Who is Sam Lantz? 'Squid Game: The Challenge' finalist tried everything to 'not be gay' as he was born in religious family
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Sam Lantz (Wells) is one of the Top 3 finalists of 'Squid Game: The Challenge' Season 1. Player 016 is a businessman and proud to be gay. But this self-acceptance has come after years of struggle.
Sam is the founder and owner of heath and beauty brand "Beard Giant." The brand claims to be "a safe space for people who grow beards."
Moreover, Sam is also the founder of "Uncle Studio" where he is seen drawing, painting, doodling, and sculpting. Sam is married to his husband Doug. He is based out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Sam's husband is a morning TV producer. The couple loves traveling and is often seen making content out of it, including creative works, bodybuilding, and spending time with their paw friends, Moo and Duke.
Sam revealed in the show, "I grew up a little gay boy in a very religious family."
He further explained, "It felt like I couldn’t be myself because if I was myself, I was at risk because the talk was constantly about how people like me were going to hell or they were to die because of their decisions."
Being a gay person as a kid was difficult for Sam. He confessed, "I tried everything as a kid to not be gay. I made, you know, I tried making deals with God. I tried."
Why is 'Squid Game: The Challenge' finalist Sam Lantz no longer in contact with his family?
When you're not supported by your family while growing you grow distant from them. The same seems to have happened with Sam.
Growing up in a religious family, it was difficult for Sam to make his parents understand his inner self. He says, "I left home and came out and lost my family to their prejudices."
Sam adds, "I’ve built a new family, and I have other people who filled those roles in a better way than my blood or relation ever has."
Sam Lantz will compete against Phill Cain and Mai Whelan in 'Squid Game: The Challenge' Season 1 finale
In the 'Circle of Trust' challenge we did not see anyone putting the box on Sam's table. Therefore, he did not have to guess anyone's name, making it easy to get picked for the finale.
However, now he has to fight two of the strongest contestants on the show. Mai Whelan, on one hand, knows tips and tricks of the game while Phill Cain knows how to decode the mind game.
It is to be seen whether Sam will be able to stand against Mai and Phill or not.
'Squid Game: The Challenge' finale will release on December 6 on Netflix.
