At just 19, Sam Morelos is already making waves in Hollywood, blending youthful energy with wisdom beyond their years. The “That 90s Show” star embraces their old soul, and even calls their fashion style as “grandpa flair”. They’re also a dedicated thrifter. “I really feel like 70 at times. I even have back problems,” Morelos joked during a recent Zoom interview, their abundant curly hair bouncing while letting out a deep laugh.
Morelos has a foot in two worlds: 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 Fil-Am talent playfully acknowledged their old-soul tendencies, even while embracing the challenges of newfound independence after moving out of their parents’ home. “I’m ready for 19,” Morelos 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 acting chops. The young star’s character, initially named Nisha, was reimagined to reflect Sam’s Filipino heritage. “They changed (Nisha’s) name to Nikki after I was cast,” Morelos explained, revealing that the writers weaved in elements of Sam’s own identity. Morelos is proud of how being Filipino shaped Nikki’s character, helping them connect with the role and audiences.
They also added another layer to their character by singing on the show: an ode to their roots. “If (Nikki) 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 their castmates is another driving force behind their performance. “I adore every single person in this cast,” Morelos 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,” the star 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 them combat imposter syndrome but also gave Morelos 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,” Morelos shared, knowing they are creating more opportunities for underrepresented actors to step into the spotlight.
Despite Sam’s growing fame in TV and film, their heart remains on the stage. A self-proclaimed theater kid, Morelos found their 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,” they reflected. Their passion for the stage is a reminder that while Sam may be a rising star on the screen, their roots are still grounded in the stage’s raw, real-time magic.
As they continue to navigate their 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,” they reflected thoughtfully. Their 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 an infectious laugh, deep love for craft, and thoughtful approach to life, Sam Morelos is proving that you don’t have to choose between being young and wise. The star got the best of both worlds, and we can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next.
