Sherri Saum: The Talented Actress Behind Lena Adams Foster
Early Life and Modeling Career
Sherri Saum is best known for her role as Lena Adams Foster in the Freeform drama series
The Fosters, but before she made it big in Hollywood, she was born on October 1, 1974, in Dayton, Ohio, to a German mother and an African-American father. Saum got her start in the entertainment industry through modeling, which she began during high school summer breaks. She was discovered at a Model Search America convention near her home in Kettering, Ohio, and later moved to New York to work full-time with the NY modeling agency Images Management.
Acting Career
Saum's acting career took off when she landed the role of Vanessa Hart in the NBC daytime soap opera
Sunset Beach, a role she played from 1997 to 1999. Her performance earned her a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series in 1999. She continued to make a name for herself in television, playing series regular roles in
Beggars and Choosers (1999-2000) and
One Life to Live (2001-2003).
Breakthrough Role and Accolades
Saum's breakthrough role came when she was cast as Lena Adams Foster in
The Fosters, a role she played from 2013 to 2018. Her performance earned her a TV Guide Award nomination for Favorite Villain in 2014. She reprised her role as Lena in the spin-off series
Good Trouble from 2019 to 2024.
Other Notable Roles and Projects
In addition to her iconic role in
The Fosters, Saum has appeared in a range of TV shows and films, including
Rescue Me,
In Treatment,
Locke & Key,
Girlfriends, and
Charmed. She has also had roles in several TV movies, such as
Relative Stranger and
Unforgettable.
Awards and Nominations
- Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series for Sunset Beach (1999)
- TV Guide Award nomination for Favorite Villain for The Fosters (2014)
Personal Life and Education
Saum attended Ohio State University in Columbus and New York University in New York. She has kept her personal life private, but it's clear that her passion for acting and dedication to her craft have driven her to success.
Legacy and Impact
Through her roles in
The Fosters and other TV shows and films, Saum has made a significant impact on the entertainment industry. Her portrayal of Lena Adams Foster has inspired countless fans and cemented her place as a talented and versatile actress.
FAQ
What is Sherri Saums acting career highlights?
Sherri Saum is an American actress who has had a successful career in television and film. She is best known for her roles in TV shows such as Rescue Me and The Fosters, and has also appeared in several films and stage productions.
How did Sherri Saum get into acting?
Sherri Saum started acting at a young age and trained at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute. She began her career in television, landing guest roles on several shows before getting her breakout role in Rescue Me.
What is Sherri Saums most famous role?
Sherri Saum is perhaps best known for her role as Lena Adams Foster in the family drama The Fosters, which aired on Freeform from 2013 to 2018. She played the role of a foster mother and social worker, and received critical acclaim for her performance.
Has Sherri Saum won any awards for her acting?
Yes, Sherri Saum has won several awards and nominations for her acting. She has been nominated for a TV Guide Award and a Prism Award, and has won a TV Guide Award for her role in The Fosters.
What is Sherri Saums current acting status?
Sherri Saum is still an active actress and continues to work in television and film. She has appeared in several shows and films since the end of The Fosters, and is looking to take on new and challenging roles in the future.