Ashley Rickards

About

Ashley Rickards (born May 4, 1992) is an American actress, known for her role as Jenna Hamilton in the MTV comedy-drama series Awkward, and as Samantha “Sam” Walker, a troubled young girl in The CW’s teen drama series One Tree Hill. She also starred in the 2011 independent drama film Fly Away as Mandy, an autistic girl.

Born on May 4, 1992 in Sarasota, Florida, Rickards grew up on a horse farm that catered to children with special needs. She attended a local Montessori school where, at age 13, she had her first experience of acting in an opera production. Rickards graduated from high school at age fifteen and is a member of Mensa. After attending a local talent showcase, organized by Lou Pearlman, Rickards traveled to Los Angeles where she eventually gathered a team of representatives. Upon graduating, Rickards began to appear in a number of minor roles, while child labor laws restricted the number of hours she was able to work. After making a number of guest appearances and shorts, she landed the role of Samantha Walker, a runaway foster child, in the sixth season of The CW’s One Tree Hill. Although not aware of the show before auditioning, Rickards…