Samantha Scaffidi is an American actress, writer, and director. She began her career in

short film A short film is any motion picture that is short enough in running time not to be considered a feature film. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences defines a short film as "an original motion picture that has a running time of 40 minutes ...

s before becoming known for her role as Victoria Heyes in the ''Terrifier'' film franchise—appearing in ''

Terrifier ''Terrifier'' is a 2016 slasher film written and directed by Damien Leone. It stars Jenna Kanell, Samantha Scaffidi, Catherine Corcoran, and David Howard Thornton. The film follows partygoer Tara Heyes (Kanell), who becomes the target of a seri ...

'' (2016), ''

Terrifier 2 ''Terrifier 2'' is a 2022 American slasher film written, directed, edited and produced by Damien Leone. A sequel to ''Terrifier'' (2016), it is the third feature-length film to feature Art the Clown. It features the return of David Howard ...

'' (2022), and ''Terrifier 3''. Additionally, she had a

leading role A leading actor, leading actress, or simply lead (), plays the role of the protagonist of a film, television show or play. The word ''lead'' may also refer to the largest role in the piece, and ''leading actor'' may refer to a person who typica ...

as Luce in '' Demon Hole'' (2017). In addition to acting, Scaffidi is known for directing the

RAINN The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) is an American nonprofit anti-sexual assault organization, the largest in the United States. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline, as well as the Department of Defense Safe Helplin ...

public service announcement ''Wait'' (2019).

Career

Independent films

Scaffidi began her career with a minor role as a waitress in the short film ''Uncomfortable Silence'' and Bea in ''Derailing'' (both in 2013). In 2015, she portrayed Georgette in the feature film ''Sam'' and Samantha in the short film ''Act, Naturally''. The same year, Scaffidi had a supporting role as Michelle in the independent comedy film ''The Networker''. The following year, she portrayed the lead character Luce in the comedy horror film '' Demon Hole'' which premiered at the

Cannes Film Festival The Cannes Festival (; french: link=no, Festival de Cannes), until 2003 called the International Film Festival (') and known in English as the Cannes Film Festival, is an annual film festival held in Cannes, France, which previews new films ...

and was picked up by SC Films and SP Releasing. In 2018, Scaffidi had a supporting role as Alessandria in the feature length film ''Sarah Q''.

''Terrifier'' franchise

Scaffidi read the script for a film titled ''Terrifier'' written by the director

Damien Leone Damien Leone is a film director, screenwriter, and film producer known for writing and directing '' All Hallows' Eve'' (2013), ''Terrifier'' (2016), and ''Terrifier 2 ''Terrifier 2'' is a 2022 American slasher film written, directed, edite ...

and was initially reluctant to sign on to the project due to finding it "grotesque" and "horrifying"—but joined after a meeting with Leone. Scaffidi had to choose between the parts of Dawn and Victoria, choosing the latter as she related to the character more. Filming began in 2016, and Scaffidi describes filming it as a fun experience because she got to see how everything got put together and found

Art the Clown Art the Clown is a fictional character in the ''Terrifier'' franchise and related media. He first appeared in the short films ''The 9th Circle'' (2009) and ''Terrifier'' (2011) before making his feature film debut in '' All Hallows' Eve'' (2013). ...

actor David Howard Thornton to be very friendly on the set. During filming, Leone made it known to her that he intended to bring her back as Victoria in the follow-up film, ''

'' (2022). She describes filming the sequel as a more enjoyable experience due to becoming familiar with the production crew (most of which were a part of the first film) and a better understanding of Victoria. Due to the Victoria character's disfigurement, Scaffidi had to wear extensive

prosthetic makeup Prosthetic makeup also called special make-up effects and FX prosthesis) is the process of using prosthetic sculpting, molding and casting techniques to create advanced cosmetic effects. Prosthetic makeup goes back to the beginning of film maki ...

throughout filming parts ''1'' and ''2''. ''Terrifier'' went viral following its

Netflix Netflix, Inc. is an American subscription video on-demand over-the-top streaming service and production company based in Los Gatos, California. Founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in Scotts Valley, California, it offers a ...

debut and has attracted a

cult following A cult following refers to a group of fans who are highly dedicated to some person, idea, object, movement, or work, often an artist, in particular a performing artist, or an artwork in some medium. The lattermost is often called a cult classic ...

, becoming Scaffidi's first role and project to obtain a growing

fandom A fandom is a subculture composed of fans characterized by a feeling of empathy and camaraderie with others who share a common interest. Fans typically are interested in even minor details of the objects of their fandom and spend a significan ...

Personal life

Scaffidi is primarily a Manhattan based actress. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from

Salve Regina University Salve Regina University is a private Roman Catholic university in Newport, Rhode Island, United States. It was founded in 1934 by the Sisters of Mercy and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. The university enrolls ...

and a Certificate in Acting from the

William Esper Studio The William Esper Studio was founded in 1965 as a school for the performing arts in Manhattan, New York. The school is dedicated to the acting technique of Sanford Meisner. Its founder, William "Bill" Esper, is often referred to as the best-known ...

Filmography

Film

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Scaffidi, Samantha Living people 21st-century American actresses American film actresses Year of birth missing (living people)