Samantha Harris

Samantha Harris. An American television host, model, and actress, best known for her work as a correspondent and co-host on the popular entertainment news program Entertainment Tonight and as the co-host of the reality competition series Dancing with the Stars. Her career spans entertainment journalism, hosting major red carpet events, and appearances in film and television, establishing her as a recognizable face in ABC and CBS programming.

Early life and education

Born in Hopkins, Minnesota, she developed an early interest in performance and communication. She attended Hopkins High School where she was actively involved in theater and cheerleading. Pursuing higher education, she enrolled at Northwestern University, a prestigious institution known for its Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications. She graduated with a degree in journalism, which provided a foundational skill set for her future career in broadcast media. During her university years, she also gained early experience through internships and campus television productions, honing her on-camera presence.

Career

Her professional career began in Los Angeles following her graduation, initially working as a freelance entertainment reporter. Her big break came when she was hired as a correspondent for Entertainment Tonight in 2001, where she conducted celebrity interviews and covered major Hollywood events. This role significantly raised her profile, leading to her being selected as the co-host for the first season of Dancing with the Stars in 2005 alongside Tom Bergeron. She remained with the ABC hit for seven seasons, becoming synonymous with the show's early success. Concurrently, she served as a special correspondent for The Insider and was a frequent host for E! network's pre-award show coverage for events like the Academy Awards and the Golden Globe Awards. Beyond hosting, she has made acting cameos in series such as Las Vegas and The Game, and appeared in films like Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous. She has also been a spokesperson for brands like Pantene and Special Olympics.

Personal life

She married investment banker Michael Hess in a ceremony in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in 2005. The couple has two daughters and resides in Los Angeles. An advocate for health and wellness, she publicly shared her diagnosis and successful treatment for melanoma in 2014, becoming a vocal supporter for the Skin Cancer Foundation and sun safety awareness. She is also involved with various charitable organizations, including those supporting children's health and education initiatives. In her spare time, she enjoys pilates, cooking, and spending time with her family.

Filmography

* 2002: The Sweetest Thing (Cameo) * 2004: Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous (Herself) * 2005–2010: Dancing with the Stars (Co-host, 134 episodes) * 2005: Las Vegas (Episode: "To Protect and Serve") * 2006–2014: Entertainment Tonight (Correspondent) * 2009: The Game (Episode: "The Wedding Episode") * 2011: Melissa & Joey (Episode: "A Fright in the Attic") * 2013: The Exes (Episode: "The TV Star")

Awards and nominations

Her work on Dancing with the Stars contributed to the show winning the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Reality-Competition Program in 2006. She was nominated for a Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Personality in 2006. In recognition of her advocacy following her health journey, she received the Courage Award from the Skin Cancer Foundation in 2015. Her reporting for Entertainment Tonight was part of the team coverage recognized by the Gracie Awards for outstanding programming created for women.

Category:American television hosts Category:American female models Category:1973 births Category:Living people Category:People from Hopkins, Minnesota Category:Northwestern University alumni