A month after Britney Spears tied the knot with Sam Asghari, Asghari had a sit-down interview with ABC News and opened up about married life. Asghari’s responses and praises about his wife allowed skeptics to see a side of him that they have questioned for years. Giving credit to Britney for his worldwide recognition and platform, Asghari’s personality up close matched his public persona. He is warm, kind, humble and hard-working.
In 2016, Asghari was working as a model and personal trainer when he was cast in Britney Spears' music video for her song "Slumber Party." They had an instant connection and began dating. The public and the media questioned their age difference, but it was never an issue for either of them. Throughout Spears' highly publicized legal battles to end her conservatorship, Asghari was a pillar of support. His patience and perseverance demonstrated his love for the pop star.
Asghari was born in Tehran, Iran, on March 2, 1994. He came to the United States at the age of 12 and attended high school in Los Angeles. He played football and worked part-time at a local gym. His interest in and passion for fitness and bodybuilding quickly brought him attention on social media. Today, millions follow him for workout videos, fitness tips, and a glimpse into other areas of his life, including his multifaceted career.
In addition to his work in fitness and modeling, Asghari has also dabbled in acting. He has appeared in a number of music videos and television shows, including Showtime’s "Black Monday" and the HBO Max series "Hacks." For the past decade, Asghari has been working on his craft. His skills in the fitness industry are successfully transferred into the acting world, where his dedication and focus are paying off. He was recently cast as ‘Kamal’ in the Paramount+ series, “Lioness,” a story about a young marine who is recruited by the CIA to befriend the daughter of a terrorist group and bring the organization down. He is currently filming “Grand Death Lotto,” starring Awkwafina and John Cena.
Somehow, Asghari is managing his acting, modeling, and fitness career all the while constantly being scrutinized by the press about his marriage to Spears. Although there is constant controversy, Asghari remains calm and collected. He has been open about his struggles with weight gain and depression and has used his platform to encourage others to prioritize their mental and physical health. He has also spoken out about the importance of diversity and representation in the entertainment industry. He often shows his support for the people of Iran and expresses his opinions on the events happening in his country.
We caught up with Asghari for a brief chat about his fitness journey, fitness tips, and acting work. During our photo shoot, Sam was relaxed and was very easy to be around. He makes everyone feel as if they have known him for a while. There’s so much more to Asghari than being Britney’s husband.
What motivated you to make the 360-degree transformation to start your wellness and fitness journey?
I’ve been involved with sports my whole life. I've always had inspiration for a sporty and healthy lifestyle. It’s amazing what you can do with the human body once you apply discipline in your lifestyle. Things started to change for me nicely once I mastered the discipline in my diet and exercise.
Do you follow specific nutrition plans and what do you feel works best?
As of now, I am an actor in an athlete's body. Health and fitness is my lifestyle. Eating clean foods grown in the ground and not processed is much of my diet.
What is the ideal amount of time you feel people should work out?
It’s different for everyone. You can have effective 20-minute workouts and a counterproductive three-hour workout. It’s up to the focus and the program. I recommend a good solid 45-minute daily dedication [to exercise]. I try to use my fitness time for the benefits of mental health and discipline before my physical health. I recommend making it a lifestyle and not just a routine.
Let’s talk about your acting projects. How has the transition to actor been for you?
Acting has been a part of my life since high school. I come from a theater background. It’s really been a transition from an athlete to an actor and both are very similar. I’m in love with the process and preparations of acting just like sports. I still have a long way to go in order to prove myself. I love the high-effort road. Acting is failing 9/10 times, and I’m in love with the process of it. I have amazing projects coming up and I can’t wait to share them with my friends.
How do you cope with the endless paparazzi chasing? You seem to handle it beautifully and keep your cool! What advice can you give others to maintain their cool during challenging times?
I deal with fame by simply not dealing with it all. I enjoy every moment of the journey.
I recently saw that you walked in the protest for peace in Iran. What are your thoughts on the unrest in Iran and how do you feel your platform can be used?
My heart is hurting for my beautiful, rich culture, but this is nothing new. The Iranian people have suffered as long as I can remember. I like to use my platform to not only amplify the people of Iran fighting for basic human rights but also to create awareness of how the Islamic Republic government uses fake propaganda to trick the world into thinking that Iranians hate America and Western civilizations which, in reality, the Iranian people adore and love America. They admire and are inspired by America. I want America to know that the fake videos of death chants and the burning of the flag were nothing but lies created by the same government the Iranian people are protesting.
Follow Asghari on Instagram @samasghari for more of his views as well as updates on his exciting works in progress.
Creative Credits
- Written by
- Christina Rosas Anastasiou
- Senior Editor
- Jessica Catignani
- Photography
- Meagan Shuptar
- Retouching
- Brianna Kish
- Grooming
- Lellis Ribeiro for LAB Artists
- Styling
- Elizabeth Margulis for LAB Artists
- Cinematography
- Megan Cody
- Photo Assistant
- Lauren Frank
- Copy Editor
- Sarah Vargo
