Canadian actress Samantha Weinstein, best known for her role as Heather, a high school student in the Carrie remake, passed away at age 28. She died on May 14 at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto following a lengthy battle with ovarian cancer. James Crummond, Weinstein’s representative at Noble Caplan Abrams in Toronto, confirmed the news and noted that Weinstein had continued to work up until May 4, completing animation dubbing projects.
Crummond shared with The Hollywood Reporter that Weinstein will be deeply missed by friends, family, and colleagues. The artist had a career marked by versatility, with credits ranging from live action to voice acting across animated works.
On Weinstein’s Instagram page, family members shared a tribute alongside a photo of Weinstein, reflecting on a life spent traveling the world, voicing many cartoon animals, and pursuing music and new creative adventures. The post highlighted a career that began in childhood and continued to evolve as she branched into multiple artistic disciplines.
Born on March 20, 1995, in Toronto, Weinstein began acting at a young age. Her early breakthrough came with the short film Big Girl, a project that earned recognition at film festivals and helped establish her as a rising talent in Canadian cinema. In this film, the precocious performer demonstrated the emotional depth and natural presence that would define her later roles.
Weinstein went on to appear in a range of projects, including the independent drama Kingdom, where she portrayed Brook, and the adaptation of Margaret Laurence’s Stone Angel, directed by Kari Skogland, in which she played Hagar. Her filmography expanded with appearances in television series such as Being Erica and in genre works like Copper and Darknet. In addition to on-screen work, Weinstein contributed significantly to voice acting, lending her voice to various animated productions and projects across different genres.
Beyond acting, Weinstein pursued music with notable energy. As the lead singer, songwriter, and lead guitarist for the Toronto-based garage rock band Killer Virgins, she demonstrated a vibrant blend of artistic talents. Her musical endeavors complemented her acting career and showcased a versatile creative spirit that resonated with fans and collaborators alike.
Weinstein is survived by her sister Sabrina, husband Michael Knutson, and her parents, David and Jojo Weinstein. Her family and colleagues remember her not only for her artistic achievements but also for the warmth, generosity, and curiosity she brought to every project she undertook.