Sam Claflin, a talented English actor, was born in Ipswich, England, to Susan A. (Clarke),a dedicated classroom assistant, and Mark J. Claflin, a skilled finance officer. As a child, Sam was an avid football enthusiast, often attending matches of his beloved team, Norwich City, and even playing for the schools' and county teams. However, his footballing aspirations were cut short due to two broken ankles, which he suffered at the age of 16. He then turned his attention to performing arts and was encouraged by a teacher from Costessey High School to pursue a career in drama. Sam's passion for acting led him to join the local youth group at Norwich's Theatre Royal and eventually gain entry to the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) in 2006. He graduated with a 3-year acting degree in 2009.
Sam is the third eldest of four brothers, with his older brothers Dan and Ben not pursuing a career in the performing arts. His younger brother, Joe Claflin, followed in his footsteps and also attended LAMDA in 2009, graduating with a 3-year acting degree.
Sam's early screen appearances include his debut in the award-winning series, The Pillars of the Earth (2010),and Any Human Heart (2010). He made his film debut in United (2011),playing the role of footballer Duncan Edwards, one of the 'Busby Babes'. His breakthrough role came when he was cast as Philip in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011). Sam's subsequent roles include Jack in White Heat (2012),Prince William in Snow White and the Huntsman (2012),and Finnick Odair in the Hunger Games trilogy, consisting of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013),The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 (2014),and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 (2015).
