Sam Meader
He played in Mark Hensley’s The Man Who Loved Flowers Dollar Baby Film as Young Man.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Sam Meader: I play ‘The Man’, an emotionally-intense character to define… To me, he was perfectly sane; but to you, he most-definitely wasn’t. I’m originally from the UK, but now work in Los Angeles. If I can create everyday, I’m happy…
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actor?
Sam Meader: I grew up performing in a rock band and always loved the freedom of expression it gave me. Eventually, enough bottles were thrown at me, and around the age of eighteen I started to explore acting – that’s when I found my true passion.
SKSM: How did you become involved in The Man Who Loved Flowers Dollar Baby film?
Sam Meader: I had worked with Mark Hensley and Peggy Lewis in the past, developing their brilliant play ‘London Calling: The Musical’ – the first musical to officially involve the iconic music of The Clash. I loved working with them so much that we’ve always stayed in touch, so when they reached out with ‘The Man Who Loved Flowers’ I naturally said yes.
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Sam Meader: I think we all have a yearning for fear, provided that we’re one-step removed from it. Peggy Lewis did a fantastic job of penning a suspenseful script, and Stephen King’s characters always remind us that we’re one personal disaster away from releasing our inner-psychopath.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Sam Meader: Mark Hensley knew my work, and what I could potentially bring to the role. Or maybe he just thought I needed to release that inner-psychopath for a minute. Either way, it was a match.
SKSM: You worked with Mark Hensley on this film, how was that?
Sam Meader: This was my first time working with Mark as a director, having previously worked with him as a producer. I think the many areas of the industry Mark has worked in really bled into him being a great director. He articulately knew what he wanted, and consistently considered every aspect of the production – but his focus was always on the overall storytelling, rather than the minutia, which I greatly admired.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Sam Meader: I had previously acted with Amy Scribner as a disgruntled mother and son, so hitting her over the head with a hammer was an amusing turn of retribution. Now it’s her turn for vengeance…
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Sam Meader: I still keep in touch with Mark Hensley and Peggy Lewis; they throw good pool parties…
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Sam Meader: I’ve just had a feature film premiere called INTO THE ARMS OF DANGER, in which I play the killer son of crazy ‘Momma’ Cathy Moriarty. Catch it on Lifetime TV, LMN, and streaming networks. You can also see me in the upcoming season of BOSCH (Amazon) and THE ORVILLE (Fox).
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Sam Meader: The Dark Tower was one of the first adult series I read as a kid. Which is perhaps why I have such an active imagination…
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Sam Meader: I can fly a plane… kinda…
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Sam Meader: Thanks for reading — now go make something!!
And for my buddy, Jon Degnan – shoutout to The Escape Fall and the Darling Sweethearts…
SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?
Sam Meader:
Instagram – @skmeader
