We were lucky to catch up with Samuel Isaiah Hunter recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Samuel Isaiah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, I had the opportunity to play in the only show operating in the country and quite possibly the world, “The Stranger Things Drive-into Experience.” It wasn’t just the role that was meaningful; the relationships formed during the nine-month run are what truly changed my life. During the run of the show, I battled with an extremely dark period in my life, and there’s no telling where I would be without the help of those I was blessed enough to meet through out the run.

I remember being at the beach with some of my friends a few days after the virtual callback for the role of Lucas. I tried not to think much about the audition, and a part of me felt like I probably didn’t book it anyway. While sitting around near our bonfire, I suddenly had the urge to stand closer to the water, so I got up and walked off. After spending time alone and deciding to return to my friends, I instantly halted when I stepped on something hiding in the sand. Can you guess what that “something” was? Ironically, it was a toy slingshot. I thought to myself, “There’s no way.” Was this a sign? In the show, Lucas is known for using a slingshot to fight whatever battles come their way. What are the odds of me running into one so far out in the middle of the beach at night? Especially after this particular audition? Fast forward a few days later, and as it turns out, I booked the role.

This news was huge. I was so grateful for the opportunity to do something of this magnitude, especially during a time where the opportunities to act and interact with people in this capacity were quite literally limited to just this one. I gleaned with joy. Unfortunately, my inner joy and my bodily dysfunction were at war, dampening my ability to be fully present in this new blessing. Shortly before booking the role, I started facing many health issues. Daily asthma attacks, and stress-induced panic attacks were dismantling me from the inside out. It was a constant cycle beginning with the very moment I woke up and would continue throughout the night. There was not a singular moment of peace that I could enjoy. I would wake up and immediately feel my chest close up as if a mountain were sitting on it. My nostrils would lock up, my throat would swell, and in response, the panic attacks would ensue shortly after. On top of this, California was experiencing the worst fires it had seen in years, destroying the local air quality and sending my asthma into a frenzy. The mere thought of being around loads of screaming audience members in cars while suffering from a panic attack + asthma attack combination sent my social anxiety into a frenzy. On the very first day of our on-site rehearsals, I had a panic attack that was so severe I had to pull over. After some time, I summoned enough strength to continue driving, only to be met with heart palpitations. I knew I had to go to the ER.

This ordeal cast a large cloud of doubt about whether or not I should step down from the show, but I chose to continue. During my time with stranger things, I had some of the most memorable moments with both my cast mates and the audience members who visited the show every night. During this time, I had an influx of other life-changing opportunities come knocking on my door, and although these were great, my ability to process these things during this time of my continued health issues was skwewed, and these blessings only exasperated my symptoms and added to my crippling anxiety.

I knew the best course of action was to leave the show and go back home to FL to take care of my health, but I was reluctant to take the break I knew was needed. I pushed off asking the leadership at the show for time off. In the midst of contemplating my departure, I got some of the worst news of my life — one of my best friends, someone who I considered to be my brother and his girlfriend were killed in a shooting back home in Jacksonville, FL. I went several days doing my best to hide my pain and continue with life as if everything was normal. I now believe some of that may have been dissociation in an attempt to cope with an unproccessible amount of turmoil, but those at the show could see I was far from ok. They pulled me to the side after the show one night and made it a point to check in on me. I finally burst out crying while explaining everything that was going on. I was urged to take some time off and return home to rehabilitate my mind.

After returning to FL, they continued to check in on me. Even going as far as gathering letters from each cast member and mailing them to me. They would call me often to let me know that I was loved and missed. They completely changed my perception of people. I finally understood the value of community and I finally understood that there are good people in the world who care about your wellbeing. Lastly, I finally understood that people do indeed care about me and that I am loved.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started acting at the age of two years old. I grew up doing many national commercials and print work as well. My mom was my “momager” as she would handle everything from getting me to and from auditions, communicating with my representation, etc. I had immense love for what I did, but I eventually decided to stop acting around eleven.

At twenty years old, after being unable to deny the tug I felt towards acting any longer, I began again and haven’t looked back since. I moved to LA and enrolled at The Stella Adler Academy of Acting. This experience would serve as my Introduction and foundation for Theater and TV/Film. Having the opportunity to be around so many people from different backgrounds after having grown up in Jacksonville for most of my life expanded my worldview and sent me on a path of growth that I’m grateful for.

Over the years, I began writing poetry as a well, as a way of expressing the emotions that were overbearing during the time of my first real battle with suicidal thoughts and depression. Through this process, I promised myself that I’ll always be as transparent and honest with my journey as possible, with the hopes of impacting those who either I or my work come in contact with.

I have several poetry books for sale right now. My most recent was written in 2018, it is titled “Dissection” I am working on releasing my next book titled “Sun, Storms, & Chaos”

Outside of my main focus of acting, I would love to one day do a spoken word poetry tour of some sort.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I think the communal aspect of sharing your souls with someone through TV/Film or Theater is something that can never lose its shine in my eyes. When someone is deeply vulnerable and taps into the universal human experience with the upmost integrity and truth, it’s something that is inexplicably undeniable, and impacts so many people. Having the opportunity to discuss and decipher those moments that have impacted us with either the artist themselves or a group of people who have witnessed the same moment as you is such a fulfilling thing.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Chop Wood Carry Water // The Mystery of Spiritual Sensitivity: Your Guide to Responding to Burdens You Feel from God’s Heart.

Both of these books have had a big impact on me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samuelihunter/
• Other: https://a.co/d/dbKgqk7

Image Credits
James Ross Ellie Oliver Fabian Agustin