New Faces in Entertainment: Samantha Glassner Shines in The Ark

Samantha Glassner is quickly making a name for herself with her portrayal of Kelly Fowler in SyFy’s The Ark. The series, which balances intense science fiction with intricate human drama, provides an ideal platform for Glassner to showcase her skills. Kelly Fowler is a complex character, shaped by her fraught relationship with her mother, Evelyn Maddox. As the series progresses, Glassner’s performance adds emotional depth to Kelly, especially in later episodes where Kelly’s internal conflict about loyalty and morality takes center stage. 

A Strong Foundation in Theater

Although she is a fresh face in television, Samantha’s journey began on stage. With a degree in theater and psychology from Northwestern University, she honed her craft by mastering how to balance external tensions with internal emotional struggles—a skill she now brings to her on-screen performances.

Her transition to television reflects not just a change of medium, but a natural evolution of her talents.

Michael: What first drew you to acting?

Samantha: “I fell in love with acting as a child. I was about five years old when I played Ms. Hannigan in Annie. Theater was my world growing up, but over time, I discovered my love for film and television and realized that’s where I wanted to focus my career.”

Her background in theater helps Samantha tackle the emotional demands of complex characters like Kelly, and her foray into science fiction marks an exciting new chapter in her artistic journey.

Transitioning from Theater to Film

The shift from theater to television has its challenges, particularly for an actor well-versed in the stage.

Michael: How would you compare acting for theater versus acting for film?

Samantha: “While both theater and film acting rely on many of the same core principles, the way you perform in each can be quite different. In theater, you have to project your voice and make sure the entire audience, even those sitting far away, can connect with your character. In my experiences, film acting can be much more subtle.  The camera picks up every small movement, so it’s important to make everything feel natural and nuanced. I had to adjust my technique from theater to film, learning that even the smallest flicker of emotion on my face can communicate a great deal. My theater background gave me a strong foundation, but film acting taught me how to be more precise with smaller, more intentional choices.”

A New Adventure in Science Fiction

Stepping into the genre of science fiction with The Ark was uncharted territory for Samantha. Though sci-fi wasn’t initially her go-to genre, the creativity and freedom it offers quickly captivated her.

Michael: Were you always a fan of sci-fi?

Samantha: “I grew up watching sci-fi with my dad, so I’ve always appreciated the genre. When I was cast on The Ark, I started watching more sci-fi for research and realized how much I love it. Now many of my favorite shows and movies are sci-fi. And of course, I love The Ark—but I’m pretty biased.”

This love for the genre shines through in her portrayal of Kelly Fowler. “There’s a lot beneath the surface with her,” Samantha explains. “Uncovering her motivations has been challenging, but also a lot of fun.”

Exploring Kelly Fowler’s Complex Bond with Dr. Marsh

One of the most emotionally charged dynamics in The Ark is the evolving relationship between Kelly and Dr. Marsh. Their bond carries the weight of a father-daughter relationship, filled with protection, frustration, and unspoken expectations. Kelly’s deep need for redemption drives her to take risks, inevitably clashing with Dr. Marsh’s instinct to shield her from harm.

Michael: How would you describe Kelly’s relationship with Dr. Marsh?

Samantha: “You described it perfectly—it’s very much a father-daughter dynamic, but a complicated one. He’s protective of her and wants to guide her, but Kelly is only 19 and trying to assert her independence. She wants to be treated as an adult, not just protected. That conflict between wanting guidance but also craving freedom is what makes their relationship so interesting.”

Samantha revealed that the full scope of their dynamic wasn’t immediately clear when they started filming. “We didn’t know Dr. Marsh had implants at first,” she explains. “As the scripts for Season 2 came out, we started carving out the details of this bond. It’s been exciting to see how that added complexity deepens their relationship.”

Michael: How did you and the actor playing Dr. Marsh build that dynamic on set?

Samantha: “It was really about understanding the emotional weight of their relationship. Kelly has never learned how to express love—she wasn’t taught that as a child. So when she interacts with Dr. Marsh, there’s this constant push-and-pull of affection and frustration. I wanted to make sure that came across, especially in moments where she lashes out, like pinning him against the wall. She cares for him, but she doesn’t know how to handle those feelings.”

Behind the Scenes: A Collaborative Effort

A large part of The Ark’s success stems from the strong collaboration between the cast and crew. Samantha praises the open communication on set, which fosters teamwork and helps shape the show’s characters and storylines.

Michael: What is the collaborative environment like on set?

Samantha: “Our team is so invested in making sure everything feels authentic. We constantly discuss character arcs, relationships, and even the science behind the storylines to ensure they align. If there’s confusion, we consult the writers or director to piece it together as a group. Everyone is open to questions and new ideas, which makes the whole experience incredibly rewarding.”

This spirit of collaboration ensures that the relationships on The Ark feel genuine and well-developed, both on and off the screen.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Samantha’s journey continues, so do her ambitions. Beyond acting, she’s passionate about storytelling that fosters empathy and understanding. Samantha hopes to explore narratives that highlight unique human experiences and universal emotions that connect people.

Samantha: “I want to tell stories that make people feel seen, heard, and understood, whether by shedding light on hidden struggles or affirming shared experiences. For me, storytelling is about creating connections and offering comfort.” With her talent and drive, Samantha Glassner is definitely a new face to watch in entertainment. Her layered portrayal of Kelly Fowler in The Ark is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting career.

Black and White Header Image Photography Credit: Christie Burke