Who is Samantha Barks?
Samantha Jane Barks (born October 2, 1990) is a Manx actress and singer who gained fame after competing in the BBC talent show I’d Do Anything (2008). She is widely recognized for playing Éponine in Les Misérables, Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman: The Musical, and Elsa in the West End production of Frozen. In 2025, she won The Masked Singer UK, performing as “Pufferfish.”
Samantha Barks: Early Life and Education
Barks was born in Laxey, Isle of Man. Her mother is from Malahide, Ireland. She attended Laxey Primary School and St Ninian’s High School before moving to London at 16 to study at the Arts Educational School (ArtsEd) in Chiswick. Trained in ballet, modern, and tap dance, she was well-prepared for a career in musical theatre.
Samantha Barks: Career Highlights
Breakthrough in Theatre and Film
- 2008: Placed third in I’d Do Anything.
- 2010-2011: Played Éponine in Les Misérables (West End).
- 2012: Made her film debut as Éponine in Les Misérables, winning an Empire Award for Best Female Newcomer.
- 2016: Starred in The Last Five Years (London).
- 2018: Originated the role of Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman: The Musical (Broadway).
- 2021-2024: Played Elsa in Frozen (West End).
- 2025: Won The Masked Singer UK as “Pufferfish.”
Film and Television Work
- Groove High (2012–2013) – Disney Channel series.
- Dracula Untold (2014) – Played Baba Yaga (scenes cut).
- The Christmas Candle (2013) – Starred as Emily Barstow.
- A Hundred Streets (2016) – Ensemble cast.
Samantha Barks in Frozen
Barks starred as Elsa in Frozen (West End) from 2021 to 2024. She took maternity leave in late 2023 and returned on February 7, 2024.
Samantha Barks: The Masked Singer UK Win
In 2025, Samantha Barks won The Masked Singer UK, impressing judges and audiences with her powerful performances as “Pufferfish.” Her stunning rendition of Let It Go from Frozen was one of the highlights of the season, further showcasing her vocal talent.
Samantha Barks: Personal Life
Barks is a vegetarian. She got engaged to actor Alex Michael Stoll on February 1, 2021, and married him in Tuscany on June 18, 2022. The couple welcomed a son in October 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Samantha Barks’ husband? Her husband, Alex Michael Stoll, is an actor known for his work in musical theatre.
- What is Samantha Barks doing now? As of 2025, she remains active in theatre and recently won The Masked Singer UK.
- What is Samantha Barks’ voice type? She is a mezzo-soprano, known for her emotional and powerful vocal delivery.
- Did Samantha Barks perform in Wicked? While she hasn’t starred in Wicked, she performed Defying Gravity on I’d Do Anything, earning praise from Idina Menzel.
Samantha Barks’ Music Career
Albums:
- Looking in Your Eyes (2007)
- Samantha Barks (2016)
- Into the Unknown (2021)
Notable Songs:
- On My Own (Les Misérables)
- Let It Go (Frozen)
Conclusion
Samantha Barks continues to shine in musical theatre and film. From Les Misérables to Frozen, Pretty Woman: The Musical, and her Masked Singer UK victory, she remains a powerhouse performer admired worldwide.
