HONG KONG — Acclaimed actress Eliza Sam, known affectionately as “Sam Sam,” recently starred alongside her six-year-old son, Jacob, in their debut joint commercial project for a popular yogurt brand. The campaign authentically recreates the warm, everyday dynamic between mother and son, marking a unique integration of Sam’s family life with her high-profile screen career.
The collaboration was a natural fit, motivated primarily by the family’s genuine affection for the product. Sam, who rarely pushes her children into the spotlight, emphasized that Jacob’s participation was entirely voluntary. She noted his enthusiasm, stemming partly from his enjoyment of school drama activities and largely from his profound love for the brand’s yogurt, particularly the mango flavor. “When he heard it was mango-flavored, his eyes lit up,” Sam recounted, adding that his first question was whether he would genuinely be able to eat the yogurt during the shoot.
Preparing for the Spotlight: A Family Effort
To ensure a smooth transition from home to the professional set, Sam and her husband, Mr. Strong, engaged in focused preparation. Sam meticulously outlined the script and dialogue, transforming the lines into a manageable learning exercise for Jacob. She employed various memorization techniques, including using phonetic guides for Chinese characters, treating the process as a teaching moment about the nature of her work.
Crucially, Sam framed the experience as a professional undertaking. “I explained that once we were on set, he needed to act like a professional actor—meaning he had to memorize his lines, listen to the crew’s instructions, and commit fully to the role,” she shared. Meanwhile, Jacob’s father emphasized the importance of good behavior, specifically urging him to avoid tantrums and follow his mother’s direction.
The combined parental coaching paid off exceptionally well. Sam praised Jacob’s performance, noting his surprisingly high level of dedication and focus.
Integrating Work and Parenting: Performance and Pressure
Sam observed that the filming process mirrored their daily life, where Jacob is accustomed to following her instructions. However, the experience provided a distinct opportunity for Sam to demystify her professional sphere. She used the occasion to explain elements of her career, such as script analysis and the demanding coordination required on a film set, helping Jacob understand the commitment involved in an entertainment role.
Despite her extensive experience, Sam admitted feeling a degree of pressure shooting scenes opposite her own child for the first time. This dual role of actor and parent in front of the camera was a novel challenge.
When questioned about her children’s potential future in acting, Sam adopted a pragmatic stance. She suggested that whether Jacob has inherent theatrical talent is ultimately for the audience to decide. Based on this initial experience, Jacob appeared to enjoy the creative process.
Supporting Future Endeavors
Sam maintained that she and her husband would be supportive of Jacob’s interests, whatever they may be. She affirmed that if he wished to pursue acting further and could acquire new skills in the process, she would permit more opportunities. Conversely, if he found the work too stressful or tiring, they would fully support his choice to focus on his academic studies.
“Ultimately, my husband and I will always serve as the strongest backing for our sons,” Sam concluded, underscoring a commitment to providing an environment where her children can explore their passions while prioritizing their well-being. This successful campaign highlights a growing trend of celebrities authentically merging their public images with their private lives, resonating strongly with audiences who appreciate the honest depiction of family warmth.
