Meet Samantha Simmons | Actor & Martial Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samantha Simmons and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, what role has risk played in your life or career?
To be an artist is taking a risk. In a society that doesn’t value the artist as high as the money-making businessperson or the financially stable doctor or engineer, we artists find a comradery in the fight to create and uphold all things magic in this world. Our intangible discoveries as artists are just as important for the spirit and the soul as, say, the scientific ones, to make life worth living for everyone. Yet here we are, scraping by on the fringes of society creating and uplifting the very thing that big corporations try to monetize. Embracing the life of an artist is the call to adventure. You must risk to take the right path for yourself—else you might regret a boring life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being interested in film, specifically fantasy and Sci-fi, I’ve been recently driven to use these skills for storytelling in cinema. I grew up participating in my family’s martial arts school learning judo, karate, jujitsu as well as other disciplines. Since martial arts is a lifestyle, I have dedicated many hours honing my skills and learning new ones. I’ve practiced katana, sai, bow, spear, throwing stars and some archery. I recently learned broadsword techniques, as well as tactical firearm maneuvers. I am always focused on learning new weapons and martial arts techniques–as I have been for many years. The challenge is to overcome the monotony to develop the muscle memory in order to retain the skill—and then keep that skill sharp. While training with the Rising Star Stunt Team, I was able to translate my disciplines better for cinema (while learning new ones). I look forward to learning new techniques and disciplines for each project that I come across.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Starting south of Denver, I’d take my adventure buddy to the Royal Gorge Route Railroad in Canyon City, to have dinner on the train while enjoying the view. The next day I’d take us the long scenic route north to the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center in Teller County to learn about and experience the majestic and endangered animals. We would end the day with a leisurely dinner and a few pints at Grist Brewery in Lone Tree. Continuing through the city, we would have to have a late brunch at Euro Crepes in the heart of Denver’s Antique Row. The final relaxing end of the tour would be soaking it all in at the Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs in Steamboat.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents have always supported my artistic endeavors. A shoutout to Karen and Kurt’s awesomeness! Being fine artists themselves, they let me have the freedom to try new things and develop in an organic way. They have provided me with everything to create ranging from my dad’s paints, to my mom’s vintage clothing for an acting role.

Instagram: @samanthavsimmons

Facebook: @samanthavsimmons

Youtube: https://youtu.be/62l7YdDNDWw

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8593933/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

Image Credits
Luke Sydoryk, Adam Dooley