Madeleine Sami is a multi-talented New Zealand actress, comedian, writer, and director, widely recognized for her groundbreaking work in comedy and entertainment. Known for her sharp wit, creative versatility, and magnetic on-screen presence, Sami has left an indelible mark on the New Zealand entertainment industry. From her iconic roles in Super City and The Breaker Upperers to her directorial achievements and stage performances, Sami continues to shine as a trailblazer for women, particularly women of color, in the global creative arts. With her fearless approach to storytelling and comedy, Sami is celebrated not only in New Zealand but also internationally for her boundary-pushing work.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Madeleine Nalini Sami |
| Birth Date | May 10, 1980 |
| Birth Place | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Age | 44 (as of 2024) |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Father’s Name | N/A (Irish descent) |
| Father’s Occupation | Carpenter |
| Mother’s Name | N/A (Fijian-Indian descent) |
| Mother’s Occupation | Homemaker |
| Sibling(s) | Sister: Anji Sami |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 60 kg (132 lbs) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife’s Name | Pip Brown (Ladyhawke, musician) |
| Children | One daughter |
| Residence | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Friends | Jackie van Beek, Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2.5 million (as of 2024) |
| @madeleinesami | |
| Car Collection | Practical and eco-friendly vehicles |
| Wikipedia Page | Madeleine Sami Wikipedia |
| Imdb Profile | Madeleine Sami Imdb |
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family
Madeleine Nalini Sami was born on May 10, 1980, in Auckland, New Zealand. She was raised in a culturally diverse household, with her father of Irish descent and her mother of Fijian-Indian heritage. Growing up in a working-class family, Sami credits her upbringing for instilling in her the values of hard work, humor, and cultural pride.
Childhood and Education
From a young age, Sami displayed a natural flair for creativity and performance. Growing up in Auckland’s vibrant, multicultural neighborhoods, she often used humor to connect with her peers. Her exposure to diverse cultural traditions shaped her perspective as a storyteller, and she developed an early love for comedy and improvisation.
Sami attended local schools, where her outgoing personality and artistic talent stood out. Encouraged by her family, she pursued theater and acting in her teenage years. Her sister, Anji Sami, also shares her creative sensibilities, and the two have collaborated on various projects over the years.
Career
Early Beginnings and Breakthrough
Madeleine Sami’s professional career began in the early 2000s with appearances in theater and New Zealand television. She quickly gained recognition for her exceptional comedic timing and versatility. Her breakthrough came with the critically acclaimed one-woman comedy show Super City (2011), in which Sami played multiple characters. Co-created with Taika Waititi, the show showcased her immense range and earned her widespread acclaim, establishing her as a comedic powerhouse.
Film and Television Success
Sami’s transition into film was marked by her work in The Breaker Upperers (2018), a comedy she co-wrote, co-directed, and starred in alongside her close friend Jackie van Beek. The film, produced by Taika Waititi, was both a critical and commercial success, earning international recognition for its fresh, irreverent humor.
Sami’s other notable roles include:
- Film: Sione’s Wedding (2006), Slow West (2015), and Baby Done (2020).
- Television: The Bad Seed (2019), Power Rangers Dino Thunder (2004), and Deadloch (2023), a hit Amazon series where Sami plays a lead role.
Writing and Directing
In addition to acting, Sami has made a name for herself as a talented writer and director. Her work often explores themes of identity, relationships, and cultural diversity, delivered with humor and authenticity. The Breaker Upperers is a prime example of her ability to merge comedy with meaningful storytelling.
She has also directed television projects and continues to champion opportunities for female voices in film and television.
Live Performances
Sami has a strong background in theater, where she honed her craft. Her one-woman shows, in which she portrays multiple characters, remain highlights of her live performance career.
Personal Life
Marriage and Family
Madeleine Sami is married to Pip Brown, better known as Ladyhawke, a renowned New Zealand musician. The couple shares a strong creative bond and support each other’s careers. They have one daughter, whom they raise in a nurturing and creative environment in Auckland.
Residence
Sami resides in a comfortable and creatively inspiring home in Auckland, New Zealand. Her residence reflects her personality, with a mix of modern aesthetics and homely touches that highlight her cultural heritage.
Physical Attributes
Madeleine Sami stands at 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) and weighs approximately 60 kg (132 lbs). Known for her lively presence and infectious energy, she often brings her physicality into her performances, particularly in comedic roles.
Net Worth and Assets
Madeleine Sami’s estimated net worth is $2.5 million. Her wealth comes from her work as an actress, writer, director, and comedian. Sami maintains a practical lifestyle and prefers eco-friendly vehicles that align with her values of sustainability.
Friends and Collaborators
Madeleine Sami has forged close friendships with influential figures in the New Zealand entertainment industry, including Jackie van Beek, Taika Waititi, and Jemaine Clement. These collaborations have resulted in some of the most iconic and successful Kiwi films and shows.
Social Media Presence
Madeleine Sami actively engages with her fans on social media, particularly Instagram. Through her handle @madeleinesami, she shares updates about her projects, personal life, and advocacy for cultural diversity and gender equality in the entertainment industry.
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Ice As: Ice House | Various |
| 2000 | Fish Skin Suit | Libby |
| 2000 | Teach You a Lesson | Narrator |
| 2003 | Perfect Strangers | Andrea |
| 2006 | Sione’s Wedding | Tania |
| 2007 | Eagle vs Shark | Burger Girl Customer |
| 2009 | Under the Mountain | Constable Green |
| 2012 | Sione’s 2: Unfinished Business | Tania |
| 2014 | What We Do in the Shadows | Morana |
| 2015 | Slow West | Marimacho |
| 2018 | The Breaker Upperers | Mel |
| 2019 | Come to Daddy | Gladys |
| 2020 | Baby Done | Hospital Midwife |
| 2024 | Lesbian Space Princess | Voice Actor |
Television
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Pio! | Various |
| 1999 | Shortland Street | Dr. Shivani ‘Vani’ Naran |
| 2000 | Fish Skin Suit | Libby |
| 2001 | Xena: Warrior Princess | Tyro |
| 2004 | Talent | Chemist |
| 2004 | The Insiders Guide to Happiness | Tess |
| 2007 | Rude Awakenings | Francesca Hoyle |
| 2007 | Outrageous Fortune | Linda |
| 2006-2007 | Bro’Town | Additional Voices/Bianca |
| 2009 | Diplomatic Immunity | Agent Amy Bickler |
| 2008-2009 | The Jaquie Brown Diaries | Serita Singh |
| 2009-2013 | Buzzy Bee and Friends | Buzzy Bee |
| 2009-2024 | 7 Days | Herself |
| 2010 | Radiradirah | Various |
| 2011 | 3 News | Self |
| 2011-2013 | Super City | Pasha/Georgie/Azeem |
| 2013 | Top of the Lake | Zena |
| 2013 | Aroha Bridge | Mum/Aunty Winny/Angeline Hook |
| 2016 | All Talk with Anika Moa | Self |
| 2016-2018 | Funny Girls | Director |
| 2014 | Flat3 | Madeline |
| 2018-2021 | The Great Kiwi Bake Off | Host |
| 2019 | Get Krack!n | Amy Bryan |
| 2019 | The Bad Seed | Marie Da Silva |
| 2019 | Golden Boy | Claire |
| 2019 | What’s Your Problem? | Self |
| 2019- | Have You Been Paying Attention? | Guest |
| 2020, 2024 | Taskmaster NZ | Self |
| 2021 | The Masked Singer NZ | Monarch/Self |
| 2023-present | Deadloch | Eddie Redcliffe |
| 2023-present | Double Parked | Nat |
| 2023 | Our Flag Means Death | Archie |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Madeleine Sami’s full name?
Madeleine Nalini Sami. - When was Madeleine Sami born?
May 10, 1980. - Where is Madeleine Sami from?
Auckland, New Zealand. - What is Madeleine Sami’s most famous work?
The Breaker Upperers and Super City. - What is Madeleine Sami’s height and weight?
She stands 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall and weighs approximately 60 kg (132 lbs). - Who is Madeleine Sami married to?
She is married to Pip Brown (Ladyhawke), a New Zealand musician. - Does Madeleine Sami have children?
Yes, she has one daughter. - What is Madeleine Sami’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is $2.5 million. - Where does Madeleine Sami live?
She lives in Auckland, New Zealand. - What is Madeleine Sami’s Instagram handle?
Her Instagram handle is @madeleinesami.
In a Nutshell
Madeleine Sami’s journey as a comedian, actress, writer, and director has solidified her place as a pioneer in New Zealand entertainment. Her groundbreaking work in Super City and The Breaker Upperers showcases her exceptional talent, while her advocacy for diverse voices in the arts highlights her dedication to meaningful storytelling.
As a woman of mixed heritage, Sami continues to inspire audiences with her creativity, humor, and authenticity. Her work transcends borders, earning her a well-deserved place as one of New Zealand’s most influential creative forces. Whether on stage, screen, or behind the camera, Madeleine Sami’s impact on the entertainment industry remains both significant and enduring.
