Samantha Weinstein was a Canadian actress, musician, and voice artist best known for her role as Heather Shyres in the Carrie reboot and for lending her voice to characters in animated works. She began in the entertainment industry at a very young age, building a diverse career across acting and music before her passing at the age of 28. The family shared the news through an official statement on social media, noting that she died peacefully with loved ones nearby at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto.
Weinstein’s career was marked by a rich blend of on-screen roles and voice work. After growing up in the public eye, she cultivated a wide range of talents, including singing and guitar. Her work connected audiences worldwide through both live-action performances and animated projects, where she brought life to a variety of animal characters and other roles from around the globe.
Early in her career, Weinstein faced significant health challenges. In January 2021 she announced via social media that she would undergo emergency surgery for a rare ovarian cancer. She documented her journey openly, sharing updates about treatment and recovery with fans. The public followed her news with empathy as she continued to pursue her craft and remain active in the industry while navigating health hurdles.
Born in Toronto in 1995, Weinstein began acting at age six. Her early television appearances included shows such as The Red Green Show, 72 Hours: True Crime, and At the Hotel. She also appeared in films like Siblings, The Stone Angel, and Big Girl. In 2006 she earned recognition with an ACTRA Award for Best Actress, becoming one of the youngest performers to receive the honor. Her early achievements set the stage for a dynamic career that spanned multiple media and genres.
Weinstein’s breakout came with a lead role in 2012’s Jesus Henry Christ. A year later she contributed to a high-profile project, the Carrie reboot directed by Kimberly Peirce, in which she played Heather. This notable work helped solidify her reputation within the industry and among audiences who followed her performances closely.
Beyond live-action acting, Weinstein expanded into voice work, collaborating on a number of animated productions. Her voice roles included projects such as The Adventures of Babar and Badou, and other animated series and films like Gerald McBoing-Boing, Frankie and Zhu Zhu Pets, DN Ace, and Dino Ranch. In addition to acting, she pursued music, performing as a singer and guitarist with bands such as Killer Virgins.