Samantha Weinstein, a Canadian actress known for her role as Heather in the 2013 remake of the horror film Carrie, has passed away at the age of 28. Her agent, James Crammond of Noble Caplan Abrams in Toronto, reported that she had been battling ovarian cancer for over two and a half years. Weinstein passed away on May 14, 2021, at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto.
Crammond spoke highly of Weinstein’s resilience, saying, “A trooper to the end. We all miss her terribly.” Just ten days before her passing, Weinstein completed her last animation voice session on May 4, 2021.
On Weinstein’s Instagram page, a photo was shared with the caption, “After two and a half years of cancer treatment, and a lifetime of jet-setting around the world, voicing a plethora of cartoon animals, making music, and knowing more about life than most people ever will, she is off on her next adventure.”
Born in Toronto on March 20, 1995, Weinstein made her acting debut playing a young girl named Josephine in the short film Big Girl at the age of ten. Her performance in the film earned Weinstein the Best Canadian Short Film Award at the Toronto Film Festival in 2005, as well as ACTRA’s best female performance trophy in the same year. She continued acting in films such as Reign, where she played the role of Brooke, and The Stone Angel, where she played a younger Hagar. Weinstein also made several guest appearances on television shows like Being Erica, Less Than Kind, Copper and Darknet, all while doing extensive voice work, including for animated series.
Weinstein’s talent and passion spanned beyond acting; she was the lead singer-songwriter and lead guitarist for the Toronto garage rock band Killer Virgins. With her music, she performed at various venues throughout Toronto, showcasing her love for art in every form.
Weinstein is survived by her sister Sabrina, husband Michael Knutson, and parents David and Jojo Weinstein. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of those who knew her well, and her legacy lives on through her numerous contributions in various fields.
Weinstein’s story serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. Her bravery throughout her battle with ovarian cancer is an inspiration to all those who seek to find resilience and strength in the face of adversity. Despite the adversity that Weinstein faced, she remained determined to chase her dreams and live life to the fullest.
Weinstein’s work on stage, television, and music has left a significant impact, and her passing is a great loss for the entertainment industry. She will forever be remembered as a talented performer, musician, and artist who left an indelible mark on those who had the pleasure of working with her.
The news of her passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes, with many taking to social media to share their condolences and fond memories of Weinstein. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire aspiring artists and performers for years to come.
In memory of her, people continue to celebrate her life and legacy by sharing her work across various mediums, from her animated voiceovers to her music performances. Though Weinstein may not be with us any longer, her talent and spirit will be remembered forever.
