Meet Sam Aotaki | Actress & Screenwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sam Aotaki and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sam, what are you inspired by?
I find us as people so fascinating. I think all of us have a story, so it may sound cliche, but people in general inspire me. I love to hear people’s stories of their struggles, successes, inner thoughts, wants, dislikes, aversions, desires. It’s all interesting to me. Our shared history is interesting, how we are all so different yet share so many commonalities, I think us as a human species is the deepest well of inspiration to pull from.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am an actress and screenwriter. I began acting when I was 13 years old and started navigating the industry shortly after. I started in commercials when I was 18, and began to receive roles in feature films and immersive theatre by my early 20’s. My screenwriting journey started after I turned 18, because being in class and surrounded by actors, we all talk about how its best to write your own material to film. I decided to pursue other interests in my mid-twenties and returned to acting in my late 20’s now with more life experience which I think adds to my performances now, considering I am more of a well-rounded person. Of course, screenwriting follow suite and was more of a creative outlet. I center my stories around crime and sci-fi which are interests of mine. I was fortunate enough to receive good feedback for my scripts, so I am finding myself slowly, but surely breaking into writing. As far as acting, you may see me in various commercials, and I am excited to dive into filming a horror film this Summer. I’m proud of my journey of persistence and resilience. You have to have tough skin when you are an actor and staying grounded in an industry built on fantasies can be difficult. I am grateful for the emotional stability I’ve been able to cultivate over the years. Of course, it was not easy. It’s difficult to make anything look effortless, but keeping a beginners mind, staying adaptability, and allowing yourself to become curious about yourself helps you to keep the fun in the journey.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am such a Disney fan so obviously, Disneyland. As far as LA, I love the natural history museum, the science museum, the lacma, and the Getty. Of course we have to check out huntington gardens. There are a millions places to eat so it really depends what my friend wants, but some musts are, Sushi Gen in Little Tokyo. Musso & Franks in Hollywood. Smokehouse in Burbank. KBBQ in KoreaTown (any are great, but I always love Moon #2 haha). All’Antico Vinaio in Venice and KTown. The Perch in DTLA, El Compadre in West Hollywood, and if possible, we would have to go to the Pantages to see a show!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have many people to give thanks to! I would definitely love to give a Shoutout to the person who recommending me for this, Sonya Saturday! She is an incredible person and amazing cartoonist! She has always been a source of inspiration, and support.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samaotaki_/

Image Credits
(In order) Manuel Lagoteta, Los Angeles Crime and Horror Festival, American Express, Joe Rubinstein, The Pantages Theatre