Sam Sarpong facts for kids

Sam Sarpong was a talented British actor, supermodel, and musician. He was born in London on December 19, 1974. Sam appeared in many movies and TV shows. He also hosted the popular MTV show Yo Momma. Sam was a big name in fashion too, being one of the first Black male models for designer Tommy Hilfiger. He was the face of the brand for over six years. Sam passed away on October 26, 2015, when he was 40 years old.

About Sam Sarpong

Sam Sarpong was a very busy person! He acted in more than sixty movies. He also appeared in fifty-five television shows. Some of his well-known films include Carmen The Hip Hopera and Love Don't Cost a Thing. He also starred in Keeping Up with the Steins and Anchor Baby. Sam won an award for best lead actor for his role in the movie No Weapons. This award was given at the San Diego Black Film Festival.

Early Life and Journey

Sam Sarpong was born in London, England. When he was 11 years old, he moved to Los Angeles with his father. His father, Sam Sarpong Sr., was from Ghana. Sam went to El Camino Real High School in Woodland Hills, California. He was a great basketball player there. When his father moved to Pasadena, Sam stayed with a friend's family. This allowed him to keep going to El Camino Real. Sam hoped to play basketball in college and professionally. When that did not work out, he started acting and modeling instead.

A Star on Screen and Runway

Sam Sarpong had a very successful career in entertainment and fashion. He was known for his hosting skills and his work as a model.

Hosting and Acting Roles

Sam was a co-host on MTV's show Yo Momma for three seasons. He also hosted the BET Awards pre-show called All Access. He did this for seven years! At the 2013 BET Awards, he announced the winner for the "Best International Artist" category.

Sam played the main character, Paul Unanga, in the film Anchor Baby. He won the Best Lead Actor award for this role at the 2012 New York Film Festival. He also appeared in an episode of Veronica Mars called "Lord of the Bling".

Fashion and Modeling

Sam Sarpong was also a very successful model. He was featured in fashion campaigns for famous brands like Louis Vuitton. He won the MAA Fashion Award for Male Model of the Year. Today's Black Woman magazine named him one of their "Fifty Most Beautiful People" twice. In 2007, Us Weekly magazine added him to their "Hot 100 Young Hollywood with Style" list.

Sam was also part of modeling campaigns for the brand Boy London. He was the international face of the Nelson Mandela Foundation clothing line. After he passed away, Sam appeared in an episode of American Crime Story. He played a character named Byron/Neighbor Man No. 1.

Movies and TV Shows

Here is a list of some of the movies and TV shows Sam Sarpong appeared in: