Samantha Shelton was born in Los Angeles, California, into a family of blondes. Three older sisters, including actress Marley Shelton, ushered her into an artistically inspired childhood. Mother Carol is a singer/teacher and father Christopher Shelton is a director. Sam studied acting at the North Carolina School of the Arts, and the Los Angeles High School for the Arts. She currently sings in a popular cabaret show called "If All the Stars Were Pretty Babies" alongside fellow actress Zooey Deschanel.