Sam Riegel, born October 9, 1976, in Washington, D.C., grew up in Northern Virginia in a family that blended science, literature, and the arts. His father, Kurt Riegel, was a radio astronomer and environmental executive, while his mother, Lenore, later married author Jerome Charyn, who became Sam Riegel stepfather.
Sam Riegel was drawn to the stage early. At just six years old, he was already involved in theater, and by age eleven he was touring in Les Misérables. At fourteen, he performed in The Sound of Music, gaining confidence as a young actor. This exposure to theater gave him a foundation in live performance, something that would shape his later career.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Samuel Brent Oscar Riegel |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 9, 1976 |
| Age | 48 years old |
| Birthplace | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Height | 6 ft (1.83 m) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Voice Actor, Director, Writer |
| Spouse | Quyen Tran (Cinematographer) |
| Children | 2 |
| Siblings | Eden Riegel (Actress), Tatiana S. Riegel (Film Editor) |
| Net Worth | Approx. $2 million |
| Notable Works | Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ace Attorney, Critical Role |
Age, Height, and Physical Appearance
As of today, Sam is 48 years old. Standing at around six feet tall (1.83 m), he has a lean build with dark brown hair and warm brown eyes. Beyond appearances, what makes Sam Riegel stand out to fans is his expressive personality, quick humor, and approachable nature. Whether he’s voicing a beloved character or appearing at conventions, Sam carries himself with ease and authenticity.
Family and Personal Life
Sam Riegel comes from a talented family. His sister, Eden Riegel, is an actress best known for her work on All My Children and in video games. His half-sister, Tatiana S. Riegel, is a film editor who has worked on major Hollywood projects. This creative environment nurtured his passion for storytelling.
Sam is married to Quyen Tran, a cinematographer with credits in both film and television. Together, they are raising two children in Los Angeles. Their partnership reflects shared creativity and resilience—especially during challenging moments. Both Sam and Quyen experienced the September 11 attacks firsthand while living in New York. They were near the South Tower when it fell, and Sam even captured video footage of the event, which later appeared in documentaries.
Education and Early Career
Sam pursued both acting and comedy after his early theater work. He joined the Upright Citizens Brigade, where he sharpened his improv skills and comedic timing. This training helped him build a career that spans voice acting, writing, and directing.
Before becoming a household name in voice acting, Sam Riegel appeared in small television roles, but he quickly realized that his real strengths lay behind the microphone and on stage. His mix of theater training and improv allowed him to bring humor, versatility, and heart to his characters.
Voice Acting Career
Sam’s voice acting career is what first brought him widespread recognition. Over the years, he has played some of the most iconic roles in animation and video games.
- Donatello in the 2003 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series.
- Phoenix Wright in Capcom’s Ace Attorney video games.
- Teddie in Persona 4.
- Viral in Gurren Lagann.
- Shirou Emiya in Fate/stay night.
His range is impressive. He can play a goofy comic-relief character, a heroic figure, or a sinister villain, often within the same project. This adaptability has made him a staple in anime, Western animation, and gaming.
Directing and Writing Work
Beyond acting, Sam Riegel has proven himself as a voice director and writer. He has directed shows like DuckTales, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, and Sanjay and Craig. His skill behind the scenes earned him recognition, including a Daytime Emmy Award in 2018 for his work on Danger & Eggs.
In writing, Sam has contributed scripts and storylines for animated productions. His behind-the-scenes work shows his versatility and creative vision beyond performing.
Critical Role and Vox Machina
For many fans, Sam Riegel is best known as a founding member of Critical Role, the web series where professional voice actors play Dungeons & Dragons. His characters are fan favorites:
- Scanlan Shorthalt, the witty gnome bard.
- Taryon Darrington, the eccentric artificer.
- Veth (Nott) Brenatto, the complex goblin rogue.
Critical Role’s popularity exploded, leading to the creation of The Legend of Vox Machina, an animated series on Amazon Prime. Sam not only reprised his role as Scanlan but also worked as a producer and writer on the show. This success solidified him as both a performer and a creative force in the modern fantasy and tabletop RPG community.
Awards and Recognition
Sam’s work has earned critical praise and formal awards. He won a Daytime Emmy in 2018 and later a Creative Arts Emmy Award in 2023 for Outstanding Voice Directing on Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur.
These accolades reflect not only his talent but also the respect he commands in the voice acting industry.
Health Journey
In 2024, Sam Riegel revealed that he had been diagnosed with HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer, often referred to as tonsil cancer. His treatment involved surgery and radiation, which left a large scar on his throat. Despite the challenges, Sam was open about his journey, encouraging awareness of HPV-related cancers and the importance of vaccination.
Today, he is in recovery and has resumed creative projects. His honesty and strength inspired fans worldwide, turning his personal health struggle into an important public message.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Sam’s estimated net worth is around $2 million. His income comes from decades of voice acting, directing, writing, and the success of Critical Role and Vox Machina.
He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and children, balancing family life with his many projects. Despite his success, Sam maintains a grounded lifestyle, often described as warm, witty, and approachable by fans and colleagues.
Social Media Presence
Sam Riegel enjoys connecting with fans through social media:
- Instagram:
@ramsiegel, where he shares candid and often humorous snapshots of his life. - Twitter/X:
@samriegel, where his wit and personality shine in short updates. - Facebook: Public updates about his career and projects.
His presence online reflects the same humor and relatability that fans love in his performances.
Fun Facts
- Sam sometimes uses playful aliases such as Sam Regal, Jack Lingo, and even “The Meat Man.”
- He has a strong improv background, which often leads to spontaneous, hilarious moments during Critical Role.
- His family’s creative legacy connects him to multiple industries—television, film, and theater.
- Despite playing larger-than-life characters, Sam is described by peers as humble and collaborative.
Conclusion
Sam Riegel is more than just a voice actor. He is a storyteller, a director, a writer, and above all, a creative force whose work has touched millions of fans. From his early theater days to award-winning animated series, his career showcases resilience, versatility, and passion.
Through challenges—including his recent health journey—Sam has shown strength and authenticity. Whether he’s voicing a beloved character, directing a show, or simply making fans laugh with a joke online, he remains an enduring presence in the world of entertainment.
At 48, with a career still thriving and a community of fans who deeply admire him, Sam Riegel’s story continues to inspire—both on the stage and off it.
FAQs about Sam Riegel
1. How old is Sam Riegel?
Sam Riegel was born on October 9, 1976, which makes him 48 years old.
2. Who is Sam Riegel’s wife?
He is married to Quyen Tran, a talented cinematographer. The couple lives in Los Angeles with their two children.
3. What is Sam Riegel’s net worth?
Sam Riegel’s estimated net worth is around $2 million, earned from his long career in voice acting, directing, writing, and his work on Critical Role.
4. What are some of Sam Riegel’s most famous roles?
He is best known as Donatello in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003), Phoenix Wright in Ace Attorney, Teddie in Persona 4, and Scanlan Shorthalt in Critical Role and The Legend of Vox Machina.
5. Has Sam Riegel faced any health challenges?
Yes. In 2024, Sam revealed he had been diagnosed with HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer. After surgery and radiation, he is now in recovery and continues his creative work.
