| Being positive is a key to success. Samantha Marie Becker is a prime candidate in exemplifying positivity as a GenerAsian actress who demonstrates her love for reaching out and helping people. Many of you know Samantha as Maria Lopez in the NBC Saturday morning show, "Saved By The Bell: The New Class". She is a rising star that was selected by A. Magazine as one of the top eight Asian actresses to watch for in the future. She was recently nominated for a YoungStar Award for her performance in "Saved By the Bell: The New Class". Samantha started her career in television commercials after finishing modeling school at the age of 10. She continued to model and do commercials and added theatrical productions to her credits. Becker also co-starred in the feature film "A Pig's Tail", and she guest starred on the NBC daytime soap opera "Sunset Beach" and the primetime television series "Moesha". Samantha is also a singer and a dancer who is very interested in becoming an R&B artist. In January, Samantha finished filming her final episodes for the 1999-2000 season of "Saved By The Bell: The New Class". I recently had the opportunity to interview Samantha Marie Becker. Dennis: Where were you born and raised? Samantha: I was born in North Carolina on the military base, Camp Lejeune. Dennis: What kind of family atmosphere did you grow up in? Samantha: I grew up as an only child in San Diego. My mom is very compassionate and very understanding. Dennis: In "A. Magazine", you were selected as one of the eight hot talents to watch. How does it feel to be known as one of the hot eight young Asian American talents in the country? Samantha: I think it's hard for Asian Americans due to barriers in the industry and it's a barrier that should have been broken a long time ago. I feel very proud to represent my race and help to break those barriers. Actually, I'm not only Asian Pacific (Pilipino) but I'm also American Indian, Spanish and mix of other races that are too much to go into but I'm very proud to represent Asian Americans. Dennis: Have you ever been to the Philippines? Samantha: Actually, I just went to the Philippines recently to visit my relatives and the people there are so accepting and giving. They were so nice. Dennis: How did you get involved in acting? Samantha: My mother drove from San Diego to Los Angeles and I got an interview with an agent. He decided to sign me. So, in the next two to three years my mother drove me back and forth from San Diego to Los Angeles and then one day I got the role for "Saved By the Bell". Dennis: Do you ever watch yourself on television? Samantha: (Laughing) Yeah! Dennis: How did you feel the first time you saw yourself on TV? Samantha: The first time was so hard to pay attention to how you did and the role because you're too busy looking at what kind of face your making, how your hair looks, or how your outfit looks. After the first two episodes then I started to pay attention. Dennis: I was reading your bio and it caught my attention when I read that you performed in two San Diego State football halftimes shows and also sang in 15 USO Shows. Is singing a big passion for you? Samantha: Actually it is. I enjoy both music and acting. Dennis: What kind of music do you like to sing? Samantha: Oh, I love to sing R&B. Dennis: If I'm correct, you also want to become a professional singer right? Samantha: Yes. Definitely! Dennis: Let's talk about "Saved By the Bell: The New Class". How does it feel to work with the other cast members? Samantha: You know it was such a great training ground. It was a wonderful experience interacting and working with the other actors. It was more important to listen than to think about how to say your lines. Reaction is action and reacting is acting. Working with Dennis Haskins (Mr. Belding) and Dustin Diamond (Samuel "Screech" Powers) taught me a lot since they had the longest experience on the show. Dennis: Speaking about Dustin Diamond. How is he compared to real life and with his role as Screech? Samantha: Screech…He is a riot! He is always trying to make me laugh. He's not happy unless he sees that you're happy. So, he would always tell a joke or a riddle. He's really a fun guy. Dennis: Let's get into some deeper questions. Who are your role models? Samantha: For me, it would be anyone who would help for a good cause. Those that have the ability to help. Those are the people I look up to. Dennis: Many GenerAsian actors and actresses have discussed their obstacles in pursuing a career in acting. First, let's talk about the most satisfying aspect of being an Asian American actress. What is the most satisfying part for you? Samantha: The part when they say "you look so exotic" and they think that you're from some tropical island and say that you are good inside and out. Dennis: Now, what is the most frustrating aspect of being an Asian American actress? Samantha: Well, unfortunately there aren't that many roles out there for Asian Americans. So, I'm actually planning and writing my own scripts. But I think the most frustrating thing right now is that there are not many roles for Asian Americans. Dennis: Let's dig into the life of Samantha Marie Becker. What is a typical day for you? Samantha: A typical day…hmm. We're not doing the show right now (Note: Filming for episodes for the 1999-2000 season have been completed). So, a typical day for me is waking up extra early in the morning and giving love and attention to my two dogs and two cats and taking care of them. I'm an animal lover. So, I spend a lot of my time lately with my animals. Lindsey McKeon (Katie Peterson on "SBTB:TNC") comes over all the time and I see friends who I went to school with and I love going to the beach whenever it's warm. Dennis: What about when you were filming "Saved by the Bell:TNC"? Samantha: I had to leave to the studio at 8 a.m. and go to school for four hours. Around 12 to 5 p.m. we would rehearse and as we get near the end of the week the hours got longer but it was good. I miss it! Dennis: What hobbies do you enjoy? Samantha: I enjoy taking walks in trails and going out to the forest…what little there is in Los Angeles. I love snowboarding. I love extreme things. I love to do outdoor physical things like bike riding. Dennis: What is your favorite food? Samantha: Spaghetti and meatballs with a side of garlic bread. Dennis: The first time a fan went up to you, what was it like for you? Samantha: I blushed. One day I was at the Beverly Center and three little girls walked past me and said "Oh my God is that her?" and then they shouted my name "Maria!" and at first I didn't think they were looking at me, but it was fun. Dennis: What are your personal or professional goals for the future. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? Samantha: I see myself as a public figure. My main goal is to reach out and help people. I'd like to become a famous actress. Something really challenging and creative. Dennis: What advice can you give to the people out there who want to pursue a career in acting? Samantha: Just keep going at it. Where we are now, we came a very long way. Don't get discouraged because one of these days we will be the majority, not the minority. Dennis: Samantha, I want to thank you for taking the time for this interview. What final words would you like to leave for your fans? Samantha: If you are in school, stay in school. Education and knowledge is truly an important thing you can possess because no one can take knowledge away from you. Set a goal and remember to strive for your goals and your dreams. |
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