By Julia Radovich
With their feature film debut now streaming, Sam Morelos carries something rare – a presence that’s both grounded and magnetic. You may have seen them in That ’90s Show, where they lit up the screen with quick wit and sincerity. Now, as they step into the spotlight in Hulu‘s Summer of 69, we meet the real Sam: a performer who sings their monologue when emotions run deep, who finds quiet joy in trees and ceramics, and who’s learning — like all of us — that self-love is the real arc.
In this intimate conversation, Sam talks about stepping into Abby‘s chaotic charm, the silence on film sets, karaoke machines at home, and why representation matters most when it’s rooted in the everyday.
From Netflix’s That ‘90s Show to your first feature film, that’s a big leap. What surprised you most about jumping into Summer of 69?
Going from a sitcom to a feature film, it’s just a completely different medium and process. The scale of it is amplified. Both are comedies, but with a sitcom you get the immediate validation of the joke landing by hearing the audience’s laughter. So you have an idea of how your delivery of certain jokes is landing and can tweak your performance in real time.
But in film, everyone has to be dead silent during all of your jokes because you have to be quiet on set. So when I said a joke while we were filming “Summer of 69” and it’s crickets because everyone has to stay quiet, it’s terrifying because I don’t know if I did well or not. But the great thing about it is it helps you be in the moment more.
Abby is such a lovable mess. What did you discover about yourself through bringing Abby to life?
That me and that lovable mess are not too far off from each other and that I too might be a lovable mess. I really did learn a lot from Abby. I’m someone who is also really tied up in how other people perceive me, and that classic trope of if I’m beautiful I’ll be wanted, popular, and happy. But Abby’s arc taught me that the best version of myself exists when I can love myself. It’s a crazy thing to learn, and now I need to put it into place as Sam while I’m on my own journey of self-discovery. I also love that we watch Abby go on this journey from being shy about who she is to brazenly being her authentic self. The second that she stepped into herself more and got confident and comfortable in her own skin, we saw her really shine. I’m learning that from her.
We saw a few clips of you singing. Your voice is insane. Is music still part of your everyday life?
Music is a huge part of my life. I’m Filipino, so I grew up with 3 karaoke machines in my house. Music has truly been sewn into the fabric of my being. I started in musical theater, and I love to sing. I’m actually currently in an acapella group at NYU called Vocollision. I think it’s a beautiful thing to have a group who congregates solely for the love of music, singing, and creating something together. I’m also really connected to music emotionally, so it even helps me with my acting. In my acting classes sometimes they’ll say “sing your monologue,” and when I do it helps me reach a whole new depth of emotions. Music has always unlocked a deep and personal part of myself. It has always been a part of my life and it always will be. I actually wrote in one of my college essays, there is never a silent moment in my mind. There is always some sort of music underscoring my thoughts.
You’re balancing school at NYU Tisch with a full-on acting career.
What helps you recenter when life gets too loud?
My boyfriend Warren. To be in a relationship so full of love and joy, it really anchors me to the earth and makes me feel like my feet are under me. Especially during this time that I am juggling both work and school.
He was with me during the entirety of the Summer of 69 shoot, and I genuinely couldn’t have done it without him.
Also, when it gets too loud l’ve been trying to take more walks and breathe in nature. Sometimes I forget that nature exists, and then I go outside and my breath catches when I see a tree. I just think “oh my God I can’t believe I exist on the same Earth that creates beauty like this.” I’ve been trying to give myself permission to take breaks, slow down, and just be. Which can be so hard to do because I feel guilty about being still when I have so much to do between work and school. But it’s important to listen to your body and give yourself a break when you need it.
You’ve been involved in projects that reflect diverse stories and voices. What kind of stories feel most personal or meaningful to you?
In general, my favorite types of stories are about really simple, almost mundane things. I find that the small routines and isms we human beings are so beautiful. The reason I love acting is because I love people, so the things that feel most personal and meaningful are the ones grounded in honesty and the day to day human experience. In particular, I have recently been inspired by all of the Filipino filmmakers who are making such meaningful pieces of art and creating a space for us and our stories in media. Also, trans stories and voices are so important to me.
Watching trans joy exist in media, especially at a time when people are actively trying to take it away, is so beautiful to me.
What’s something about you that people wouldn’t guess from seeing your work?
One thing people may not know about me, is that I’m really into ceramics. I did a bunch of ceramics classes in high school, and I was so bad at it. But while I was doing “That 90s Show” I took more ceramics classes, and now l’ve become quite the potter. I’m not good at it but I enjoy it! Also, something people may not know is that I write my own music. I’ve posted a little bit of it to YouTube, but in general it’s something | haven’t shared with the world just yet. But it’s such a fulfilling creative outlet for me, and I hope to continue diving even more into music in the future!
And finally it’s 3 a.m., you’re alone with your thoughts. What would you write in a note to your future self?
Dear future self, I hope you’re doing well. I can’t wait to be you. And I hope that when you look back at me now, you remember me fondly. And I hope you love yourself too.
Talent: Sam Morelos at Persona PR Photographer (photos 1, 2,3): Emily Soto
Photographer (photo 4): Nick Rasmussen
Fashion Editor: Corinna Fusco