At just 19, Sam Morelos is already making waves in Hollywood, blending youthful energy with wisdom beyond her years. The “That 90s Show” actress embraces her old soul, and even calls her fashion style as “grandpa flair”. She’s also a dedicated thrifter. “I really feel like 70 at times. I even have back problems,” she joked during a recent Zoom interview, her abundant curly hair bouncing as she lets out a deep laugh.
Morelos has a foot in two worlds: she’s both a lively Gen Z’er and someone deeply reflective, balancing the fast-paced life of a rising star with a timeless sense of self.
The actress playfully acknowledged her old-soul tendencies, even while embracing the challenges of newfound independence after moving out of her parents’ home. “I’m ready for 19,” she shared. “I’ve always been a very independent person. So I’m happy to try this adulting thing.”
As Nikki Velasco on “That 90s Show,” Sam Morelos gets to showcase more than just her acting chops. Her character, initially named Nisha, was reimagined to reflect Sam’s Filipino heritage. “They changed her name to Nikki after I was cast,” Sam explained, revealing that the writers weaved in elements of her own identity. Sam is proud of how her background shaped Nikki’s character, helping her connect with both her role and audiences.
She also added another layer to her character by singing on the show—an ode to her roots. “If she couldn’t sing, is she really Filipino?” Sam laughed, adding that this musical touch was both a personal and cultural connection.
Speaking of personal connections, Sam’s bond with her castmates is another driving force behind her performance. “I adore every single person in this cast,” she gushed. From carpooling with co-star Ashley Aufderheide to deepening friendships over the course of filming, the cast’s chemistry made the set feel more like home. “We created such close bonds,” she shared. “I know I’m walking away from this experience with some of the best friends of my life.”
This tight-knit group not only helped her combat imposter syndrome but also gave her the freedom to take bold creative risks. “The environment was so collaborative and warm,” Sam said. “I didn’t have to be a people-pleaser. I just had to be an artist.”
One thing that sets Sam apart is her pride in being a first-generation Filipino-American. Growing up with parents and grandparents who embraced their culture, Sam’s identity is woven into her personal and professional life. “There’s no such thing as being ‘too Filipino’ for the screen,” Sam said. Her leading role in an upcoming film, “Summer of 69,” opposite stars like Chloe Fineman, is another chance for her to shine—this time, leading a movie while representing her culture.
Seeing her character’s family cast specifically as Filipino brought Sam immense pride. “My heart filled with so much joy,” she shared, knowing she was creating more opportunities for underrepresented actors to step into the spotlight.
Despite her growing fame in TV and film, Sam’s heart remains on the stage. A self-proclaimed theater kid, she found her first love in live performances, recently taking on Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” in a free production. “It was one of the most fulfilling, lovely theater experiences I’ve ever had,” Sam said, describing the communal spirit of the cast, who performed purely out of love for the craft.
Even after tasting the excitement of Hollywood, Sam isn’t ready to give up theater. “TV is great, but theater has a different sort of intimacy,” she reflected. Her passion for the stage is a reminder that while Sam may be a rising star on the screen, her roots are still grounded in the stage’s raw, real-time magic.
As she continues to navigate her Hollywood career, Sam Morelos represents a generation that is both mindful of the future and rooted in the present. “We’re the generation that has to fix what past generations have broken,” she reflected thoughtfully. Her dedication to sustainability, passion for change, and cultural pride are just a few of the ways Sam hopes to make a lasting impact, both on and off the screen.
With her infectious laugh, deep love for her craft, and thoughtful approach to life, Sam Morelos is proving that you don’t have to choose between being young and wise. She’s got the best of both worlds, and we can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next.
