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Sam Carmichael (b. 16 September 1951) is a character in the Mamma Mia! musical, and later the movie "Mamma Mia!". Sam is an American Irishman who works as an architect and one of the possible fathers of Sophie Sheridan. When he was younger, he met Donna Sheridan on the island of Kalokairi, he fell in love with her, but unfortunately he was engaged to another woman and left. Donna was heartbroken and refused to ever speak to him again. Twenty years later, he along with Harry Bright and Bill Anderson(Bill Austin in the musical), are invited to Sophie's wedding in the hope of finding out who her biological father was. The tension between him and Donna increased, because he still showed strong feelings for her.

Sam was portrayed by Hilton McRae in the original West End cast of the musical, Pierce Brosnan in the movies. A young Sam appears in the flashbacks of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again played by British actor Jeremy Irvine

Mamma Mia! (2008)[]

As the two prepare to attend Sophie's wedding, Sam then demands why Donna will not speak to him. Donna then reveals that she still loves him, but because of her better judgement she will not give in. Sam also advises Sophie that she might be rushing into marriage a little too soon, as his own marriage ended in a heartbreaking divorce. After Sophie and Sky decide the wedding is off, Sam decides to pop the question. At first Donna is shocked because she worries about bigamy, but Sam reassures her that he is a divorced man. Hesitant at first, Donna happily accepts his marriage offer and starts to be a much happier person.

The newlyweds then see Sophie and Sky off as they decide to tour the world.

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again[]

In Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, five years after the events of the first movie, Sam now lives on the island Kalokairi with Sophie. Just like Sophie, he is saddened by Donna's passing, and he sings a short version of SOS as he reminisces his youth with Donna. Sam is a devoted father to Sophie and often aids her when she needs help, and now that she prepares for the opening of the hotel in memory of her mother, Bella Donna. He also gives her some fatherly advice when she fears she is letting her mother down, stating she could never let Donna down, like he did in the past. Sam supports Sophie when she has an argument with Sky regarding their future together, and later when she discovers her pregnancy. Sam sings Dancing Queen with Sophie and the rest when they meet Harry, Bill and Sky, who come from the mainland to the opening of Bella Donna. At the end of the film, he attends the christening of Sophie's son Donny, with all the family and friends. Then he sings Super Trouper with the rest of the cast.

Flashbacks[]

In the past, Young Donna Sheridan meets Young Sam who is vacationing on Kalokairi, during a stormy night. He helps her calm down the spooked Hector, the horse in Sofia's farm house. Donna then starts to fall in love with Sam. They spend a day together downtown, visiting at Lazaros' tavern and getting to know each other. After Donna serenades Sam "Andante, Andante"(to which he joins), they go back to his hut. The next morning they enjoy a ride on a small boat, taking pictures and dreaming of a miraculous future. One day Donna wakes up after a night of passion, and prepares to make some breakfast for herself and him. Upon searching for a knife she pulls out his portfolio and discovers he is engaged to another "beautiful woman". Sam then follows Donna back to the farmhouse, and tries to explain the situation. Unfortunately, Donna only listens to what she wants to hear and tells him to leave. Then the two sing Knowing Me, Knowing You.

Sam later returns to the island to profess his love to Donna, only to discover from Sophia that she has gone off with another guy. At the same moment he is approached by Tanya, who doesn't know he is Donna's "hot architect", only to reject her a minute later. Sam then leaves the island now himself heartbroken, grieving over the loss of true love.

Behind the Scenes[]

  • According to actor Jeremy Irvine, who portrays Young Sam, there was a solo part for Sam in Andante, Andante which was cut to create more suspense, since it was too soon for him to fall for Donna.[1]

References[]

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