Sam Morelos, best known for her role in Netflix’s “That ’90s Show,” has been captivating audiences with her performances since a young age. With a career that’s just beginning, she has already proven herself to be a versatile and talented actress.
However, there’s more to Sam than meets the eye. From her unique beginnings to her personal interests, there are many fascinating aspects of her life that are not widely known. In this article, we delve into ten things you didn’t know about Sam Morelos, revealing some surprising facts about this talented actress.
Sam Morelos is a first-generation Filipino American actress
Sam Morelos is a proud representative of her Filipino-American heritage. Born to a Filipino mother and an American father, she embodies a blend of cultures that gives her a unique perspective in her acting roles. This dual heritage allows her to bring a rich diversity to her characters, adding depth and authenticity to her performances. Her cultural background is a source of pride and inspiration, influencing her approach to her craft and her understanding of her characters.
Her inspiration includes a few notable Filipino entertainers
Morelos shared her admiration for Filipino actors Catherine Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, whose work she grew up watching. She also mentioned her grand aunt, Francis Ignacio, a Filipino actress who inspired her.
Sam Morelos has a theater background
She has been a student at the California School of the Arts since its inception in 2017 and took on the title role in the first-ever all-school musical, Pippin.
Morelos’ roots in theater have played a significant role in shaping her as an actress. She fell in love with the craft of storytelling through her involvement in school productions, where she learned to immerse herself completely in her characters. This theater background has been instrumental in her transition to television, particularly in her role on “That ’90s Show,” a multi-camera sitcom often described as the “black box of Hollywood.”
Morelos journey to landing the role began with an open casting call posted on her school’s bulletin board.
Despite not having an agent or manager, her self-made audition tape impressed the show’s producers, leading to multiple callbacks and eventually landing her the role.
To prepare for her roles, Morelos employs a unique method: character journaling.
She writes about her character and even journals as her character, immersing herself in their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This approach allows her to delve deeper into her character’s psyche, leading to more nuanced and authentic performances. It’s a testament to her commitment to her craft and her dedication to bringing her characters to life in the most realistic way possible.
Morelos used music as a tool to get into character for her role as Nikki on “That ’90s Show.”
She created a playlist of music that Nikki would have listened to in the ’90s, featuring artists like Tori Amos, Ace of Base, and Mariah Carey. This playlist helped her connect with the era and understand her character better, providing a soundtrack to Nikki’s life and experiences.
Morelos has a deep admiration for her character, Nikki.
She appreciates Nikki’s ambition, determination, and refusal to compromise her goals for anything. This aspect of Nikki’s character resonates with Morelos, inspiring her own approach to life and her career. She finds Nikki’s forward-thinking attitude and independence both relatable and aspirational, qualities that she brings to her portrayal of the character.
Working with the legacy cast of “That ’70s Show” was a transformative experience for Morelos.
She had the opportunity to learn from seasoned actors like Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith, who brought years of experience and deep understanding of their characters to the set. Watching them work was like attending a “master class” in acting, providing invaluable insights and lessons that she could apply to her own performances.
Morelos formed close friendships with the crew of “That ’90s Show.”
These relationships provided a support system that helped her navigate her first major on-screen project. From set dressers to costume designers, she found a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect that made the filming process a rewarding experience. Thesebehind-the-scenes friendships not only made her feel welcome and supported, but also enriched her understanding of the collaborative nature of television production.
Sam Morelos had a significant influence on Nikki’s ’90s fashion style.
She worked closely with the costume designers to create a look that was true to the era and reflective of Nikki’s personality. They collaborated on mood boards and discussed various fashion trends of the ’90s, resulting in Nikki’s trendy, 17-magazine-inspired style. This hands-on involvement in shaping her character’s look demonstrates Morelos’ commitment to authenticity and her understanding of the importance of costume in character development.
Hopes for the Future: Morelos is excited about the future of “That ’90s Show” and her career. She’s eager to see how audiences interpret the show and her character, Nikki. She’s also looking forward to exploring more roles that challenge her as an actor and allow her to grow and evolve in her craft. Despite her early success, she remains grounded and focused on her journey, viewing each role as an opportunity to learn and improve. Her passion for acting and her dedication to her craft suggest a promising future in the industry.
Her future goals
Morelos future goals include continuing to act, possibly directing, writing music, and completing her education. She credited her training at the California School of the Arts for preparing her for her career and helping her develop the skills she needed to succeed on set.
In just a short time, Sam Morelos has made a significant impact on the entertainment industry. With her talent, dedication, and unique approach to her craft, there’s no doubt that she’s a star on the rise. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors everywhere, proving that with hard work, passion, and a little bit of serendipity, anything is possible.