Sam Sarpong

Sam Sarpong
Born 19 December 1979
London, England, UK

Samuel Osei Sarpong[1] is an English-American actor, model and musician. He has performed in a few film and television programmes, including the 2011 Nigerian film Anchor Baby.[2] He was a host on MTV's Yo Momma.[3] He was a model for Tommy Hilfiger for six years.[4]

Biography

Sarpong was born in London and moved to Los Angeles with his father (a native of Ghana) when he was 11 years old. He attended El Camino Real High School in Woodland Hills, California, where he was a basketball star. When his aspirations for a college and professional basketball career proved unsuccessful, he turned to acting and modeling.[5][6] He is the brother of the British television presenter June Sarpong.[7]

Career

Sam was co-host of MTV’s show “Yo Momma,” (currently in syndication) and has since gone on to serve as the host of the BET Awards pre-show “All Access,” for the last 5 years. This year, at the 2013 BET Awards, Sam was selected to present the first ever “Best International Artist”category.

Sam, who has appeared in over 60 films and 40 television shows, starred as Paul Unanga in the film, “Anchor Baby.” He also guest starred in "Lord of the Bling", an episode of Veronica Mars.

Sarpong was the first black male model to ever shoot a campaign with Louis Vuitton. A recipient of the MAA Fashion Award for Male Model of the Year, and twice named “Today’s Black Woman,” magazine “Fifty Most Beautiful People,” Sam Sarpong was added to “Us Weekly’s,” “Hot 100 Young Hollywood with Style” list. Sam has walked the runway for designers such as Versace, Donna Karen, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Jean Phillppe and Ed Hardy. Sam has also started his own clothing brand, “Future Stars Collection,” a line of high-end T-shirts, jeans and hoodies.

Sarpong appears in the feature film "No Weapons.” Sam Sarpong will also co-star with 90210’s Matt Cohen in the film “Trigger,” and appear on the television series, “Average Dad,” with actors Jamie Presley and Brent Goldberg.

Additionally, Sam Sarpong will be featured campaigns for Boy London, and serve as the international face of the Nelson Mandela foundation 46664 clothing line this year. Sarpong will also be featured in Nike’s 2013 back to school commercials.

Sam Sarpong is also a member of the Hip-Hop/Pop group the League. Over the last decade the group has released 6 albums. Later this year Sarpong will release his solo EP, "Lose My Mind" which is featured on VH1’s show “Hit The Floor.” Sam is also featured on the “Scary Movie 5” soundtrack with his song "Thunder"

References

  1. ↑ "Sam Sarpong Biography", film reference.
  2. ↑ Adedayo Odulaja, "Nigeria: Excellent Thematic Preoccupation, Profound Acting in Anchor Baby", The Daily Independent (Lagos) reprinted at AllAfrica.com, 31 December 2010.
  3. ↑ "Actor Sam Sarpong is a perfect role model." The News Letter, 5 August 2005  – via HighBeam Research (subscription required) .
  4. ↑ Tim Engle, "Singing, acting, modeling: Sam Sarpong is on the verge of something big", Kansas City Star, 24 May 2008 (pay site).
  5. ↑ Eric Sondheimer, "Sarpong Finding His Niches; Former ECR-Hoop Star Is Actor, Dancer, Rapper, Talk-Show Host", Los Angeles Daily News, 9 July 1997  – via HighBeam Research (subscription required) .
  6. ↑ Fernando Dominguez, "Running the Fast Break Again : Two Years Out of High School, Sarpong Homes In on Show-Business Career", Los Angeles Times, 2 July 1995.
  7. ↑ "Please do not disturb ; Lazy days: TV presenter June soaks up the sun at Le Touessrok." Daily Mail, 28 May 2008  – via HighBeam Research (subscription required) .

External links