Cindy Sampson is a Halifax-born Canadian actress, famous for her role in Global’s hit show Private Eyes where she plays the female lead Angie Everett, and various other shows and movies including CW’s Supernatural, The Shrine, and Long Gone Day. In 2020 she made her directorial debut and also took part in a movie called Where Are We Going which was nominated for “Best Canadian Fashion Film” by CANIFF.
(Beyond Fashion Magazine): Tell us about yourself and how you started your acting career.
(Cindy): I’m a married, dog mom actress originally from Nova Scotia. My acting career started when I was in High School on a very cool CBC kids’ consumer show called “Street Cents”. My mom made me audition, I cried because I was really shy and here we are 20+ years later!
What was your most favourite character to play and why?
Without a doubt, my current role on Private Eyes as the kickass, charming, sarcastic Angie Everett. It’s a light-hearted environment, no daily conjuring of angst, suffering or tears and there’s a new caper every week, which keeps everything fresh and exciting even after five years. If I had to exclude the present I would definitely say Lisa Braeden on Supernatural or Carmen from The Shrine, because I was possessed by a demon in both and I NEVER GET TO BE THE BAD GUY!
How would you describe your fashion style?
All over the place and easily influenced?! I appreciate all fashion, it’s performance art. Sometimes I wish I had a specific style, but it adapts with inspiration given the situation. Future fashion goals are to be bolder!
What are some of your favourite Canadian brands?
Well, I have been living in Lululemon for the past year so… My absolute favourite coats are Mackage and I have a few Smythe jackets that I love. I wear the stunning designs of Stephan Caras to most events. It was great to showcase these vintage pieces, especially relevant with the importance of sustainability.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I really feel like I’m just getting started. I moved to Los Angeles when I was younger and had this whole imagined career trajectory that just turned into the uncertain roller coaster of life as an artist. Being a lead on a series has given me priceless opportunities and confidence. Last year I had my directorial debut, joining the DGC was a monumental achievement for me. So, expanding on acting I will be directing and producing more. Success is being paid to do something you love, so I’m just going to continue ageing in this business and work until I’m 90.
How has the pandemic affected you and your work?
I feel like my entire career I have been working or working on getting work, there has never been actual relaxed downtime. I always equated my career with identity. So, I really went back to basics and embraced the quiet. Reading, hiking, baking. I still created a structure in my days even though I wasn’t working, but I found peace in the simplicity of life and that was a great lesson.
What was your biggest challenge adapting to the ‘new normal’?
The complete and utter lack of hugging. It’s really getting to me. Also, meeting people without shaking hands…it’s weird.
What would be your dream role to play?
A historical drama with fabulously difficult costumes.
If you weren’t an actress, what career would you choose?
The reason I’m an actress is because I wanted to do everything! See everything, be everything, explore everywhere. I always dreamed of being a ballet dancer, a detective or an archeologist specializing in ancient Egyptian artifacts. Those are so all over the place, how could I choose? Now I get to delve into the different worlds of different occupations with every role.
What is your motto?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. I mean I probably have a daily motto, but that’s one I can say I truly live by.
Working on the top TV series in the country starring opposite Jason Priestly must be amazing. All the 90210 fans want to know what is it like being on set with Brandon Walsh? Can you tell us something people don’t know about Jason?
Working with Jason is a constant gift of laughter and learning. Best onscreen partner ever! After this past year, it’s no secret that Jason is an amazing chef, especially if you follow him on social media. He is a SEVERE FOODIE! All we ever talk about on set is food, and we are constantly sharing recipes. He makes a fabulous Tarte tatin, too, for the record!
Can you speak to the cover image and experience of shooting a fashion film compared to a tv series?
It’s so hard to subjectively look at yourself sometimes and I love this cover because I don’t feel like I’m looking at myself! What a magical time we had shooting this fashion film. A crew of ladies in Muskoka with endless creative inspiration and some vintage Stephan Caras. I love fashion and magazines and photoshoots; it’s so magical and whimsical and collaborative and we had the freedom to try things not under financial or time constraints. A series, even a fun episodic, has a much more structured and formulaic approach.
What attracted you to work with Canadian Fashion Film Director Lindsay Anne Delaney?
Where do I start?! Anytime, anywhere I will shoot with Lindsay Delaney! From the second she and I met it was as if we had known each other forever…we have the East Coast connection too, her being from NFLD and myself from Nova Scotia. Her shots are KILLER, I think she is so super talented. Her photographs are riveting. She has no weakness, you could literally put Lindsay in any situation with any subject matter and get a showstopping photograph. AND she’s genuinely fun to work with. Should I go on? Cause I can (laughs).
How did it feel to be officially selected by CANIFF?
And then to be nominated for “Best Canadian Fashion Film?” We were all pretty proud of ourselves, creating something out of nothing is super rewarding in itself. But then to be honored with a CANIFF selection was so incredibly cool and validating. Especially considering we shot in complete lockdown under extreme circumstances.
What do you value most in people?
Empathy, loyalty and laughter. It’s a cruel and crazy world out there, especially with all the overwhelming aspects of social media nowadays. So, let’s know we’re friends forever, let’s laugh in the face of adversity and always lead with kindness.
