Canadian actor, musician Samantha Weinstein dead at 28
A talented Canadian actor and musician, who gained recognition from a young age, is being remembered as an inspiring artist who led an extraordinary life and continued pursuing her passion until her final moments.
Samantha Weinstein, aged 28, passed away on May 14 at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto after battling ovarian cancer for two and a half years.
Weinstein had been involved in acting since the tender age of six and had an impressive list of accomplishments to her name. She lent her voice to numerous characters in animated TV series and showcased her talent in various projects.
Describing his daughter, David Weinstein affectionately stated, "Sam truly embodied the essence of a sunbeam. Her positive energy was infectious, and everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her would attest to the fact that she illuminated every room she entered."
Among her notable roles, Weinstein portrayed the character Heather, a high school student, in the 2013 remake of "Carrie," alongside Chloe Grace Moretz and Julianne Moore. She also played the role of Audrey in the 2011 comedy film "Jesus Henry Christ," starring Toni Collette.
During her childhood, she achieved critical acclaim for her lead role in "Big Girl," which received the Best Canadian Short Film award at the 2005 Toronto International Film Festival. Her exceptional performance earned her the 2006 Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) award for outstanding female performance, making her the youngest recipient of this prestigious honor at the age of 10.
According to her father, she was also an exceptionally talented voice actor, a form of artistic expression she adored because it allowed her to unleash her creativity and have fun.
Despite her illness, Weinstein remained dedicated to her craft. Just weeks before her passing, she was still actively working in the studio, lending her voice to the animated series "Mittens & Pants" and "Dino Ranch."
Weinstein was equally passionate about music. She served as the lead singer and guitarist for the Toronto-based garage rock band, Killer Virgins.
After being diagnosed with cancer, Weinstein made a conscious decision to live her life to the fullest. Her father shared that she embarked on adventures, including travels to Japan and Hawaii, among other destinations.
Philanthropy held a special place in Weinstein's heart. Even before her passing, she urged her parents to continue supporting various charitable causes on her behalf.
Additionally, Weinstein's impact extends far beyond her artistic accomplishments. Her mother, Jojo Tindall-Weinstein, expressed, "What has truly struck me in the past week is that every person I spoke to mentioned how Sam transformed their lives. It may sound dramatic, but people genuinely mean it. Her infectiously positive attitude actually influenced the way others lived."
Weinstein is survived by her loving husband, sister, and other relatives.