The Schmooze: October 2025

When Ido Samuel was eight years old, a magician pulled him on stage at a Chanukah party held at the hotel where his mother worked. He cracked jokes with the audience, making the whole room laugh.

“For the first time, I didn’t feel shy,” he told The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles in May. “I felt at home.”

Samuel grew up in Herzliya, Israel, and every weekend, he went to the movies with his dad, where he was in “awe of the actors’ performances. In 2007, he enrolled in a Tel Aviv acting conservatory, and went on to play roles in over 100 student films. In 2012, he was cast in his first feature film, Fill the Void, directed by Rama Burshtein, which went on to win the Best Picture at the Ophir A, Israel’s version of the Oscars.

One of his first U.S. jobs was co-starring in a music video for the song “Bitter Pill” by Gavin James. He has since starred in the TV series We Were the Lucky Ones and FBI: International and the short film Dirty Bomb , where he immersed himself in the role of a prisoner in a concentration camp by only eating one small salad a day.

Off the set, Samuel is passionate about attending Jewish community events around Los Angeles, where he now resides.

What was the last book you read?

We Were the Lucky Ones.

What’s your all-time favorite movie?

Edward Scissorhands .

What’s your favorite Jewish food?

Challah. Nothing like a fresh challah straight from the oven.

What are you listening to these days?

“Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend.” Conan is able to make me laugh every episode and get me in a good mood whenever I need to.

Who was the last person you texted on your phone?

My mom, who is my favorite person.

If you could invite three people, famous or not, to a Shabbat dinner, who would they be?

The October 7 hostages

If you could have any other occupation, what would it be?

Director.

Who are two of your biggest role models?

My grandmother, who saw so much hardship in her life. She was still able to become a successful children’s doctor and always put her family’s happiness first. Also, my mom; I wouldn’t be who I am today without her.

What are you currently binging on TV?

House of the Dragon

If you could offer the teen version of yourself one piece of wisdom, what would it be?

Enjoy life and live in the now.