Newport Beach native Sami Rappoport landed a role as mean girl Becca on the Emmy-nominated Hulu original series “PEN15” when she was 14 years old, pretty fitting for a comedy that aimed to portray “middle school as it really happened.” Seven years later, Rappoport is excited for new film and TV projects she has in the works but remains an O.C. gal through and through.
“A lesson I’ve learned along the way is you don’t always have to go the traditional route. Don’t let anybody tell you, ‘No.’ Just be you and block the noise.
At Newport Elementary, I got a lead role in ‘Shrek the Musical.’ Although I loved singing, I was afraid of learning the lines. But I ended up loving it.
Ironically, a year before ‘PEN15,’ I was part of an anti-bullying club. Then suddenly I was this character everyone hated who made sly, passive-aggressive comments.
I’m working on a proof-of-concept short film based on my grandfather’s life story and battle with hemophilia. I hope we can raise awareness and make it a full-length feature.
I love living in Newport Beach. I can only deal with L.A. traffic a couple times a week. Then I gotta come back here and touch the sand and stay grounded.”
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