Samantha Brown always knew she was meant to be an actor. As a young girl, there was no other way to describe it—it was an innate calling. But the world she grew up in wasn’t one where people pursued dreams in the arts. “No one in my immediate circle had a career in acting,” Samantha reflects. “It seemed impossible to make a living doing it.” With practicality in mind, she followed a more conventional path, studying business at Western University and launching a promising corporate career at one of Canada’s largest global companies.

However, something was missing. “After two years, I knew corporate life wasn’t for me. Every single day, I thought about acting. I once heard a quote that said, ‘Never give up on something you can’t go a single day without thinking about,’ and that struck me. It made me realize I owed it to myself to chase my dream.” On her birthday, Samantha made a bold choice: she quit her job and dove headfirst into acting. “It was the first big decision I made entirely on my own. Looking back, it was the single best decision of my life.”

The leap was just the beginning. Samantha trained rigorously, studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles and honing her craft at Pro Actors Lab and other studios in Toronto. She even worked as a casting reader, a behind-the-scenes role that gave her invaluable insight into auditions and character-building. Her big break came with a recurring role on FX’s Y: The Last Man, a comic-based series that was a game-changer for her. “It was my first time living with a character across multiple episodes, and it taught me how to build a character arc over time. That experience solidified my love for the process.”

Now, Samantha is stepping into the spotlight once again in MGM+’s FROM, taking on the complex role of Acosta, a rookie police officer thrown into a world of supernatural horrors. Acosta’s entry into the strange, cursed town is anything but smooth. “She arrives wanting to leave—just like everyone else,” Samantha explains. “But unlike some of the other residents, her job as a police officer shapes her approach. She’s committed to serving others, even here. It’s not just about finding a way home for herself; she’s determined to help everyone escape.”

The challenges Acosta faces in FROM go beyond the physical monsters lurking in the forest. Early on, she makes a devastating mistake—accidentally taking the life of an innocent person. “That mistake isolates her. Most of the town doesn’t want anything to do with her at first, so she starts out completely alone. Acosta has to earn trust and figure out who can be counted on, all while carrying the weight of her actions.”

For Samantha, this emotional depth made the role both challenging and rewarding. Episode 4, in particular, was a test of endurance. “It was my first day on set, and it involved a major action sequence where Acosta is being chased by monsters in the woods. It was a freezing Halifax winter, and on top of that, I was meeting the cast and crew for the first time. The pressure was high, but everyone welcomed me with open arms. Their support made all the difference.”

What makes working on FROM even more immersive, Samantha says, is the incredible attention to detail from the production team. “The prosthetics and set design are so realistic. There’s no green screen or tennis ball to act against—everything is there in front of you. When Acosta is being chased by creatures in the woods, Samantha Brown is really being chased by actors in full prosthetics. That realism helps keep you locked into the moment.”

Another standout experience for Samantha has been working alongside Harold Perrineau, who plays Boyd Stevens, the town’s sheriff and de facto leader. “Harold is the captain of our ship,” Samantha says fondly. “Watching him work is like a masterclass in acting. Every take, he brings something different, and you never know what he’ll do next. Offscreen, he’s equally impressive—kind, professional, and respectful. He sets the tone for the entire set, and being around him has sharpened my own skills as an actor.”

Samantha describes FROM Season 3 as “the end of the beginning,” teasing that this season dives deeper into the town’s dark history while introducing new threats. “The monsters are becoming more strategic, which adds a whole new element to the show. Acosta’s fresh perspective gives the group some new energy, and she won’t stop until she gets answers. She’s not interested in adapting to this town—she wants to fight back.”

The process of filming FROM has been transformative for Samantha, both personally and professionally. “One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in this industry is that filmmaking is a team sport. It’s not just about your performance; it’s about making sure everyone on set has what they need to do their job well. It’s a collaboration, and when everyone clicks, that’s when the magic happens.”

Looking back on her journey, Samantha feels grateful for the people she’s met along the way. “The cast, crew, and creative team on FROM are some of the best I’ve ever worked with. They’re talented, kind, and dedicated, and I’ve made friends for life. This experience has reminded me why I took the leap into acting in the first place.”

With her character Acosta facing both supernatural horrors and inner demons, Samantha Brown is set to deliver a powerful performance in FROM Season 3. Her journey—from the corporate world to the heart of a mystery-filled horror series—is a testament to the power of following your passion. “There’s no quit in Acosta,” Samantha says with a smile. “And there’s no quit in me, either.”

Tune in to Season 3 of FROM on MGM+ to see Samantha Brown as Acosta—a newcomer with a heart full of determination and a fight that won’t quit.

Photography Credit: Vita Cooper