Samantha, a multifaceted individual, hails from North Carolina, yet her journey to Hollywood was paved through San Diego, California, and Bangor, Maine. Early exposure to martial arts instilled discipline in her, while her passion for performing was ignited through dance and theatre. This foundation laid the groundwork for her subsequent endeavors in television and film.
Her acting career began with a role in the 1992 Polygram Film "Summer Camp," where she portrayed 'Stacy.' This initial foray into the industry was followed by a bit part in the iconic "The Brady Bunch" movie. In 1995, she secured her first substantial television role as a 4-year series regular on the popular sitcom "Saved by the Bell: The New Class" (1993),bringing to life the feisty and dynamic 'Maria Lopez.'
Throughout her career, Samantha continued to make appearances on various sitcoms and TV dramas, consistently working and honing her craft. In 2001, she had the privilege of sharing the screen with Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, and Cliff Curtis in the critically acclaimed feature film "Training Day" (2001),where she played the pivotal role of 'Letty.' Her subsequent collaboration with Christian Bale in the 2004 film "Harsh Times" was directed and written by David Ayer, who also penned the screenplay for "Training Day."
