Sam Nivola, the 21-year-old actor known for his roles in films like White Noise and Eileen, asserts that he has earned his place in Hollywood independently of his famous parents, Alessandro Nivola and Emily Mortimer. In an interview with Variety, he emphasized that while he acknowledges the advantages of his lineage, he is proud of his achievements that stem from his own efforts.
Speaking candidly about his career, Sam remarked, “Other than my genes, I don’t think I can attribute much of my success to my parents.” He took pride in the fact that he secured his first film role without any assistance from his father’s agent. “I didn’t want to give anyone an excuse to say that anything I’ve achieved has been because of anyone other than me,” he stated, reinforcing his commitment to self-reliance.
Not only did Sam carve out his own path in acting, but he also made the bold decision to drop out of college to pursue his ambitions. “My parents were upset. It totally scared them, which is understandable,” he shared. His determination to focus solely on his acting career highlights his strong-willed nature. “I wasn’t happy at the time because I couldn’t dedicate everything in me to acting. And I have problems with authority figures,” he added, underscoring his desire for autonomy.
Reviving Comedy in Film
Sam’s latest project, Driver’s Ed, aims to reinvigorate the comedy genre, which he believes has seen a decline in recent years. Reflecting on the current state of comedy films, he said, “It’s rare to have comedies at all. It’s been pretty dry for a little while. Can you think of any good ones that have come out in the last five years? Other than Friendship?”
He criticizes the industry’s increasing reliance on data-driven decision-making, stating that studios have “Moneyball-ed the film industry.” He argues that this trend has stifled creativity and risk-taking, crucial elements for the success of comedic films. “Everything is about data now — and trying to predict, to the nearest dollar, how much money a movie’s going to make,” he explained. This approach, he believes, undermines the essence of comedy, which thrives on unpredictability and innovation.
Challenges for Emerging Talent
Moreover, Sam highlighted the challenges faced by emerging actors in an industry that often favors established stars. He pointed out that studios seem hesitant to invest in new talent, opting instead to support well-known performers with proven box office success. “The old movie stars are getting plastic surgery, and they’re looking younger and they’re staying young,” he observed. “You have these really old people playing young roles. And it’s not giving any space for the young’uns to move in and make a name for themselves.”
Sam’s insights shed light on a broader issue within Hollywood’s film landscape. He expressed concern that the current trend prioritizes familiar faces over fresh talent, potentially limiting opportunities for the next generation of actors. “With all due respect to those people, one day they won’t be here anymore, literally, and they will have to create new stars,” he warned.
As Sam Nivola continues to navigate his career, he remains focused on establishing his own identity in a challenging industry. His commitment to authenticity and his desire to push the boundaries of comedy underscore his ambition as he works towards making a lasting impact in Hollywood.
