IN CONVERSATION WITH SAMMY DELL

interview by JANA LETONJA

Sammy Dell is a rising talent with a rare blend of emotional depth, musicality, and range—qualities that position him as one to watch heading into 2026. With roots firmly planted in the theater world, Sammy has steadily expanded into film and television, bringing a grounded intensity to every performance. He stars opposite Milo Ventimiglia in ‘I Can Only Imagine 2’, Lionsgate’s highly anticipated sequel to the 2018 box-office phenomenon, delivering a standout turn as Sam Millard, the son of Bart Millard (J. Michael Finley). A trained actor, singer, and songwriter, Sammy continues to build a multidimensional career that bridges stage, screen, and music with authenticity and heart.

‘I Can Only Imagine 2’ tells an emotionally charged storyline, how did you approach that responsibility?

For me, it starts the moment I open the script. I begin by asking as many questions as possible, digging into the nuances of the character, his greatest strengths, and his deepest weaknesses. With a project like ‘I Can Only Imagine 2’, I wasn’t just relying on what was on the page, I also met the real Sam Millard, which allowed me to approach the role with a deeper sense of responsibility and authenticity.

What initially drew you to the role of Sam Millard?

At its core, ‘I Can Only Imagine 2’ explores a father and son longing to connect and learning how to hold grief and gratitude at the same time. What truly drew me in was Sam’s journey through the hardships he and his family faced. In my own life, I’ve struggled to find connection with my dad, and while that can sometimes feel like a dead end, you’re never alone in it. Like Sam, I recently found a connection with my father through music, which made this story feel incredibly personal.

The film explores faith, resilience, and illness. Did any of those themes resonate with you personally?

Faith and resilience go hand in hand for me. The dreams that Sam and I hold for successful careers in music and film both require resilience and a deep passion to keep going. When resilience starts to run out, faith steps in. Faith keeps us hopeful for a future we can’t see yet.

The original film had a massive impact on audiences. Did that legacy add any pressure stepping into the sequel?

There’s always a sense of nerves stepping onto a set for the first time, especially as a newcomer. However, even before filming began, I already felt like part of the Imagine family. The creative team set up meetings for me to dive into the music, John Michael Finley and I went to a MercyMe concert together, and the Millard family wrapped the entire cast in love and support. Sam and I connected before I even got to Nashville and became quick friends, not just through the story we were telling, but through our shared love of music and family.

Coming from a strong theatre background, how do you adjust your performance for the camera?

I focus on the nuance and what’s happening behind the character’s eyes. While theatre thrives on projection and energy, film invites a more intimate, grounded approach to storytelling. The camera allows me to dive deeper into the world of the character because without the responsibility to the audience, I'm able to try new choices and find the most authentic version of my character.

As someone who moves between stage, television, and film, what excites you most about each medium?

The stage was my first love and always will be, but television excites me because of the subtlety. The actors who I am inspired by keep me completely captivated every time I sit down in a theatre. Film, to me, isn’t just the actor’s medium, it’s the director’s. It’s about the entire creative team coming together to tell a cohesive story. Theatre shares that collaboration too, but once the curtain rises, it’s just you and your scene partner, and there's no take 2. Live theatre will always draw me in. It demands your full attention, compelling you to listen, react, and stay present.

Music is a huge part of your life. Does it influence your acting, and vice versa?

Acting and music are both ways of telling stories. Acting deeply influences the songs I write. It helps me connect not only to my own emotions, but to the people around me. Being able to fully dive into emotion makes it easier to write lyrics that feel honest and true to the stories I want to tell.

At this stage, what is your dream role?

I don’t know if I have a single “dream role” right now. I’m more focused on chasing roles that challenge me and push me beyond my boundaries. I’m inspired by Matthew McConaughey and how he wanted to pursue stories that demand growth. Seeking discomfort is how you move past your comfort zone.

How do you stay grounded while your career momentum continues to build?

Acting has a funny way of keeping you grounded. Out of the thousands of auditions I’ve walked into, I’ve only received a handful of yes’s on a mountain of no’s. What keeps me focused is the next opportunity to show what I can do. I trust that what’s meant for me will come my way.

Who or what inspires you creatively outside of acting?

My family inspires me every single day. They’ve supported me in countless ways, such as driving me to auditions, helping me clear my head, and keeping me grounded in my work. Their faith in me means everything. Every step I take in this industry is for them.

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, are there any upcoming projects we should keep a look out for?

In 2026, I’m stepping into a new adventure with music. I’ll be releasing my EP ‘Playground of Glass’ in February, alongside ‘I Can Only Imagine 2’, with a single dropping at the end of January. The EP features five songs that range from country to indie rock to pop, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it.

TEAM CREDITS:

talent SAMMY DELL
photography ANDREA FREMIOTTI