Sam Nivola, a 21-year-old actor and self-proclaimed "nepo baby," is on the verge of catapulting to fame with his upcoming role in the third season of HBO’s critically acclaimed series The White Lotus, set in Thailand. Born into a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry, Sam’s rise to prominence is not just about talent but also about the opportunities afforded by his celebrity parents. His mother, Emily Mortimer, is a renowned English actress and director, known for her work in films like Lovely & Amazing (2001) and The Newsroom (2012–2014), while his father, Alessandro Nivola, is a respected actor with standout performances in American Hustle (2013), Disobedience (2017), and the upcoming The Brutalist (2024). Together, they have nurtured Sam’s passion for acting from a young age, setting the stage for his burgeoning career.
Sam’s journey began in Notting Hill, London, where he spent his early childhood before moving to Brooklyn, New York, with his family. There, he attended the prestigious Saint Ann’s School, an institution known for its rigorous academic and artistic programs, with annual tuition fees ranging between $48,000 and $52,000. After completing his education, he went on to study at Columbia University, further solidifying his foundation for a career in the arts. Sam’s acting debut came at just 11 years old in the 2013 HBO series Doll & Em, where he played the role of Ariel. Interestingly, one of the writers on the show was none other than his mother, Emily Mortimer, a detail that has contributed to his "nepo baby" status—a term used to describe celebrities who benefit from their famous parents’ influence.
Despite the privileges of his upbringing, Sam has shown a dedication to honing his craft. His parents, who have been married since 2003 after meeting on the set of Love’s Labour’s Lost, have been instrumental in supporting his career. In a 2023 interview with Vogue, Sam downplayed his parents’ fame, stating, “My parents aren’t, like, total celebrities. They don’t get recognized in the street.” This humility reflects his desire to carve out his own identity in the industry, separate from his family’s legacy. His younger sister, May Nivola, 14, has also followed in their footsteps, making her acting debut alongside Sam in the 2022 film White Noise. Directed by Noah Baumbach, the apocalyptic black comedy, based on Don DeLillo’s 1985 novel, premiered at the Venice Film Festival and marked a significant milestone for both siblings.
Sam’s relationship with fellow “nepo baby” Iris Apatow, daughter of actress Leslie Mann and director Judd Apatow, has also garnered attention. The couple, who have been dating for two years, attended the premiere of The White Lotus together, further cementing their status as part of Hollywood’s young elite. While Sam’s romantic life is of interest to fans, his professional accomplishments are what promise to set him apart. In Vogue, he jokingly referred to himself and his cohort of celebrity offspring as “some secret cabal of nepo kids who hang out in black robes,” a lighthearted acknowledgment of the privileges and scrutiny that come with his background.
In addition to his role in The White Lotus, Sam has already made waves in the industry with notable projects. He starred as Heinrich in White Noise, alongside his sister May, who played Steffie. Both performances were praised, with director Noah Baumbach expressing admiration for their talent and dedication. Additionally, Sam has worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Bradley Cooper in Maestro and Nicole Kidman in Netflix’s The Perfect Couple. These roles have not only showcased his versatility as an actor but also highlighted his ability to hold his own alongside industry veterans.
However, it’s his upcoming role in The White Lotus that is expected to propel Sam into stratospheric stardom. Created and directed by Mike White, the series has become a cultural phenomenon, known for its sharp wit, complex characters, and stunning locales. Speaking to Vogue, Sam admitted he was convinced he wouldn’t land the part, saying, “I’ve never felt more certain that I wasn’t gonna get a part.” Yet, his casting is a testament to his growing reputation as a rising star. As he prepares to check into The White Lotus, Sam Nivola is poised to step out of the shadow of his famous parents and establish himself as a talent in his own right. With his charm, talent, and the right opportunities, Sam is ready to take Hollywood by storm.
