an actor, I received training from John Rosenfeld Studios, which I cannot recommend enough. I’m also an advanced-level improviser at The Groundlings School. However, I have recently, and very fortunately, been working on set too much to maintain a training schedule. I hope to jump into my next level at The Groundlings School as soon as possible!

My focus is definitely comedy, but I have had the privilege of working on some dramatic projects this year as well. My heart lies in comedy, but I absolutely love the challenge and vulnerability a dramatic role brings. I do mostly indie films, both feature-length and shorts, as well as student films. I also perform in vertical short-form series, web series, television, and more. If I have a free day in my calendar, I will say ‘yes’ to being on set, so that means I can film a lead role as a feature one day, and then take an unpaid background role in a student film the next. Being in that atmosphere and surrounded by talented individuals in invaluable.

On social media, I don’t really have a niche. This happens to be my biggest growth hurdle, but also what keeps me loving what I do. I’ve had many videos luckily go viral, but I struggle to grow a large following since I don’t post content that a specific demographic can count on. My TikToks range from dances to dark-comedy videos, and my Instagram is a more personal and intimate place for me to post about my life.

I’ve had the privilege of working with some of my favorite brands lately, such as Victoria’s Secret, Ipsy, Dr. Squatch, DRMTLGY, and more. I also work with some LA-Based agencies regularly, filming internet ads.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Anyone can be an actor and you don’t need an agent or manager, either. With a headshot (it doesn’t have to be incredible either, everyone starts somewhere), you can self-submit yourself for projects immediately. Subscribing to a talent submission service such a Backstage or Actor’s Access and submitting yourself regularly will pay off.

No role is too small, either. I’ve taken more unpaid background roles than I can count, and it has paid off tenfold. The connections you make can always lead to bigger and better things.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I think everyone has an inner child whose dreams and wishes need to be honored. As a child, all I ever wanted to do was act. However, I didn’t have the support or resources to make that happen. This longing to be an actress followed me, throughout my life, into adulthood. I think you can only ignore those inner child voices for so long until you have no choice but to satisfy them.

This acting journey has been one of self-discovery, healing my inner child daily. I also lost my mom when I was eight years old, and she was always so supportive of my artistic and creative side. I used to put on shows for her daily. Unfortunately, after she passed away, I was no longer able to do those things and express myself in my home. So, I feel connected to my mom when I am acting, too.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://samantha-henderson.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sammihendo/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-m-h/
• Other: TikTok: @scrammihendo

Image Credits

Personal Photo (cover photo) – Taylor Vaughn