Carrie star Samantha Weinstein dies aged 28: The actress dies after a battle with ovarian cancer while her family pays emotional tribute
- Canadian actress Samantha died May 14 at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto
- In October 2022 she had married her husband Michael Knutson
- The actress battled cancer for two and a half years and documented her treatment
Carrie actress Samantha Weinstein has died aged 28 after a two-and-a-half year battle with ovarian cancer.
Her death on May 14 was confirmed to Global News Canada by the star’s father, David Weinstein, who paid an emotional tribute to the Canadian star.
He said, “Sam was actually a living embodiment of a ray of sunshine.”
“She was so full of positive energy that anyone who ever met her would say she made every room she walked in light up.”
Her mother, Jojo Tindall-Weinstein, said Samantha “changed everyone’s life.”
RIP: Carrie actress Samantha Weinstein has died aged 28 after a two-year battle with ovarian cancer (pictured in 2011)
Tragic loss: Samantha’s family released a heartbreaking snap announcing her death
“And I know that sounds really dramatic, but people really mean it when they say that. Her infectious, positive attitude has actually changed the way other people live.”
Samantha’s loved ones also posted two beautiful photos of the star posing against a heavenly backdrop – as they announced her death.
The post read: “Hello from the other side.” Sam died at 11:25am on May 14 surrounded by loved ones at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto.
“After two and a half years of cancer treatment and a life of jet touring around the world, speaking to a plethora of cartoon animals, making music and knowing life more than most people would ever know, she sets out on her journey her next adventure.”
Samantha was known for playing high schooler Heather in the 2013 Carrie remake – alongside stars Chloe Grace Moretz and Julianne Moore.
She also had roles in the children’s animated films Gerald McBoing Boing and Babar and the Adventures of Badou, and was a voice actress for animated films in the weeks leading up to her death.
Her acting breakthrough came when she was just 10 years old in 2005’s “Big Girl,” playing Josephine – a role that made her the youngest ever winner of an ACTRA Award for Outstanding Performance by a Woman in 2006.
Samantha’s last Instagram post appeared on May 1st – it showed the actress enjoying her honeymoon with her new husband Michael Knutson.
In October 2022, she married Michael in a romantic ceremony.
Brave: The star – who bravely documented her battle with the disease – shared her last Instagram post on May 1 – while spending her honeymoon in Tokyo
On screen: Samantha was known for playing high school student Heather in the 2013 Carrie remake – alongside stars Chloe Grace Moretz and Julianne Moore
Husband: She married Michael Knutson in a romantic ceremony in October 2022
What is ovarian cancer and what are its symptoms?
Ovarian cancer is a cancer of the ovaries, which are part of the female reproductive system and contain her eggs. There are two ovaries and both are connected to the uterus. Cancer of the ovaries can spread to the nearby intestines and bladder.
It is the eighth most common type of cancer in women and is most common in postmenopausal women, but it can affect women of all ages.
About 66 percent of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed in the more advanced stages of the disease.
By the time it is diagnosed, 60 percent of ovarian cancers have already spread to other parts of the body, reducing the five-year survival rate from 90 percent in the early stages to 30 percent.
The diagnosis comes so late because the symptoms can be vague and difficult to recognize due to their location in the pelvis, especially at the beginning.
They often resemble the symptoms of less serious conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
The most common symptoms of ovarian cancer are:
- Constant feeling of fullness
- A swollen stomach
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Quick feeling of satiety when eating or loss of appetite
- The need to pee more often or more urgently than normal
See your GP if:
For the last three weeks you have felt bloated most days
You have other symptoms of ovarian cancer that don’t go away – especially if you are over 50 or have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, as you may be at higher risk