Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Pancake.
Sam, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Even though I grew up in rural West Virginia, I always knew I wanted to live in “Hollywood” and be an actor one day, so I moved to LA after college and got my SAG card within a couple of years. I’ve been making my living now as an actor for the past 25ish years.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One complicating factor has been this: I realized I was “different” -i.e.gay- at about the age of four. Carrying that then dangerous secret with me throughout my young life in WV thru the 1970’s and 80’s was extremely taxing and often scary. When I finally moved to LA by myself in the late 80’s- at the height of the AIDS epidemic- with $200 in my wallet and knowing one person here, I soon decided I would not hide who I was or be in the closet. So being an openly gay actor since 1990 has come with its share of challenges and blessings, as you can imagine.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an actor who has done a great deal of television work, including many shows you’ve probably seen. I’ve also appeared in films and dozens and dozens of commercials and stage productions.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I have many, but one that comes to mind is anytime spent with my maternal grandparents in Huntington, WV. They were very fun and loving and my Grandmother was an amazing cook and baker. Huntington felt like the Big City to us!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0659143/
- Instagram: @thesampancake
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sam.pancake
- Twitter: @jsampancake
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/sampancake3
Image Credits
In order: Unknown Robert L Smith Screen grab from “A Million Little Things” ATOD magazine Casey James Knight
