Words by Carol Wright | Photos by James DePietro
We got the chance to learn how Sam went from watching Twin Peaks to playing Mouse in Batwoman, an exciting addition to the DC Comics universe.
Was there a specific TV show or movie that got you interested in acting?
My grandma, who had a debilitating stammer but was an incredible opera singer, really brought me into the arts. She played me classical music and she’d show me the old musical movie classics like Singing in the Rain. We even watched the old Twin Peaks series together every week. So I suppose you could say Twin Peaks got me hooked? Not sure.
How did you get into the mindset of Mouse for Batwoman?
He’s a very dynamic character with a really rich past. I was telling someone the other day how this is kind of a coming of age story for Mouse. He grew up in the basement with Alice, then was immediately sent to Arkham. This is his first foray into the real world and he’s really discovering who he is in the process. So I’ve been taking that same perspective of discovering him as he discovers himself. More than anything, I try to have as much fun as I can. Hopefully, if I have fun with him, then audiences will too. So far I’m having a blast.
What was it like working with Rachel Skarsten?
Rachel is just the loveliest. She started with the show’s pilot and I came on later. But she really took me under her wing and showed me the ropes. We have so much fun together on set. We try to be as creative as we possibly can be with these scenes, throwing ideas at one another to see what sticks.
Were you a fan of DC comic books before working on Batwoman?
I loved Batman as a child. Especially the films with Michael Keaton. I rewatched Batman Returns when I booked this part. Michelle Pfeiffer is so amazing in her role. She’s just so bold in her portrayal. Mouse is nothing like Catwoman. But I took some tips from her commitment. I try to implement that into the character of Mouse. Other than that though my knowledge of DC comics is relatively minimal.
You also write and produce. Tell us about your project Mother’s Little Helpers.
I’m quite proud of this film. It’s a little indie gem in my mind. We have this really amazing director, Kestrin Pantera. She’s kind of a penultimate collaborator. She called everyone the week before we started production and brought on the best team. We shot the film in eight days, no script to begin with, and we sort of made it up along the way. It went to SXSW, and it should be coming next year.
What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
Stay true and make your art. Don’t let others decide what you put out there. The industry really likes to pigeon hole people. It’s our job as artists to let others know who we are, not the other way around. So I think just be your own unique self and share your own unique voice.