Following his training at the « 'École nationale supérieure des arts et techniques du théâtre » (ENSATT) known as the « Rue Blanche » school, Sam made his acting debut playing major roles in theater under the direction of Jean-Pierre Bouvier, Jean-Louis Barrault or Maurice Béjart.
In cinema, he played minor roles in several films, "Le Grand Pardon" and " Le Grand Carnaval " by Alexandre Arcady. He also appeared in Roger Hanin’s feature films " Train d'enfer " and "La Rumba".
For five years, he played the partner of police officer "Navarro" (Roger Hanin), in the TV serie of the same name.
At the same time, the actor continued his theater career, performing together with Agnes Jaoui and Jean-Pierre Bacri in "Cuisine et dépendances" and "Un Air de Famille".
In cinema, he also interpreted a dangerous serial killer in the film " La Cité de la peur" directed by the renowned group of French comedians « Les Nuls » (Alain Chabat, Chantal Lauby et Dominique Farrugia).
After cinema and theatre performances, he began his career as film director.
His consecration came with his first short film "Omnibus". He received the "Palme d'Or" Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1992 and an Oscar in 1993. Cinema Revelation of the year, he directed his first feature film, "Kennedy et moi," adapted from a novel by Jean-Paul Dubois. In 2003, the film-maker presented his second feature film, "A la petite semaine".
In film, he also played secondary roles in "Le goût des autres" by Agnes Jaoui, "Mr. Batignole" by Gerard Jugnot or "Casablanca driver" by Maurice Barthelemy.
In 2007, for his film "La vérité ou presque » he appears both in front and behind the camera.
Lately, he has played in the comedy film "Les dents de la nuit" by Vincent Lobelle and Stephen Cafiero.
