Sam Moran facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sam Moran
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Moran in 2008
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Samuel Alexander Moran |
| Born | 4 April 1978 Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
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| Years active | 1998–present |
| Labels | Sony Music Australia Republic Records |
| Associated acts | The Wiggles, Nick Jr. |
Samuel Alexander Moran (born April 4, 1978) is an Australian singer, dancer, and actor. He is most famous for being a member of the popular children's music group, The Wiggles, from 2006 to 2012.
Contents
Sam Moran's Early Life
Sam Moran was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, on April 4, 1978. He grew up in a town called Wagga Wagga.
Sam's Career Journey
Before becoming a famous performer, Sam studied music at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. He wanted to become a high school music teacher. While he was a student, he also started performing in plays and musicals.
Joining The Wiggles
Sam Moran first started working with The Wiggles in 1998. He hosted and toured with the "Dorothy the Dinosaur Show" across Australia and New Zealand. These shows were held in smaller places that The Wiggles had become too big for. He also played characters like Professor Singalottasonga and Dapper Dave in their TV shows.
In 2002, Sam became a backup performer for Greg Page, who was the original Yellow Wiggle. Sam filled in for Greg over 150 times! When Greg's doctors told him not to travel, Sam performed in his place during the group's 2006 tour in the US. Sam was asked to join The Wiggles permanently just a few days before Greg announced he was leaving in November 2006.
Sam's bandmates, like Murray Cook, said that Sam did "amazingly well" as a Wiggle. His addition changed their music and made the band even stronger. In 2009, Sam and the original Wiggles received an honorary PhD from Macquarie University for their work in children's education.
In 2011, Sam Moran and the original Wiggles were honored in the ARIA Hall of Fame. This was for their 20 years of dedication to children's music. During Sam's time as the lead singer, The Wiggles always won the ARIA Award for Best Children's Album.
In January 2012, Greg Page returned to his role as the Yellow Wiggle. As part of his agreement, Sam was given full use of Hot Potato Studios. He also received royalties for any songs he had written.
Sam's Solo Music
After leaving The Wiggles, Sam Moran started his own music projects.
Colour of Love Album
| Colour of Love | ||||
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| Studio album by
Sam Moran
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| Released | 9 April 2010 | |||
| Studio | Sony Music Studios | |||
| Genre | Pop | |||
| Length | 44:21 | |||
| Label | Sony Music | |||
| Producer | Rod McCormack | |||
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Sam released his first solo album, Colour of Love, in 2010. This album featured his versions of famous love songs. One special song was a duet of "God Only Knows" with Australian jazz singer Emma Pask.
Sam also sang "Advance Australia Fair", the Australian national anthem, at a big rugby league game in 2010.
Play Along with Sam TV Show
In May 2013, Sam Moran returned to children's television. He hosted a new show for preschoolers called Play Along with Sam on Nick Jr. This show was an educational music program that aired every weekday morning and evening until 2021.
The album that went with the show was nominated for an ARIA Music Award in 2013. The TV show also received nominations for awards like the ASTRA Awards and the Logie Awards for being an outstanding children's program.
In 2015, Sam Moran won the ARIA Music Award for Best Children's Album. He even won against his former bandmates, The Wiggles! In his acceptance speech, he hinted at his journey since leaving The Wiggles.
In 2018, GQ Australia magazine included Sam Moran on their list of best-dressed men at the ARIA Awards. That year, Sam was also nominated for Best Children's Album again.
Sam's Personal Life
Sam Moran loves gadgets and once thought about working in information technology. He is a big fan of the Australian Football League team, the Sydney Swans. He also enjoys cooking.
In 2006, Sam married Lyn Stuckey, an American dancer who also performed with The Wiggles. They met while working on the "Dorothy the Dinosaur Show," where Lyn played Dorothy the Dinosaur. Their daughter was born in Sydney in early 2010.
In 2020, Sam announced that he was expecting his second child with his partner, Jessica Vergara. Their child was born on October 30, 2020.
Discography
Studio albums
- Colour of Love (2010)
- Play Along with Sam (2013)
- We're Gonna Dance! (2014)
- BOO! (2015)
- Best. Day. Ever! (2016)
- Santa's Coming! (2017)
- All The Feels (2023)
Filmography
- Play Along with Sam (2013–2021) – Host
Awards and Nominations
Sam Moran has received many awards and nominations throughout his career, especially for his work in children's music.
- ARIA Awards for Best Children's Album:
- Won with The Wiggles: Pop Go the Wiggles! (2007), You Make Me Feel Like Dancing (2008), Go Bananas! (2009), Let's Eat (2010), Ukulele Baby! (2011)
- Nominated for Play Along with Sam (2013)
- Nominated for We're Gonna Dance (2014)
- Won for BOO! (2015)
- Nominated for BEST. DAY. EVER! (2016)
- Nominated for Santa's Coming! (2018)
- ARIA Hall of Fame: Inducted with The Wiggles (2011)
- ASTRA Award: Nominated for Best New Talent (2014)
- TV Week Logie Award for Outstanding Children's Program:
- Nominated for Play Along with Sam (2014)
- Nominated for Play Along with Sam (2016)
