Sammie Ray, the Vertical Drama Actress Who Earned a Nickname on a Tyler Perry Set

Sammie Ray is only one of many actresses showcasing their incredible talent in the growing industry of micro-dramas that are taking over the world. But she is much more than an actress.

Taking as many roles as possible, especially in the field of acting, can lead you to many places. Sammie Ray knows this, as she began working in short films and has now been in a music video, vertical dramas, and even a BET+ show.

And with a past in musical theater, she has also become a singer with over 60 songs to her name. Let's discover more about her!

Sammie Ray: Her Background

Born and raised in Pasadena, California, this actress had already appeared in over 25 theater performances by the age of 18. She graduated from high school in 2014, during which she was involved in choir concerts, dance showcases, and cheer competitions.

During an interview with Vertical Drama Love on May 28, 2025, Ray said that she began singing before she could talk. Meanwhile, her songwriting started at the age of 13.

"Britney Spears 100%. She was the biggest pop star growing up. And then also I loved Christina Aguilera, Pink, Whitney Houston. It wasn't until I got a little bit older that I discovered Amy Winehouse. And then obviously Adele popped up and those two, oh my God," she said when asked what artists she looked up back then.

Thanks to her location, Ray entered the entertainment industry at a young age, going directly to sets to train as an extra. Eventually, she landed guest appearances and small parts in shows like "This Is Us" and "On My Block."

She was also seen in several short films over the years and had a part as a bikini girl in Taylor Swift's "The Man" music video. But in 2023, she starred in the short film "Savage Sam," a story about feminine struggle that she also wrote and produced.

This project received several accolades and thousands of views online. Surprisingly, she also created the soundtrack, and soon, this story will be expanded into a feature film. Additionally, Ray will be appearing in a movie titled "A Sudden Family" next to Freda Payne and Louis Price later this year.

Sammie Ray: Her Vertical Dramas

Like many actors in the past two years, Ray has entered the world of vertical dramas, which have become a source of decent income and learning opportunities for many new talents.

Her first was a supporting role in "Secrets of Sin," which was also the first audition she sent for a vertical drama. "On that very first project [...] there was just so much magic made. We became like family, like we're very close, which I'm so grateful for," she recalled.

Later, she landed a starring role in "My Sister's Wedding." She has also appeared in "Straight A Pregnancy," "Love Me Two Times," and "Secrets of Sin 2," which featured her song "Dirty Little Secret."

Sammie Ray: Beyond Verticals & More

Because of her talent, Ray landed the part of Mariah on Season Five of Tyler Perry's "Ruthless," which she finished working on in just nine days.

"So it was actually very similarly shot to how verticals are shot," she revealed. "Rather than, you know, maybe ten pages a day, we did 100 pages a day. So every single one of my scenes I shot in one take. [...] I called it like theater bootcamp, but for TV and film."

Another tough aspect of her role was that she had several long monologues that she had to nail in just one of those takes. She did so well that the crew began calling her by the nickname "Mariahlogue."

Other than music and acting, Ray is interested in advocating for mental health and empowerment. She is also deeply religious and fitness-focused, as evidenced by her Pilates instructor certification.

People can schedule sessions with her through her company, Take40Five. She also loves reading, especially self-help and spiritual books. She recently finished "The Bible," which had been a long-term goal of hers.

Are you ready to step into Sammie Ray's world?