Meet Actor Sammy Morningstar:
To start, please introduce yourself:
Hello ghouls and goblins! I’m Sammy Morningstar. I’m an indie actor who loves the horror genre.
Hello ghouls and goblins! I’m Sammy Morningstar. I’m an indie actor who loves the horror genre.
What is horror to you, and what makes a work of art one in the horror genre?
Horror, to me, is more than just scares—it’s a deep emotional connection. It’s about fear, survival, and sometimes even catharsis. I grew up watching horror with my family, so for me, it’s tied to nostalgia and bonding. A great horror work isn’t just about the gore or jump scares; it’s about storytelling, atmosphere, and the way it makes you feel—whether that’s dread, excitement, or even comfort in its darkness.
What made you want to work in horror?
I grew up watching horror movies with my grandma and uncle, and that’s where my love for the genre began. It was our thing, and it became my passion. Seeing actors bring these terrifying yet fascinating characters to life made me want to do the same. Horror allows me to connect with my past, express emotions, and hopefully create something that resonates with others just as it did with me.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I get my inspiration from the horror icons I grew up watching—actors like Felissa Rose and Jamie Lee Curtis, who paved the way for women in horror. I also draw from my personal experiences and the emotional connection I have with the genre. Horror is a space where I can channel my creativity and push boundaries, and I admire the actors who can truly make audiences believe in the nightmare they’re creating.
What would you like your legacy to be in the genre (or elsewhere)?
I want to be known as someone who not only brought unforgettable characters to life but also helped elevate women in horror. So many men are recognized for their contributions to the genre, and I hope to be part of a wave of women who change that. More than anything, I want to show my kids—and anyone chasing big dreams—that no goal is too crazy or impossible if you’re willing to fight for it.
What is Women in Horror Month to you, and why is it still important this many years later?
Women in Horror Month is a celebration of all the incredible women who have shaped and continue to shape the genre. It’s important because, even today, men tend to get more recognition for their roles in horror films, while women have to fight harder to be seen. This month reminds us that horror wouldn’t be what it is without the women who scream, fight, and survive on screen—and those behind the scenes creating these stories. It’s a time to uplift, acknowledge, and inspire the next generation of women in horror.
What are you currently working on that you can tell us about?
I’m currently working on a miniseries called The Red Huntress, directed by Keith Groyon and Mac Skellington. The Red Huntress is a series that takes on a combination of Grimm’s fairy tales, The Red Riding Hood, Van Helsing, and a touch of Sleepy Hollow. Set in the late 1800s-early 1900s, Wellows Ridge—a small village—is terrorized by supernatural creatures after a curse is placed upon them. Alice, played by me, secretly battles the evil alongside Lane and Jenny, unraveling a sinister conspiracy while the villagers accuse her of witchcraft. Episodes one and two are out on Moviecrew17’s YouTube channel, and three and on will hopefully be on Tubi!
Where can readers keep up with you?
Facebook.com/50shadesoflittle
Instagram.com/50shadesoflittle
Linktr.ee/50shadesoflittle
Lead photo by Beyond Photography by Celeste Durham
