12-year-old acts in Will Ferrell movie

FINE LIFE—Sammy Fine celebrates the start of his acting career with a role in “Kicking and Screaming.” Sammy Fine, a 12-year-old from Calabasas, acted in a national Oscar Meyer commercial when he was 3. The spot didn’t air until almost six years later. During that six-year wait, Sammy lost his drive for acting. But once the commercial aired, he picked up acting again and hasn’t stopped since.

The young actor recently played a role in Will Ferrell’s new film, “Kicking and Screaming,” about a family man—a lifelong victim of his father’s competitive nature—who takes on the coaching duties of a kids’ soccer team.

“Sammy played Jack Watson,” said his father, Rick. “This was a principal character of the movie. He was one of the players on the Tigers, Will Ferrell’s team. He was obsessed with his uniform and wore it everywhere.”

“Kicking and Screaming” is Sammy’s first movie.

“I had a great time with the other kids in the movie and with Will Ferrell,” Sammy said. “I still keep in touch with a few of them. Although I spent a lot of time on the set, it was worth it.”

For the past two years, Sammy has been seriously working toward a career in acting. During that time he’s acted in several TV shows, including “American Dreams,” “The George Lopez Show,” “Arrested Development,” “E.R.” and “Zoey 101.” He has also done a number of national commercials. Sammy ultimately hopes to work in the comedy and horror feature film genres.

Asked what he enjoys most about acting, Sammy said he loves meeting new people and getting to work with famous actors.

“Sammy has never taken any formal acting classes,” his father said. “He has some natural talent that has been honed by Michael Woolson, his acting coach.”

In the fall, Sammy’s episodes of “E.R.” and “Zoey 101” will air. He continues to audition for other roles in movies and TV.

––Michael Picarella