Sam Trammell Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Movies & TV Shows

Samuel John Trammell, known professionally as Sam Trammell, is an American actor celebrated for his role as Sam Merlotte, the shape-shifting bar owner in HBO’s True Blood (2008–2014), which earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination as part of the ensemble cast.

With a career spanning theater, television, and film, Trammell has showcased his versatility in projects like The Fault in Our Stars (2014) and Homeland (2018).

Profile

• Full Name: Samuel John Trammell
• Stage Name: Sam Trammell
• Born: 29, January 1969
• Age: 56 years old
• Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor
• Height: 1.80m
• Parents: Mr. Trammell and Mrs. Trammell
• Siblings: 1
• Spouse: Missy Yager (married 2003)
• Children: Winston Trammell, Gus Trammell
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $4 million

Early Life and Education

Samuel John Trammell was born on January 29, 1969, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to parents referred to as Mr. and Mrs. Trammell, both involved in the medical field. He grew up with an older brother, whose name is not publicly disclosed, and spent his childhood in Charleston, West Virginia.

Trammell attended George Washington High School, where he developed an interest in acting through school plays. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Brown University in 1991 and later studied acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York City. His ethnicity is Caucasian, and his religious beliefs are not publicly disclosed.

Career

Sam Trammell began his career in theater, performing in off-Broadway productions in the early 1990s, including Dealer’s Choice (1997) and My Night with Reg (1998), which earned him critical acclaim for his stage presence. He transitioned to television with guest roles on shows like NYPD Blue (1996) and Maximum Bob (1998), building a steady resume in New York.

His early film work included small parts in Childhood’s End (1996) and Wrestling with Alligators (1998). These roles showcased his ability to portray relatable, grounded characters, setting the stage for his breakout opportunity.

Trammell’s career soared with his casting as Sam Merlotte in True Blood (2008–2014), a role that blended vulnerability and strength as a shape-shifter navigating a supernatural world. The HBO series, a cultural phenomenon, brought him international recognition and a SAG Award nomination for Outstanding Ensemble in 2010.

During this period, he also appeared in films like The Details (2011) alongside Tobey Maguire and Guns, Girls and Gambling (2012). His theater background informed his nuanced performance, making Sam Merlotte a fan favorite over seven seasons.

Following True Blood, Trammell took on diverse roles, including Michael Lancaster in The Fault in Our Stars (2014), a heartfelt performance as a father in the hit adaptation. He played Vice President Benjamin Hayes in Homeland (2018) and appeared in Nancy Drew (2019) and Reckoning (2019).

Recent projects include the thriller American Refugee (2021) and a recurring role in Law & Order: Organized Crime (2023). Trammell’s ability to balance mainstream and indie projects, combined with his stage-honed craft, continues to earn him respect as a versatile actor.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @samtrammell
• Facebook Handle: Sam Trammell
• Twitter Handle: @SamTrammell

Personal Life

Sam Trammell married actress Missy Yager in 2003, whom he met while working in New York theater. The couple has twin sons, Winston and Gus, born in 2011.

Based in Los Angeles, Trammell and Yager maintain a private family life, though they occasionally share glimpses of their parenting journey on social media. Trammell is an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hiking and surfing, and supports environmental causes, including ocean conservation.

Filmography

• Childhood’s End (1996)
• Wrestling with Alligators (1998)
• The Details (2011)
• Guns, Girls and Gambling (2012)
• The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
• True Blood (2008–2014)
• Homeland (2018)
• American Refugee (2021)

Net Worth

Sam Trammell has an estimated net worth of $4 million, primarily earned through his acting career, with significant income from his starring role in True Blood over seven seasons. Additional income comes from theater performances and occasional voice work. His financial success reflects his consistent presence in television, film, and stage over three decades.