Sam Strike

Sam Strike (born 18 January 1994) is an English actor. He made his acting debut in the 2013 revival of the CBBC series M.I. High, before gaining popular success playing Johnny Carter in the BBC soap opera EastEnders (2013–2014). During his stint on the latter, his character was involved in a coming out storyline, which earned him critical praise for his performance. Following his departure from EastEnders, he appeared in guest-starring roles on several television shows.

In 2017, Strike starred as the title character in the horror film Leatherface. He followed this with main roles in the film Monster Party (2018) and the television series Nightflyers (2018) and When the Streetlights Go On (2020). His subsequent film credits include American Outlaws and The Boys in the Boat (both 2023). Strike also had recurring roles in the second season of the television series Outer Range (2024) and the television series Star City (2026).

Early life Strike was born on 18 January 1994 in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England, where he grew up with his sister. He attended the local Thorpe Hall School, and later studied acting at the South East Essex College for two years. He also portrayed the protagonist of the 2010 student film Stitches. At 16, he won a modelling competition organised by local newspaper The Echo. His character was introduced as part of the Carter family, and he made his first appearance on 26 December 2013. Paul Flynn of The Guardian wrote that both actors "delivered an exceptional, impulsive, physical reading of the ties that bond father and son, no matter what," and Attitude magazine recognised the storyline with the Media Recognition Award. Reflecting on the coming-out scene, Strike said that he was "really nervous the night it aired, because you want it to look convincing but then you want to do justice by the people that have been there and done it."

On 14 November 2014, Strike announced his departure from EastEnders. Regarding his decision to leave the show, he said: "I knew from the start that I was never going to be there for 10 years. It was just a case of seeing how things went, where the character was going and how relevant he was going to be in time to come." although Strike returned in the role for one more special appearance via Skype in an episode broadcast on Christmas Day 2014. Upon his departure, the show's executive producer, Dominic Treadwell-Collins, said that the "door is wide open" for Strike to return and that he did not plan to recast the character, hoping Strike would come back. However, when it was decided to reintroduce the character in 2016, Strike admitted that he "wasn't ready to return any time in the near future", and the role was recast.

Career expansion (2015–present) Shortly after leaving EastEnders, Strike was cast in a starring role in the crime drama film Bonded by Blood 2, which was released in 2017. On television, Strike portrayed real-life serial killer Montie Rissell in an episode of Mindhunter, also in 2017. The following year, Strike appeared as Misha in the episode "1:23:45" of the HBO miniseries Chernobyl, The latter was ultimately cancelled, producing only an unaired pilot.

Strike starred as Casper Tatum in the 2020 Quibi coming-of-age murder mystery series When the Streetlights Go On. Strike also appeared in a 2020 episode of the television series FBI: Most Wanted playing Ronnie Lee Bishop, which earned him and his co-stars an award for Best Ensemble Cast at the Boston Film Festival. The film received mixed reviews from critics. He is next set to star in Frankie Shaw's upcoming dark comedy film 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank, an adaptation of Matthew Rosenberg and Tyler Boss' graphic novel of the same name.

Personal life Strike's role in EastEnders led to questions about his sexuality early in his career, which he addressed in 2014, saying: "I'm not gay, just to set the record straight." He supported the charity event Sport Relief 2014 by competing in a swimming battle with his castmate Jamie Borthwick, which was broadcast live as part of the BBC programme The Sport Relief Games Show. Strike and other EastEnders actors also posed for a 2015 calendar in aid of the BBC charity Children in Need. Following his departure from the series, he has maintained a close friendship with his co-stars Danny Dyer, Kellie Bright and Maddy Hill who portrayed his father, mother and sister, respectively.

Filmography

Film

Television Year Title Role Notes 2013–2014 M.I. High Daniel "Dan" Morgan / Billy Main role; series 6–7 EastEnders Johnny Carter Series regular 2016 Silent Witness David Hamilton Episodes: "After the Fall: Part 1/Part 2" Timeless Clyde Barrow Episode: "Last Ride of Bonnie & Clyde" 2017 Mindhunter Montie Rissell Series 1, episode 4 2018 Nightflyers Thale Main role 2019 Chernobyl Misha Episode: "1:23:45" 2020 FBI: Most Wanted Ronnie Lee Bishop Episode: "Predators" When the Streetlights Go On Casper Tatum Main role 2022 The Sandman Todd Episode: "A Hope in Hell" 2024 Outer Range Deputy Jess Chinlund Recurring role; 5 episodes 2026 Star City Pavel Fetisov Recurring role; 4 episodes

Awards and nominations Ceremony Year Category Work Result TV Choice Awards 2014 Best Soap Newcomer EastEnders Inside Soap Awards 2014 Best Newcomer EastEnders Boston Film Festival 2023 Best Ensemble Cast American Outlaws