Insecure Star Kendrick Sampson Joins SAG-AFTRA Labor Strike in Texas

Insecure star Kendrick Sampson is set to rally with SAG-AFTRA in Dallas, Texas this Saturday, in a showing of support for Texan actors affected by the ongoing labor strike. This initiative, a reaction to policies championed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, whom Sampson has referred to as an "evil human being," will be held at Reverchon Park at 9am.

Sampson, who has garnered fame from his roles in ABC's "How to Get Away With Murder," the CW's "The Flash," and "Insecure," was born in Houston and has been a committed professional in Hollywood for over two decades. The actor was speaking to Deadline during a Star Trek picket at Paramount Studios on Friday where he elucidated his stance: “I’m going to Dallas to support another SAG[-AFTRA] action for the workers there in solidarity with everything - all the wild, craziness that Governor Abbott is imposing on everybody. He’s just an evil human being.”

Overwhelmed with the plight of his colleagues, Sampson expressed his discontent and frustration regarding the multiple upheavals faced by actors due to the strike: “This is bulls**t. The fact that we have so many people out here. I’m on the verge of tears thinking about how many people have had to relocate or who might be selling their houses, things they worked so hard for.”

Governor Abbott's numerous controversial decisions during his run have been widely criticized. These include the relocation of undocumented migrants to states like California, scrapping diversity and inclusion programs in Texan higher education institutions, banning critical transgender care for minors, and passing a bill against drag shows. These policies, among others, have raised significant uproar in the entertainment community.

Sampson, a dedicated member of the guild, continues to advocate for change in the industry's gig economy approach. Despite his years of experience and notable career, he acknowledges the ongoing struggle for steady income: “I’ve been acting professionally for 25 years strong and I’m still trying to find another stream of income. I’m pissed about it and I’m tired. We gotta escalate this sh** and [the studios] gotta come back to the table.”

Now I suppose if the acting gig doesn't pan out, Sampson might have a strong shot in the politics ring. With the ramped up rhetoric and unfiltered opinion, 'Sampson 2024' has a tempting ring, doesn't it?

In all seriousness, Sampson isn't alone in his sentiments. The entertainment business, like virtually every other, has been disrupted by shifts towards a gig economy. Navigating a "traditional" career path feels like attempting a casual stroll through a minefield - in tap shoes. And regardless of how politically charged his comments about Governor Abbott might be, Sampson's frustration about this 'gigification' of his industry is echoed by many.

But a word of reassurance to my fellow industry compatriots (and to Sampson specifically): the Hollywood we know and love has made it through talkies, technicolor, and the transition to TV. Surely we can navigate this gig economy shift too. We might need to be nimble and explore new forms of income (podcast anyone?), but we'll adapt and thrive. Because that’s what this industry does best. It's etched in its DNA, the celluloid so to speak. And though times may get tough, remember Sampson and his passion - maybe it's worth fighting a bit for something we love. So, strike onwards compatriots, and may the odds be ever in your favor.