Samantha Bailey played the role of Summer Newman on The Young and the Restless. She has also been seen on Bizaardvark, in the film Emmerson Heights, and had a recurring role on Just Add Magic!

1. How did you get started acting?
I grew up watching TV and being mesmerized by the actors and actresses on the screen. When I was 4 ½ years old, I begged my parents for months that I “wanted to be on TV!” I figured that if they could do it, why couldn’t I? That is what sparked my love for acting. My parents thought it was just a phase since I was so young but they knew deep down that I have always been a performer at heart. I used to go with my aunts Brittany and Marissa to their dance classes and try to follow along with what they were doing when I was only 2 years old. That passion and drive is still with me today. I actually teach ballet to 3-7 year olds now so my goal as a teacher is to inspire them to love the arts in the hopes that they too will want to follow their dreams like I did.

2. What do you remember about your time on The Young and The Restless?
There is so much I remember about working on The Young and The Restless. Everyone there was so amazing to work with. Since I was so young and this was my first series regular role, I was so appreciative how all of the actors were so willing to help me learn. They taught me how to be professional while still having fun. Something that people may not know is that I loved to make friends with the crew on set. Such as the directors, camera operators, set designers, costumers and other crew that helped behind the scenes. I thought it was so interesting how each of their jobs together created this amazing show.

3. What was the experience like having Joshua Morrow and Michelle Stafford as your on screen parents?
I absolutely loved working with Joshua and Michelle on set. It didn’t take us very long to have a strong connection. My favorite thing was how goofy they were between takes. But as soon as the director called “Action” they were present and ready to start the scene. I am still good friends with them so I hope that we will get the chance to work together again!

4. Do you have a favorite episode or storyline you got to be a part of during your time on the soap?
The holiday and Christmas episodes were always my favorite because of the sets and outfits! I remember the Thanksgiving episode where my character, Summer put crayons inside the turkey while Michelle Stafford’s character, Phillis was cooking. I found that so funny since the cast was always giving me a hard time even though I didn’t actually do it, my character did! I also loved when I got to work with the other kids on set such as Robbie Tucker who played Fen, Garrett Ryan who played Kyle and Max Page who played Reed.

5. With Just Add Magic, what was your first day on set like for the show? Did you know it would be for multiple episodes or did that news come later?
My first day on set for Just Add Magic was, well, magical! Since I was playing a younger version of an already established character, I remember sitting down to talk to Dee Walace. It really helped me to understand who she was as well as get an idea of what she is like on and off screen. I was then able to replicate that while playing her younger self on the show. I was originally cast for one episode then was told I would be invited back to do a few more! I remember being so excited to work on the project because it was unlike any other role I had played before.

6. What did you, Tiana, and Harper do to pass the time between takes? Is there anyone from the show you have kept in touch with after filming?
We had so much fun in between filming, we’d joke around, snack, and explore the other sets. I am still in contact with Tiana and Harper as well as Olivia, Aubrey and Abby! I love keeping up with all of their posts and seeing what they are doing now. Hopefully one day we’ll all get to work together again on another project!

7. What was the experience like being a part of Let’s Make a Deal with your Grandpa?
I used to watch Let’s Make A Deal on TV with my great grandma every morning while we were eating breakfast and I always found myself yelling at the people playing the games something like “No you should’ve picked the other one!” So my great grandma told me that if I ever got the chance, I should give it a shot! When the grandparents episode came up, my grandpa and I were so excited about it. We didn’t really think we were going to get picked to play on the show but it was still so fun actually being there. When we did get picked to play, it was definitely a big surprise! Then we ended up winning the show on top of that so that was even cooler of an experience! I know my great grandma would be so proud of us!

8. How did you prepare for your role of Bryce in Emerson Heights? What about Bryce was the most relatable for you? the most challenging part of the character?
My character Bryce is Cody’s little sister so that was something that I had to work on because in real life, I am the oldest sibling so I never knew what it was like to be the little sister. After I met Austin James who was playing my brother, it wasn’t long until I felt that sibling type of connection. Bryce is a spunky teen who really just wanted the best for her brother. She wasn’t afraid to speak her mind too which was my favorite part about getting to play her!

9. Growing up in the business, what has been the best advice you’ve been given?
The best I have ever received was to always stay true to yourself and never let anyone tell you otherwise. At the end of the day, you must do what makes you happy. Not a lot of people warned me in the beginning but this business is tough. Oftentimes you will be told “no” more than you will hear “yes”. But what separates an actor from the rest, is those who are able to grow from the no’s and use them to better themselves so the next time they go out, they’ll hopefully get that yes they’ve been looking for.

10. What are your future career plans? Do you want to continue acting or is there another field within the industry or outside of it you would like to pursue?
My heart will always be in acting and performing. I always wanted to be in front of the camera. With that said, I am starting to try out writing, directing and producing. Behind the camera is so interesting to me so I think I am going to try and do it all!

Is there anything else you would like to add?
For more updates on my daily life and what is next for me, my Instagram is @SamanthaABailey1 and my Twitter is @SamanthaABailey!

Image by: Paul Gregory