Known for his work in The Witcher and Strike, Sam Woolf has added an exciting Hulu project to his CV. Starring alongside Joey King and Logan Lerman in We Were The Lucky Ones, based on Georgia Hunter’s best-selling novel, Woolf steps into the role of Adam Eichenwald. Inspired by the true story of a Jewish family separated at World War II, the limited series shows their determination to live to find their way back to one another. At its core, We Were The Lucky Ones reminds us of the human capacity for grit, the power of hope, and how even in the darkest and most dangerous moments, love and strength will prevail. The love interest to King’s Halina Kurc, Woolf’s character works for the Polish resistance, forging identities and trying to help the Kurc family. We speak with the actor about his experience working with his costars, the responsibility of bringing a true story to life, and the most memorable moments from set.
Watch the trailer for We Were The Lucky Ones, out now on Hulu…
Read the interview…
Hi Sam! How is 2024 treating you so far?
Aside from the broken leg, it’s treating me very well (I fell down the stairs taking the recycling out. Live fast, recycle dangerously).
Talk to us a bit about how you first found yourself in the acting world and your journey so far.
I think, like many slightly sad young men, I found the only place at school where I felt validated and accepted and like I was good at something. For me that place was drama. Once I started doing school plays other boys left me alone a bit more, which was beneficial because a lot of them were shits (can I say shits? Sorry if I can’t!). I went to university to study drama on the advice of a teacher, rather than train immediately – also I didn’t get into any schools – then trained after university. Started off in theatre and then in the last few years I’ve been doing more screen – some actors talk as if there’s more of a choice in this than I think there is. I didn’t plan it that way, it’s mostly luck and I took the work I could get!
Congratulations on your role of of Adam Eichenwald in We Were The Lucky Ones! What drew you to this role and how did you prepare for it?
Thank you very much! This role was unlike anything I’ve played before. I felt incredibly attached to Adam. I’d talk to him sometimes and kind of thank him for being around. It’s best not to do that in public. To prepare I read a lot about period and immersed myself in the world as much as I could. Speaking to Georgia (Hunter, who wrote the book and whose family story it is based on) was an extraordinary resource, as it’s so closely connected to her.
Can you share your experience working alongside Joey King and Logan Lerman in bringing this poignant story to life on screen?
Without being too gushy, honestly, they are both wonderful. Most of my scenes were with Joey, and we became really close. She’s a delight to work with and she’s such a pro, she’s been doing this for longer than most actors twice her age. Honestly, she’s a very special person and a very special actor. It was a joy, really.
Can you discuss the significance of the relationship between your character, Adam Eichenwald, and Joey King’s character, Halina Kurc, within the broader narrative of the series?
Adam and Halina’s relationship becomes paramount not just for the pair of them, but for the safety of the Kurcs as a whole, because Adam is working as a forger of identities for the Polish resistance in Warsaw. It isn’t all smooth sailing for them though, Halina at first is reticent to embark on the relationship Adam wanted, then by the time she’s ready, perhaps it’s too late (without giving too much away).
We Were The Lucky Ones is based on the best selling novel by Georgia Hunter. How did you find it adapting such a beloved story?
To be part of telling Georgia’s family story on screen was an honour. I remember reading Erica Lipez’s script and thinking it was one of the best pieces of writing I’d seen. I think the job of taking these myriad threads and weaving them such that you care deeply for every character and understand their journey is masterful. Or mistress-ful, rather.
What message do you hope audiences take away from watching the series?
I hope they come away in some way expanded – expansion of the heart, the head, the capacity for pain and for empathy.
You’re known for your roles in period dramas such as The Crown and The Witcher. What is it about these historical settings that attracts you as an actor?
I’ve been told I have quite a period face! Whatever that means. So it might be more that I’m attracting the settings rather than them attracting me. One aspect of period stuff is that the roles are very rounded because they’re based in fact, and there’s a responsibility there to try to do them justice. I certainly felt that with Adam. I wouldn’t say no to a bit of pure fiction though! (also The Witcher isn’t quite factual..)
You’ve had a diverse range of roles across television, on stage and in film. How do you approach each medium differently, and do you have a preference?
I used to think I only wanted to do theatre, it’s so immediate and the high of being in-front of an audience is addictive, but I’ve fallen in love with screen. There’s something very satisfying about minutely adjusting dials for a different effect, even if that’s just the flicker of a thought behind your eyes.
What was the most memorable moment for you while working on We Were The Lucky Ones?
There were a few scenes with Joey, particularly in later episodes, that will stick with me for a long time. But if I had to choose one thing – a collection of dinners with the cast that all run into one long memory of wine and laughter. We became a family while shooting, it was quite lovely.
What else are you looking forward to this year?
Walking!