MOVIE: LIBERIAN MAKES IT TO THE BIG SCREEN

SAMMY THE AFRICAN TOY: Sammy The African Toy was born Samuel M. Stewart. His family resided in Bong County Liberia, a small country located on the West Coast of Africa. Stewart spent most of his time in Monrovia growing up. In 1984 he watched a movie that changed his life forever.

“Body and Soul” was a movie about boxing that captivated him and immediately he fell in love with the idea of becoming a boxer. After what seemed like an endless search for a boxing gym in Monrovia, Sammy finally stumbled upon a few guys jogging along the street with clothing that had “The Liberian Boxing Team” written on it. He followed them to their gym and joined. This was after he had been denied by the trainer countless times because of his size. Finally the trainer allowed him to tryout and not only did Sammy impress him but his passion for the sport led him to become one of the best boxers on the Liberian Olympic team in 1988. Sammy continued training until the devastating civil war that rocked the country in 1990. After fleeing for his life, he became a refugee in the country of Sierra Leone until he met a missionary who helped him resettle in the United States. 

Over the past 10 years, Sammy has been a personal trainer, stand-up comedian, and has studied acting at the Playhouse West in California.  Some of his clients include Actors James Franko, Sharon Stone, Tyrese Gibson, and Film Director Justine Lim. He has worked on the sets of the movie Annapolis and Fast and Furious 6.

Recently, while working as a trainer for Director Justin Lim, he was asked to play the role of a sniper named Denlinger in Fast and Furious 6. At first he thought it was a joke until he found himself at a gun range in London learning how to shoot.

Fast and Furious 6 is just a stepping stone for Sammy the Toy. He hopes to continue down this path but only after he finds a reputable agent. 

Photo from a scene in the movie. 
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