It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Samantha Weinstein, the talented actress best known for her roles in “Alias Grace” and the 2013 remake of “Carrie.” Weinstein, who was only 28 years old when she died on May 14, 2023 at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, had been battling a rare form of ovarian cancer since her diagnosis in 2021. Samantha’s parents and other relatives, along with her spouse Michael Knutson, who she wed in 2022, have all passed away.
A moving tribute about Samantha’s remarkable life was posted on her Instagram account alongside the news of her death. Two and a half years of cancer treatment were addressed, along with her travels, voice acting for cartoons, musical talents, and life lessons. It said that her new journey had begun.
After the news broke, a flood of well-wishers and admirers posted heartfelt messages on the page, wishing Samantha and her family the best at this trying time. Her life was cut far too soon, yet she has left an incredible legacy.
Canadian-born Samantha Weinstein entered the world on March 20, 1995. She won an ACTRA Award in 2006 for her remarkable performance in the film “Big Girl,” after discovering acting at an early age. Samantha was an accomplished actress and musician; she fronted the rock band Killer Virgins and made appearances in films and TV shows like “Jesus Henry Christ,” “Carrie,” and “Alias Grace.” More recently, she had tried her hand at voiceover work for animated shows like “D.N. Ace” and “Dino Ranch.”
Samantha opted to focus on the bright side of life despite receiving a cancer diagnosis. She overcame illness, married her soul mate, and proudly declared herself non-binary in a moving essay she wrote in 2022. At the end of her moving essay, she said that she treated every day as a gift because of the people in her life and the love she had for herself. Samantha admitted there were hard times when she couldn’t stop crying, but she found comfort in having her family and friends there for her.
Samantha Weinstein’s story is an inspiration because it shows how far the human spirit can go in the face of adversity. Her impact on the entertainment business and the people who knew her was permanent because of her skill, dedication, and unflagging optimism. I pray that her memory may encourage others to take full advantage of the good things life has to offer and to confront adversity with dignity and poise.
