Sam Halpenny was born in North London, of Irish/Canadian stock. His mother was a teacher in the East End and his father was a librarian for Camden Council. He has two younger brothers. Sam went to William Ellis School, Highgate Rd, and then on to the University of Sussex where he received a BSc(Hons) in Biology. Sam trained in acting at the Poor School, King's Cross. He is also a qualified primary school teacher and has taught all over London. He is married with two children.