We were first introduced to “Lyft Bae” in Issa Dee’s “Party Lyft” during the season three premiere of HBO’s Insecure.
While we weren’t sure if he would ever make a return, Insecure once again catered to the needs — and wants — of its fans by having Nathan, played by actor Kendrick Sampson, reemerge in tonight’s episode.
But who exactly is Kendrick Sampson? While he may be new to many, he’s actually been winning us over on the small screen since his role as Woodchuck on ABC Family’s Greek in 2008. Anyone else remember that throwback?
Now that Lawrence is out of the picture, and Daniel is again bumped out of the top spot, get to know Issa’s newest love interest.
He’s woke bae
Sampson is a triple threat: Smart, fine, and woke. Actively vocal about issues that he holds true to his heart — #BlackLivesMatter, Keep Families Together and more — you’ll often find his Instagram feed filled with messages of empowerment for the black community. The 30-year-old actor been active in trying to change corruption within law enforcement and negating the association of the Muslim religion and Islamic culture with terrorism. Sampson’s activism isn’t limited to the internet either. He actively brings this into his professional career as well. Speaking to Women’s Wear Daily earlier this year he said, “I do my best to choose projects that I believe highlight different things or at least provide some sort of progression for people of color.”
He had a recurring role on How To Get Away With Murder
Remember Caleb on How To Get Away With Murder? For many of us, that’s where he first stole our hearts (I mean, have you seen those hazel eyes?). But in addition to that role, his other previous TV credits include The Vampire Diaries, Gracepoint and Supernatural. Also, more recently, Sampson was in the Showtime series, White Famous, where he played a British character named Robbie MacDonald alongside Saturday Night Live alum Jay Pharoah.
He’s from Beyonce’s hometown
He may not be apart of the Knowles family lineage, but he still reps Houston, Texas, hard. The actor, who departed from the southern city right out of high school to pursue his dreams of acting, is slowly becoming a hometown favorite. For other budding actors in Houston, he’s even provided some sound advice to help them launch their carers as well. “I don’t think anyone should go based off of natural talent,” said Sampson. “Everything should be refined, so study as much as possible.”