Sam Moran facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sam Moran
Moran in 2008
Background information
Birth name	Samuel Alexander Moran
Born	(1978-04-04) 4 April 1978 (age 47) Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Genres	Children's pop
Occupation(s)	Musician dancer actor singer
Instruments	Vocals trumpet guitar drums ukulele
Years active	1998–present
Labels	Sony Music Australia Republic Records
Associated acts	The Wiggles, Nick Jr.

Sam Moran, born Samuel Alexander Moran on April 4, 1978, is an Australian entertainer. He is well-known for being a member of the popular children's music group, The Wiggles, from 2006 to 2012.

Early Life and Music Training

Sam Moran was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. He grew up in a town called Wagga Wagga.

Sam studied music at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. He learned about classical singing and how to teach music. His goal was to become a high school music teacher. While he was still a student, he also started performing in plays and musicals.

Sam Moran's Career

Sam Moran has had an exciting career in music and entertainment. He has worked with famous children's groups and also created his own shows.

Joining The Wiggles

Moran performing with the Wiggles in 2007

Sam Moran first started working with The Wiggles in 1998. He hosted and toured with the "Dorothy the Dinosaur Show." This show visited places in Australia and New Zealand. These were smaller venues that The Wiggles had become too big for.

In the group's TV series, Sam played characters like Professor Singalottasonga and Dapper Dave. By 2002, he became the backup for Greg Page, who was the original Yellow Wiggle. Sam filled in for Greg over 150 times.

In 2006, Greg Page had to stop touring because of his health. Sam took his place during The Wiggles' US tour that fall. A few days before Greg announced his retirement in November 2006, Sam was asked to join The Wiggles permanently.

Being the lead singer of The Wiggles was a very demanding job. It was easy for young children to accept Sam as the new Yellow Wiggle. However, it was a bit harder for their parents. Murray Cook, another Wiggle, said that Sam did "amazingly well." He also said that Sam's addition changed their music and made the band stronger.

In 2009, Sam Moran and the original Wiggles received an Honorary PhD from Macquarie University. This award was for their work in children's education and psychology. In 2011, Sam 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, The Wiggles announced that Greg Page was healthy enough to return. Greg took back 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 his songs.

Solo Music Projects

After leaving The Wiggles, Sam Moran started his own music projects.

Colour of Love Album

Sam released his first solo album, Colour of Love, in 2010. This album featured covers of famous love songs. It included a duet of "God Only Knows" with Australian jazz singer Emma Pask.

Sam also performed "Advance Australia Fair" at the first game of the 2010 NRL State of Origin.

Play Along with Sam

In May 2013, Sam Moran returned to children's television. He hosted a new show called Play Along with Sam on Nick Jr., a channel for preschoolers. This show was an educational music program. It aired every weekday morning and evening until 2021.

The album that went with the show, Play Along with Sam, was nominated for an ARIA Music Award in 2013. The show also received nominations for other awards. These included the ASTRA Awards for Most Outstanding Children's Program and the TV Week Logie Award for Outstanding Children's Program. Sam himself was nominated for Best New Talent.

In 2015, Sam Moran won the ARIA Music Award for Best Children's Album for his album BOO!. He won against his former bandmates, The Wiggles.

In 2018, GQ Australia magazine included Sam Moran on their list of Best-dressed Gents at the 32nd ARIA Awards. Sam was also nominated for Best Children's Album that year.

Personal Life

Before becoming a professional singer, Sam Moran thought about a career in information technology. He loved gadgets and technology. He is a big fan of the Australian Football League team, the Sydney Swans. Sam also enjoys cooking.

He married Lyn Stuckey, an American dancer who worked with The Wiggles, in 2006. They met while performing together on the "Dorothy the Dinosaur Show." 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