**BURBERRY** shirt, t-shirt, and pants and **ARTEMAS QUIBBLE** belt.
You may know 19-year-old actor Sam McCarthy from his role as son Charlie in _Dead to Me_, opposite Christina Applegate. The dark comedy series follows Jen (Christina Applegate), a recent widow, who is determined to solve the crime of her husband’s death. She ends up meeting a group of unlikely friends who navigate grief, forgiveness, and therapy. Though, before landing the Netflix gig, McCarthy can be seen in his feature film debut, _All These Small Moments_ and his television debut _The Family_, later going on to land roles on _The Blacklist_ and now as a recurring role on the conspiracy thriller series _Condor_ as Sam Jr.
_Flaunt_ had to the opportunity to chat with McCarthy about his passion for acting, future roles, and favorite moment from shooting _Dead to Me._
**ACNE STUDIOS** coat, **VICTOR LIE** blazer, stylist’s own jacket, **DICKIES** overalls, **ALEXANDER MCQUEEN** shoes, **WOLF CIRCUS** ring, **VITALY** necklace, and **BOND HARDWARE** necklace.
**ACNE STUDIOS** coat, **VICTOR LIE** blazer, stylist’s own jacket, **DICKIES** overalls, **ALEXANDER MCQUEEN** shoes, **WOLF CIRCUS** ring, **VITALY** necklace, and **BOND HARDWARE** necklace.
**ALEXANDER MCQUEEN** suit and **MARLA AARON** necklace.
**How did you start acting and know this was what you wanted to pursue as a career?**
My elementary school had mandatory school plays for everyone, so I grew up doing that. My dad is also in the business, so I grew up on various sets watching different productions. As I got older, I felt like I was drawn to acting, and would talk about being an actor “someday”. Then once when I was about thirteen my dad was acting in this show and there was a tiny part that he thought I should audition for. We taped it, and I booked it. Soon after I started going on auctions regularly until I booked _Dead to Me_ a few years later.
**How did you prepare for your role of Charlie in _Dead to Me_? Were there any challenges you encountered?**
To be honest, preparing for Charlie was relatively easy. He is very much like who I was when I got the role (aside from my dad being alive). I really just had to talk to a couple of kids from the west coast to get a feel and I was ready.
**What are the differences and similarities between you and Charlie? What resonated with you regarding his character?**
The biggest difference between me and Charlie as I mentioned earlier is that his father is dead. Charlie is very closed off and acts a certain way to cover up his vulnerability. This is something I personally related to a lot, although I feel I have become more outwardly sensitive in the last year.
**AKNVAS** shirt, talent’s own vest, **LOOLIOS** pants, **MARLA AARON** necklaces, and **WOLF CIRCUS** bracelet.
**GUCCI** blazer and vest and **VITALY** necklaces.
**AKNVAS** shirt, talent’s own vest, **LOOLIOS** pants, **ALEXANDER MCQUEEN** shoes, **ARTEMAS QUIBBLE** belt, **MARLA AARON** necklaces, and **WOLF CIRCUS** bracelet.
Sam wears **GUCCI** blazer and vest, **AKNVAS** pants, **VANS** shoes, **VITALY** necklaces and bracelet, and **WOLF CIRCUS** ring. On the floor: Stylist’s own jackets and **BRIXTON** shirt.
**How did this role different feel from your character in _Condor_?**
Sam Jr. and Charlie are actually very similar. Both have dead fathers, both are relatively closed off, and both make jokes over dark things. Aside from subtle character differences, both roles were similar.
**What was your favorite moment in shooting _Dead to Me_ and why?**
In episode 7 or 8 of season 2 there was a scene where I confront Jen about not telling me the truth which honestly just felt great. It was just a moment where things clicked, and I was very happy with how it turned out.
**How has the pandemic affected your headspace? Have you picked up any new hobbies?**
In the beginning, as I’m sure everyone can relate to, I found myself with an overwhelming amount of time on my hands. This was definitely a big adjustment, but it allowed me to pursue certain things I might have left behind otherwise. In the beginning of my senior year, I briefly picked up bouldering. It wasn’t serious and I dropped it after a couple months. With the extra time on my hands, I was able to start climbing again once the gyms opened up. It has been really grounding for me and is something I do pretty much every day. Also, it is an activity that can be done outside so if the gym is too crowded, I can still climb safely in Central Park.
**AKNVAS** jacket, stylist’s own top, **GUCCI** pants, and **MARLA AARON** necklace.
**AKNVAS** jacket, stylist’s own top, and **MARLA AARON** necklace.
**ALEXANDER MCQUEEN** suit and **MARLA AARON** necklace.
**What kinds of roles do you want to explore in the future?**
At this point I am looking to do something that pushes me out of my comfort zone, as corny as that sounds. I’d also love to do something that requires me to learn a new physical skill, such as horseback riding or fencing or martial arts. I love physical activity so that is something I’m looking forward to having to develop in a future project.
**ALEXANDER MCQUEEN** suit and shoes and **MARLA AARON** necklace.
**ALEXANDER MCQUEEN** suit.
Photographer: [Matthew Tyler Priestley](https://www.instagram.com/matthewtylerpriestley/?hl=en)
Stylist: [Rachel Gilman](https://www.instagram.com/rachelgilman_/?hl=en)
Makeup: [Tiffany Leigh Patton](https://www.instagram.com/tiffanyleighpatton/?hl=en) at [Art Dept](https://www.instagram.com/artdeptagency/?hl=en)
Hair: [Rebekah Calo](https://www.instagram.com/rebekahcalo/?hl=en) at [Julian Watson Agency](https://www.instagram.com/julianwatsonagency/?hl=en)
Fashion Assistant: Caitlyn Amundson
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