Sammi Hanratty takes a moment with Composure to talk about her roles in the TV movie “Seeds of Yesterday”, TV series “Salem”, and the exciting new lead role for an upcoming film. She also talks about the blessing of the community she surrounds herself with that keeps her grounded.
CM: You’re the youngest of 5 sisters – was that a painful experience or did you get away with everything?
SH: Neither. I was really fortunate to grow up the household I did with a lot of support from everyone. My parents treated us all equally.
CM: What did the typical dinner table look like growing up?
SH: When I was little, my dad was in dental school. He would be gone for 10-12 hours a day, but he’d always come home at dinner time and then go back so we could all eat as a family.
CM: What was that defining for you when you decided “I’m going into acting”?
SH: When I was 2, I would watch Shirley Temple and Judy Garland and wanted to be just like them. That’s what inspired me to want to pursue acting and God has blessed me to be able to make it happen.
CM: You played the role of Cindy in the TV movie “Seeds of Yesterday”. Can you tell us about her character? Were there parts of the movie that challenged you as a young actress?
SH: I’ve never played such a flirtatious and sexual role before. Cindy is definitely different from me. It was a little intimidating playing her, but I loved the challenge. Cindy is a fun-loving girl who just wants to be loved but goes about it in the wrong way. She’s Bart’s adopted sister, so it’s not quite as bad as her parents situation.
CM: “Salem” is in its second season, can you tell us about your character Dollie Trask?
SH: The writers gave Dollie such a new light this season. In season 1 she lost all of her friends except for Mercy. This really bonded the two of them. But this season,she’s faced with the new challenges of falling in love and no longer trusting Mercy.
CM: Any predictions/insight on how the season will end?
SH: Well, let’s just say it doesn’t end well for Dollie.
CM: Do you have other projects coming up in 2015? If you can’t say much, can you give a hint?
SH: I’ll be playing the lead in a new film that begins shooting in August. I’m super excited and can’t wait until I can share more about it!!
CM: You’re known to be really great with makeup – how did you learn or did you teach yourself?
SH: I’ve always been obsessed with make-up!! Since I was 6 years old raiding my mom’s make-up drawers at 6am!! I really love the thought of being able to enhance the beauty God’s given me. But honestly, I think natural beauty is the best!
CM: As a young actress in Hollywood, what keeps you grounded?
SH: My family and my church, Mosaic. That’s my beautiful community. Words can’t describe how thankful I am for my amazing tribe. I always say, “My friends are the people that feed my soul and not my ego.”
CM: If you had one message or inspiration to share with your fans, what would it be?
SH: Make your 8 year old and 80 year old self proud of who you are. Live a full life that you’re proud of. Take risks, laugh hard and enjoy every moment!!
Watch Sammi Hanratty on the TV series “Salem” airing Sundays at 10pm on WGN America.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNA FISHER
STYLING BY STEPHANIE GUTIERREZ
MAKE UP BY CHELSEA YUSUF
HAIR STYLING BY MATILDE CAMPOS
