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Samson, originally named Samuel Burke, was born in Montreal, Canada, to parents Jack and Mina Burke. He attended Baron Byng High School and McGill University, both located in Montreal. As a teenager, Sam was passionate about bodybuilding and dedicated many years to sculpting his physique. Swimming was a key part of his daily training routine. He became a competitive swimmer, winning several provincial titles, including the 100-meter Butterfly and 200-meter Breaststroke. His passion for water sports also led him to captain his Water Polo team to a national championship victory. Representing Canada, Sam competed in the 200-meter Butterfly at the Olympic Games and was honored as "Canada's Greatest All-Round Collegiate Athlete." Following his amateur swimming career, Sam took part in the 10-mile World Swimming Championship in Lake Ontario, Canada.
After triumphing in numerous local contests, Sam earned the title of "Mr. Montreal." Ambitious and driven, he pushed himself further and claimed the national crown of "Mr. Canada." With this significant achievement, Sam moved to sunny Southern California. Maintaining his rigorous training, he won the prestigious "Mr. Muscle Beach" competition. The International Federation of Bodybuilders recognized him as the "Top Amateur Athlete in the World" at the world bodybuilding championships.
With his exceptional physique and fitness, Sam ventured into wrestling, where he quickly found success. After consulting with renowned wrestling promoter Rudy Dusek, Samuel Burke adopted the ring name "Sammy Berg - Mr. Canada." He spent several years competing, accumulating hundreds of victories both solo and in tag team matches. In the late 1950s, Sam won the "World Heavyweight Wrestling" title by defeating reigning champion Buddy Rogers. Alongside Seymour Koenig, he also captured the "International Television Tag Team" title during the same period. Sam wrestled nationwide, including multiple bouts at the iconic Madison Square Garden. He faced numerous notable wrestlers and boxers such as Primo Carnera, Antonio Rocca, Lou Thesz, and Joe Lewis.
Seeking new challenges, Sam shifted his focus to Hollywood. He appeared in around 20 films across the United States and Europe. Notably, he worked with esteemed director Federico Fellini on two films and starred as Hercules in the Columbia Pictures comedy "The Three Stooges Meet Hercules" alongside the legendary trio. Additionally, Sam guest-starred on popular television series including "I Spy" and "Magnum, P.I."
After years of demanding physical roles, Sam decided to slow down and moved to the picturesque Hawaiian Islands. There, he joined the crew of the successful TV show "Magnum, P.I.," working on the series until it concluded in 1988.
Throughout his life, Sam remained devoted to physical fitness. Today, he runs his own personal training business.
