Full Name Samantha Hess Name Samantha Hess Website cuddleuptome.com | Weight 115 lb (52 kg) Height 5 ft (1.5 m) | |
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Other names The Cuddler, Peanut, Monkey, and Sammy Samwiches Occupation Professional Cuddler/Author | ||
Meet Professional Cuddler Samantha Hess
Samantha Hess is a professional cuddler, an author, and the creator of the Certified Cuddlers Certification Program.
Contents
- Meet Professional Cuddler Samantha Hess
- Early life and education
- Career
- Audition
- Judge Cuts Week
- Personal life
- References
Early life and education
Hess was born and raised in Sacramento, California. Her father is a postal carrier. Her mother is a receptionist. Hess attended California State University-Fullerton before she decided to drop out. In 2009, she received her Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) Degree in Fitness Technology from Portland Community College.
Career
She decided to have such a job after watching a video of two men offering hugs for money. Later on, she learned of a woman in New York City who ran an identical business and was inspired to pursue it as a career. Prior to that event, she worked as a personal trainer. During her career she was interviewed by many broadcast and print media outlets including KOBI, The Daily News KATU KHOU, KCTV and many others. In January 2014 she was interviewed by Biz Journal where she shared her plans for Cuddle Up to Me with Portland Business Journal Editor Rob Smith. She said she plans to model after ZoomCare. Her clients are mostly people with disabilities or who suffer from traumatic stress.
Audition
In May 2015, Hess appeared as a 10th season contestant for NBC's America's Got Talent. Her audition consisted of cuddling Nick Cannon with techniques "The Cleopatra," "The Claw," and "Mother of Pearl." Howard Stern buzzed the act. After the audition, the four judges formed a pile on top of Nick on the couch. Although Howard voted "No," Heidi Klum, Mel B, and Howie Mandel all voted "Yes," sending her to the Judge Cuts Week round.
Judge Cuts Week
In July 2015, during Judge Cuts Week 1, her audition consisted of cuddling special guest judge Neil Patrick Harris with techniques "The Fortune Cookie," "The Sidewinder," and "The Romeo." Howard, Heidi, Mel B, and Howie all buzzed the act, automatically eliminating her from the competition. She was the first contestant in season ten to receive all X's during Judge Cuts Week.
Personal life
She currently resides in Portland, Oregon.