Sam Strike
{{Short description|English actor (born 1994)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Sam Strike
| image = Sam Strike, 2023 Santa Barbara International Film Festival.jpg
| caption = Strike at the 2023 Santa Barbara International Film Festival
| birth_place = Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England
| occupation = Actor
| years_active = 2013–present
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1994|1|18}}
}}
Sam Strike (born 18 January 1994) is an English actor. He made his acting debut in the 2013 revival of the CBBC series M.I. High, before gaining popular success playing Johnny Carter in the BBC soap opera EastEnders (2013–2014). During his stint on the latter, his character was involved in a coming out storyline, which earned him critical praise for his performance. Following his departure from EastEnders, he appeared in guest-starring roles on several television shows.
In 2017, Strike starred as the title character in the horror film Leatherface. He followed this with main roles in the film Monster Party (2018) and the television series Nightflyers (2018) and When the Streetlights Go On (2020). His subsequent film credits include American Outlaws and The Boys in the Boat (both 2023). Strike also had a recurring role in the second season of the television series Outer Range in 2024.
Early life
Strike was born on 18 January 1994 in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England, where he grew up with his sister.{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/sam_strike|title=Sam Strike|publisher=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=24 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250224002411/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/sam_strike|archive-date=24 February 2025|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Kilkelly|first=Daniel|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a620667/sam-strike-reveals-all-on-eastenders-exit-film-role-and-future-plans/|title=Sam Strike reveals all on EastEnders exit, film role and future plans|website=Digital Spy|date=11 January 2015|access-date=24 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410212444/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a620667/sam-strike-reveals-all-on-eastenders-exit-film-role-and-future-plans/|archive-date=10 April 2024|url-status=live}} He attended the local Thorpe Hall School,{{cite web|url=https://www.thorpehall.southend.sch.uk/thorpe-hall-school-officially-launches-its-centenary-year/|title=Thorpe Hall School officially launches its Centenary Year|publisher=Thorpe Hall School|access-date=25 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250225155832/https://www.thorpehall.southend.sch.uk/thorpe-hall-school-officially-launches-its-centenary-year/|archive-date=25 February 2025|url-status=live}} and later studied acting at the South East Essex College for two years. An avid singer and guitar player, he initially wanted to be a musician growing up and performed in bands. Strike became interested in acting in secondary school, where he had his first drama lesson. He explained that he "had a natural aptitude for it" and was encouraged by his teacher to pursue this path. He then began attending adult drama classes and signed with an agent. He auditioned unsuccessfully for three years before securing his part in M.I. High. As a student, he appeared in the school productions of Oliver! as a flower seller, and Jesus Christ Superstar as Judas.{{cite news|last=Trayner|first=David|url=https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/local_news/10113250.southend-teen-to-star-in-tv-spy-show/|title=Southend teen to star in TV spy show|newspaper=The Echo|date=19 December 2012|access-date=24 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124020931/https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/local_news/10113250.southend-teen-to-star-in-tv-spy-show/|archive-date=24 January 2025|url-status=live}} He also portrayed the protagonist of the 2010 student film Stitches.{{cite web|title=Sam Strike|url=http://www.castingcallpro.com/uk/actor/profile/sam-strike|website=Casting Call Pro|access-date=2 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307221137/http://www.castingcallpro.com/uk/actor/profile/sam-strike|archive-date=7 March 2016|url-status=dead}} At 16, he won a modelling competition organised by local newspaper The Echo.
Career
=Early roles and ''EastEnders'' (2013–2014)=
File:Danny Dyer at Upton Park, 02 Oct 2010 (cropped).jpg (pictured) portrayed Strike's on-screen father in EastEnders. Both received praise for their performances in Strike character's coming out storyline.]]
Strike made his professional acting debut in 2013, playing Dan Morgan in the revival of the CBBC series M.I. High, which spanned two seasons.{{cite web|last=Martin|first=William|title=Sam Strike ('MI High') interview|url=http://www.cultbox.co.uk/interviews/syndicated/sam-strike-mi-high-interview|website=CultBox|access-date=17 September 2017|date=27 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127030535/http://www.cultbox.co.uk/interviews/syndicated/sam-strike-mi-high-interview|archive-date=27 November 2023|url-status=live}} The same year, he was cast in the role of Johnny Carter in the BBC soap opera EastEnders.{{cite web|last=Rigby|first=Sam|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a527099/eastenders-first-picture-of-danny-dyers-carter-family/|title='EastEnders': First picture of Danny Dyer's Carter family|website=Digital Spy|date=29 October 2013|access-date=23 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250119105457/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a527099/eastenders-first-picture-of-danny-dyers-carter-family/|archive-date=19 January 2025|url-status=live}} His character was introduced as part of the Carter family, and he made his first appearance on 26 December 2013. Strike's portrayal of Johnny was met with a positive reception. He received particular praise for his performance in the scene that saw his character come out to his father Mick (Danny Dyer).{{cite web|last1=Kilkelly|first1=Daniel|title=EastEnders' Sam Strike proud of Johnny Carter plot reaction|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a551193/eastenders-sam-strike-proud-of-johnny-carter-plot-reaction/|website=Digital Spy|access-date=17 September 2017|date=14 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123003054/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a551193/eastenders-sam-strike-proud-of-johnny-carter-plot-reaction/|archive-date=23 January 2025|url-status=live}} Attitude magazine recognised the scene with the Media Recognition Award,{{cite magazine|last=Stroude|first=Will|url=http://attitude.co.uk/eastenders-danny-dyer-sam-strike-win-attitudes-media-recognition-award/|title=EastEnders wins Attitude’s Media Recognition Award|magazine=Attitude|date=13 October 2014|access-date=15 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015010749/http://attitude.co.uk/eastenders-danny-dyer-sam-strike-win-attitudes-media-recognition-award/|archive-date=15 October 2014|url-status=dead}} and Paul Flynn of The Guardian wrote that both actors "delivered an exceptional, impulsive, physical reading of the ties that bond father and son, no matter what."{{cite news|last=Flynn|first=Paul|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2014/jan/06/eastenders-coming-out-scene-johnny-mick-carter|title=EastEnders' coming out scene was a touching return to form|newspaper=The Guardian|date=6 January 2014|access-date=24 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123010202/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2014/jan/06/eastenders-coming-out-scene-johnny-mick-carter|archive-date=23 January 2025|url-status=live}} Reflecting on the scene, Strike said that he was "really nervous the night it aired, because you want it to look convincing but then you want to do justice by the people that have been there and done it." He added that "it was a real proving ground for me, because it was the first time I actually had to do any proper drama acting." Discussing its impact, Strike stated that both he and Dyer received letters from viewers who shared that watching them in the scene helped them come out. In 2014, he made a guest appearance in episode two of the comedy series Give Out Girls as a 15-year-old model named Luke.{{cite web|last=Eames|first=Tom|title=EastEnders' Sam Strike joins Diana Vickers in Give Out Girls|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/news/a604955/eastenders-sam-strike-joins-diana-vickers-in-give-out-girls/|website=Digital Spy|access-date=17 September 2017|date=21 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127031717/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a604955/eastenders-sam-strike-joins-diana-vickers-in-give-out-girls/|archive-date=27 November 2023|url-status=live}}
On 14 November 2014, Strike announced his departure from EastEnders.{{cite web|last=Kilkelly|first=Daniel|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a610024/eastenders-sam-strike-leaving-johnny-carter-role/|title=EastEnders: Sam Strike leaving Johnny Carter role|website=Digital Spy|date=13 November 2014|access-date=23 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708015108/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a610024/eastenders-sam-strike-leaving-johnny-carter-role/|archive-date=8 July 2023|url-status=live}} Regarding his decision to leave the show, he said: "I knew from the start that I was never going to be there for 10 years. It was just a case of seeing how things went, where the character was going and how relevant he was going to be in time to come." Strike believed that "Johnny peaked quite early" due to the high-profile coming out storyline, and he was no longer needed on the show at the time of his leaving. The character officially left the series on 23 December 2014,{{cite web|last=Rigby|first=Sam|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a618267/eastenders-danny-dyer-pays-tribute-to-sam-strike-after-johnny-exit/|title=EastEnders: Danny Dyer pays tribute to Sam Strike after Johnny exit|website=Digital Spy|date=24 December 2014|access-date=23 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250223193231/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a618267/eastenders-danny-dyer-pays-tribute-to-sam-strike-after-johnny-exit/|archive-date=23 February 2025|url-status=live}} although Strike returned in the role for one more special appearance via Skype in an episode broadcast on Christmas Day 2014.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04wrcxw|title=EastEnders 2013–2017, 2014, 25/12/2014|publisher=BBC|access-date=23 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250223191957/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04wrcxw|archive-date=23 February 2025|url-status=live}} Upon his departure, the show's executive producer, Dominic Treadwell-Collins, said that the "door is wide open" for Strike to return and that he did not plan to recast the character, hoping Strike would come back.{{cite web|last1=Kilkelly|first1=Daniel|title=EastEnders boss: 'Door wide open for Sam Strike return'|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a617901/eastenders-boss-door-wide-open-for-sam-strike-return/|website=Digital Spy|access-date=17 September 2017|date=22 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929155531/http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a617901/eastenders-boss-door-wide-open-for-sam-strike-return/|archive-date=29 September 2018|url-status=live}} However, when it was decided to reintroduce the character in 2016, Strike admitted that he "wasn't ready to return any time in the near future", and the role was recast.{{cite magazine|url=http://attitude.co.uk/meet-eastenders-new-johnny-carter/|title=Meet Eastenders' new Johnny Carter|last=Stroude|first=Will|date=17 February 2016|magazine=Attitude|access-date=21 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160221114828/http://attitude.co.uk/meet-eastenders-new-johnny-carter/|archive-date=21 February 2016|url-status=dead}}
=Career expansion (2016–present)=
After leaving EastEnders, Strike guest-starred as David Hamilton in a two-part episode of the television series Silent Witness and as Clyde Barrow in an episode of the television series Timeless, both in 2016. In 2017, he had a starring role in the crime drama film Bonded by Blood 2. He was also cast in the lead role of Jackson / Leatherface in the 2017 prequel to the film The Texas Chain Saw Massacre titled Leatherface, directed by Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo. Reviewing the film for Variety, Dennis Harvey described the cast's performances as "solid", adding that "the younger actors throw themselves into the task with aplomb."{{cite magazine|last=Harvey|first=Dennis|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/reviews/leatherface-review-texas-chainsaw-massacre-1202566942/|title=Film Review: 'Leatherface'|magazine=Variety|date=24 September 2017|access-date=25 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250225002112/https://variety.com/2017/film/reviews/leatherface-review-texas-chainsaw-massacre-1202566942/|archive-date=25 February 2025|url-status=live}} On television, Strike portrayed real-life serial killer Montie Rissell in an episode of Mindhunter, also in 2017.
In 2018, Strike had main roles in the horror thriller film Monster Party, and in the Syfy series Nightflyers. Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter called the former "gleefully gory and darkly funny", and singled out Strike and Virginia Gardner's performances writing that they "prove adept with the challenging physical demands placed on them."{{cite magazine|last=Scheck|first=Frank|author-link=Frank Scheck|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/monster-party-1157119/|title='Monster Party': Film Review|magazine=The Hollywood Reporter|date=21 November 2018|access-date=25 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250225004203/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/monster-party-1157119/|archive-date=25 February 2025|url-status=live}} The following year, Strike appeared as Misha in the episode "1:23:45" of the HBO miniseries Chernobyl, and was cast in the lead role of Roland Deschain in the Amazon Studios adaptation of Stephen King's book series The Dark Tower.{{cite news|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|url=https://deadline.com/2019/03/the-dark-tower-sam-strike-cast-gunslinger-roland-deschain-jasper-paakkonen-amazon-nears-pilot-order-1202556652|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321170803/https://deadline.com/2019/03/the-dark-tower-sam-strike-cast-gunslinger-roland-deschain-jasper-paakkonen-amazon-nears-pilot-order-1202556652/|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 March 2019|title='The Dark Tower' Casts Sam Strike As Gunslinger Roland Deschain, Plus Jasper Pääkkönen As Amazon Nears Pilot Order|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=21 March 2019}} The latter was ultimately cancelled, producing only an unaired pilot.{{cite magazine|first=Nick|last=Romano|url=https://ew.com/tv/glen-mazzara-canceled-dark-tower-series-amazon/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114052534/https://ew.com/tv/glen-mazzara-canceled-dark-tower-series-amazon/|url-status=live|archive-date=14 January 2025|title=The Dark Tower showrunner details plans for scrapped Amazon series|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=27 May 2020}}
Strike starred as Casper Tatum in the 2020 Quibi coming-of-age murder mystery series When the Streetlights Go On. The critics praised the show's "strong writing, an impressive cast, and most importantly, an intriguing mystery".{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/when_the_streetlights_go_on/s01|title=When the Streetlights Go On: Season 1|publisher=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=25 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250225010929/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/when_the_streetlights_go_on/s01|archive-date=25 February 2025|url-status=live}} Strike also appeared in a 2020 episode of the television series FBI: Most Wanted playing Ronnie Lee Bishop, and in a 2022 episode of the Netflix series The Sandman as Todd. He portrayed Ryan Dougherty in the 2023 true crime drama American Outlaws,{{cite web|last=Liebenson|first=Donald|title=SBIFF 2023: Miranda's Victim, American Outlaws: Faces of True Crime|date=27 March 2023|website=RogerEbert.com|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/festivals/sbiff-2023-mirandas-victim-american-outlaws-faces-of-true-crime|access-date=25 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250225024607/https://www.rogerebert.com/festivals/sbiff-2023-mirandas-victim-american-outlaws-faces-of-true-crime|archive-date=25 February 2025|url-status=live}} which earned him and his co-stars an award for Best Ensemble Cast at the Boston Film Festival. In George Clooney's 2023 film adaptation of Daniel James Brown's book The Boys in the Boat, he played American rower Roger Morris.{{cite web|last=Kroll|first=Justin|url=https://deadline.com/2022/02/george-clooneys-boys-in-the-boat-adaptation-mgm-spyglass-smokehouse-1234930925/|title=George Clooney's 'Boys In The Boat' Adaptation With MGM, Spyglass And Smokehouse Sets Top Tier Cast|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=10 February 2022|access-date=24 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250224234611/https://deadline.com/2022/02/george-clooneys-boys-in-the-boat-adaptation-mgm-spyglass-smokehouse-1234930925/|archive-date=24 February 2025|url-status=live}} The film received mixed reviews from critics. In 2024, Strike had a recurring role of Deputy Jess Chinlund in season two of the Amazon Studios series Outer Range. He is next set to star in Frankie Shaw's upcoming dark comedy film 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank, an adaptation of Matthew Rosenberg and Tyler Boss' graphic novel of the same name.{{cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |title=Frankie Shaw Feature Directorial Debut '4 Kids Walk Into a Bank' With Liam Neeson Lands Orion Distribution, Miramax Financing |url=https://deadline.com/2024/12/liam-neeson-frankie-shaw-4-kids-walk-into-a-bank-1236195256/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=6 December 2024 |access-date=25 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250225152346/https://deadline.com/2024/12/liam-neeson-frankie-shaw-4-kids-walk-into-a-bank-1236195256/ |archive-date=25 February 2025 |url-status=live}}
Personal life
Strike's role in EastEnders led to questions about his sexuality early in his career, which he addressed in 2014, saying: "I'm not gay, just to set the record straight."{{cite magazine|last=Levine|first=Nick|url=http://attitude.co.uk/sam-strike-coming-scene-genuine/|title=Sam Strike on coming out scene: 'It was so genuine'|magazine=Attitude|date=20 May 2014|access-date=26 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140526022248/http://attitude.co.uk/sam-strike-coming-scene-genuine/|archive-date=26 May 2014|url-status=dead}} He supported the charity event Sport Relief 2014 by competing in a swimming battle with his castmate Jamie Borthwick, which was broadcast live as part of the BBC programme The Sport Relief Games Show.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03z07cg|title=The Sport Relief Games Show|publisher=BBC|access-date=9 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324220124/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03z07cg|archive-date=24 March 2014|url-status=live}} Strike and other EastEnders actors also posed for a 2015 calendar in aid of the BBC charity Children in Need.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02c7tg8|title=EastEnders stars become calendar pin-ups for BBC Children in Need|publisher=BBC|date=18 November 2014|access-date=15 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250315150647/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02c7tg8|archive-date=15 March 2025|url-status=live}} Following his departure from the series, he has maintained a close friendship with his co-stars Danny Dyer, Kellie Bright and Maddy Hill who portrayed his father, mother and sister, respectively.{{cite web|last=Sarrubba|first=Stefania|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a40017706/eastenders-sam-strike-reunites-danny-dyer-kellie-bright/|title=Former EastEnders actor Sam Strike reunites with Carter co-stars|website=Digital Spy|date=17 May 2022|access-date=28 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250228034248/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a40017706/eastenders-sam-strike-reunites-danny-dyer-kellie-bright/|archive-date=28 February 2025|url-status=live}}
Filmography
{{pending films key}}
=Film=
=Television=
=Web=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |
| scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Role ! scope="col" | Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |
|---|
| 2014
! scope="row" | On Set with... Sam Strike | Himself | Web miniseries; 1 episode | {{cite web|title=On set with... Sam Strike|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01s1vwm|publisher=BBC|access-date=28 March 2014|date=14 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106040847/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01s1vwm|archive-date=6 November 2015|url-status=live}} |
Awards and nominations
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{IMDb name|5307635|Sam Strike}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Strike, Sam}}
Category:21st-century English male actors