Samantha Mathis

Samantha Mathis (born May 12, 1970), is an acclaimed American actress and trade union leader. Mathis kicked off her acting career in 1986 and is best known for her roles in widely recognized movies including 'The Punisher' (2004), 'American Psycho' (2000), and the 'Super Mario Bros' (1993). She made her Hollywood debut in the film 'Pump Up the Volume' (1990). Mathis also served as the Vice President, Actors/Performers of SAG-AFTRA from 2015 to 2019. Throughout her career, Mathis has showcased her acting prowess earning her various roles in movies, television shows, and theater productions. Cheaper addition to being a successful actress, Samantha Mathis has demonstrated leadership in her role as a trade union leader advocating for the rights of her fellow actors and performers.

Mathis was born in Brooklyn, New York City to Donald Mathis and Austrian-born actress Bibi Besch. After the divorce of her parents, when she was just two, Mathis was raised solely by her mother. Despite her mother's inclination to dissuade her from entering the acting industry, Mathis, propelled by her passion for the craft, decided to become an actress at the age of 12. She moved to Los Angeles at the age of five and began her acting career at 16. Mathis's personal life, however, has not been without tragedy. She was in the company of fellow actor, River Phoenix the night he tragically passed away due to a drug overdose.