From UCLA to MTV's WINNER on "Are you the One"!

Bravo's

MODEL/ACTOR

OF THE WEEK

Sam

Name: Sam

Hometown: Barrington, IL

How were you discovered?

Playing football at UCLA brought me national attention in the world of sports, but after college I was/am on a MTV show called Are You The One, which gave me the exposure needed to transfer my athletic career into the entertainment world, which is what I ultimately want to do with my life.

What were you doing prior to modeling?

I graduated from UCLA where I played football. My dream was to play in the NFL, but due to a career ending knee injury, it crossed off that option and allowed me to look at different career paths, which led me to acting and modeling.

What is your latest Obsession?

My last obsession is salted cashew butter. I can’t get enough of it. It’s healthy so I eat it often, but I always end up eating too much of it and feeling sick because of how addicting it is.

What is your most prize possession?

As cheesy as it sounds my most prize possession is my family. They mean the world to me and support me in everything I do, and I don’t know what I would do without them. They are always here for me through thick and thin, and I truly never know how exactly to thank them for how appreciative I am of having them.

Growing up, who did you look up to as your hero?

I grew up looking up to Matthew McConaughey. He is the reason I grew my hair out in the first place and wanted to get into acting. I love his laid back personality. Since becoming a fan of him, he has also become one of Hollywood’s top actors with his diverse roles that he plays. He also has kept himself out of trouble and has a beautiful family, which is humbling and inspiring to see from someone of his stardom.

Describe your personal style…

I am a very laid back kind of guy that loves to be the friend that people come to for advice and help. I am also a very big family man, so I’m at my happiest when I am with my family.

When was the last time you said “I Love You” to someone?

I have a best girl friend from the MTV show I was on. She and I had a love connection on the show and have since become best friends. We text, phone call and facetime everyday and she has become like my sister, who is always there for me at the drop of a hat. We tell each other we love one another daily.

List 3 adjectives that best describe you?

I am a very goofy/witty person. I am almost never serious. I am also very down to earth. Everyone always confuses me as this cocky football player/surfer that is full of himself, but once people get to know me its always fun to hear how I act the total opposite of how I look. I am also very romantic. I’m a sucker for cheesy romance, which I can have a laugh about, but I truly love love.

Your favorite place you have traveled to?

Both Maui and Puerto Rico have been my favorite travel destinations that I have been to. I love tropical environments. I always have envisioned myself living on an exotic island and using the ocean as my shower. My next places I want to visit are Fiji, Bora Bora and any other place where the ocean water is crystal clear.

If there’s a destination or item you would recommend us to check out or visit about your town what would you recommend?

There’s not a must see place to visit while in Barrington, but if you go a few towns over to Crystal Lake, you should definitely go to Portillos. Especially if you are from out of state and come to the Chicago area, Portillos is a must. Great hot dogs!

What is your favorite film?

I couldn’t tell you my one favorite film, but my top favorite films are The Notebook, High School Musical 2 and The Wolf of Wall Street. All three movies are different, but they all put me in a very happy mood either from their inspiring love stories, childhood memories or comedy.

Your favorite sport or sports figure?

My favorite sports figure is and will always be my brother, Gus Handler. He too played college football and paved the way for me to play also. I was really into baseball and basketball and wanted nothing to do with football until I visited him while he was playing at the University of Colorado, and instantly fell in love with the sport. Set my goal to play college football, went to UCLA and ended up playing against my brother on national television twice.

Your favorite song/artist?

My favorite singer is Justin Bieber, but has hasn’t always been the best role model. But I love his coming to be story. He was just a small nobody from Canada who took his shot at his dream and has become the most known person on earth. My next favorite is Selena Gomez. She has achieved so much in her life and has remained a positive role model throughout her entire career. Needless to say she resembles my dream from her personality to her looks

What is your wish for 2016?

My wish for 2016 is to land a role in a feature film. My dream has always been to become an actor, so landing a role in a feature film would be a great start to my dream profession.