Chillin’ with Sam Daly
By Chilled Magazine
Hailing from a long line of Hollywood royalty, actor Sam Daly is ready for his turn in the spotlight and heating up television sets across the nation as marijuana industry lobbyist and ‘Daisy Grant’s’ (Patina Miller) fiancée, ‘Win Barrington’ in CBS’ hit political drama series Madam Secretary, opposite Téa Leoni, Geoffrey Arend, and his Emmy and SAG Award-nominated father Tim Daly. Additionally, Daly is set to co-star in the zombie comedy-horror film Office Uprising opposite Zachary Levi and Jane Levy set for a Summer, 2018 release.
Growing up in a family full of professional actors, Sam’s childhood was nowhere near normal. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, but growing up as the definition of “bicoastal,” Sam and his family moved over 15 times—moving from Rhode Island to New York to Los Angeles and back again. With actor Tim Daly and actress Amy Van Nostrand as his parents, Sam was convinced he would break the line of actors, and instead, was more interested in sports. It wasn’t until he took a film class at Middlebury College, did he realize that acting was his passion. Paving his own way in Hollywood, Sam has guest starred and earned memorable recurring roles on some of TV’s biggest hits such as NBC’s The Office(where he played ‘Oscar’s’ gay love interest ‘Matt’ who works in shipping) and ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. In addition to his work in film and television, Sam co-hosts the popular YouTube series “The Daly Show” with his father Tim Daly. The duo, who are incredibly close, are also the only father/son to play or lend their voice as Superman (Sam Daly for the animated “Justice League” and Tim Daly for the series “Superman”).
Chilled caught up with Sam Daly, who is definitely one to watch in 2018.
Tell us a bit about the projects you are working on or have coming up.
I am currently in New Orleans shooting Cut Throat City, a post-Katrina heist thriller being directed by the RZA. I have an action comedy Office Uprising coming out this year. As well, my dad, Tim Daly, and I are shooting a comedy from Ben Shelton next spring called Just Not Right, about a Dad who gets engaged to his son’s ex-girlfriend.
With your busy schedule, what do you like to do with your down time?
I have a nine-month-old son. So honestly, I like to sleep whenever I get a chance or workout. Additionally, I try to catch a movie, go to dinner, and hang with friends. Pretty much all the things you take for granted before becoming a parent. But really, I just like hanging with my boy, Owen, and rolling around on the ground talking baby talk with him because he’s the coolest dude I know.
When you go out to eat, where do you like to dine?
Where do I even begin? I LOVE food. My favorite restaurant in the world is Sasabune, a sushi restaurant with locations in LA, Honolulu, and New York City. Right now my wife and I love SOL, a Mexican restaurant in Playa Vista that we eat at often. My son is obsessed with their beans. We recently bought a house right by a Chick-Fil-A, which is both delicious and dangerous because we can’t get enough.
What types of dishes do you usually order?
I love pretty much any and all sushi. Salmon and avocado rolls are my go-to. But I also love straight Sushi, specifically toro. My dad found these organic farm raised wagyu Kobe beef ribeye steaks from a farm in Vermont that literally melts in your mouth, it’s so delicious. I could also eat breakfast for any meal of the day. Breakfast burrito, poached eggs on toast, you name it! Can you tell I like food yet?
Do you cook?
My whole family cooks! My wife jokes that when my mom, dad, sister, and I are all in the kitchen together that it’s like a Top Chef competition. Everyone is competing for the perfect dish, suggesting ways to improve other dishes, and secretly thinking that they could have cooked the dish better than the other person. It’s hilarious! My go-to meals to cook are breakfast and Chicken Marbella. But I must admit I’ve stolen most of my recipes and cooking style from my parents. They are incredible cooks.
What types of drinks do you order when out?
It’s funny, I always feel like guys say that their favorite drink is whiskey or an old fashioned or beer to be manly. But honestly, I’ll drink a fruity and delicious piña colada any day of the week! But if that’s not on the menu, I’ll get a vodka soda, or a beer, or a nice glass of wine, or whiskey. But really I just want a piña!
Do you prepare drinks at home?
I go through phases. Now that I have a kid, the whole drink preparation has taken a back seat to convenience. So I’ll usually just have a glass of wine or a beer. If I’m feeling frisky or I’ve had a long week, I’ve been known to make a mean margarita.
Do you own a home bar?
I own a wine fridge. Does that count? We have booze for guests but not a specific bar setup yet.
What is your wine fridge stocked with?
Lots of wine, and rosé, all day. Then the classics, Jameson, Bulleit Rye, Kettle One, etc.
If you ever owned a home bar, what would it be like?
I recently watched The Cincinnati Kid, starring Steve McQueen, a classic gambling movie set in New Orleans. There’s a scene where McQueen walks over to a mirrored glass box with two handles on top, he pulls the handles up, and out from inside the box pops up a beautiful display of booze and glassware. It was so cool and badass! McQueen is so cool and badass, so I guess that’s the kind of bar I want.
What is your favorite drink/cocktail?
Piña! But also, at SOL, the restaurant I was telling you about, they have a drink called Frozé. Which is not frozen Rosé, but instead it’s a frozen margarita infused with rosé. It’s delicious! Fruity and delicious.
Have you ever been a bartender?
I worked at restaurants ever since I was 14. My first job was a dishwasher at a vegan restaurant. I moved my way up to a busboy at a fine dining restaurant. And then a waiter, host, you name it. I used to bartend mainly at catering events which was fun. Let’s just say I was known to have a heavy pour.