Sammy Cowell Returns to Acting After Four-Year Hiatus
Thai actress Sammy Cowell has returned to acting after a four-year hiatus spent trekking, starring in the Thai PBS historical epic 'Thongkhum... The Woman Who Defeats Fate.' At the series blessing, she detailed the intense preparation required for the complex period role, denied rumors financial pressure drove her comeback, and described her relationship with partner Champ Chanathip as a close friendship with no wedding plans.
Actress Sammy Cowell has put her forest trekking trips with boyfriend Champ Chanathip on hold to make her acting comeback after four years, taking on a major challenging role in the epic Thai PBS historical drama series 'Thongkhum... The Woman Who Defeats Fate.' At the series' blessing ceremony, Cowell opened up about the intensely demanding preparation, which required more homework than any previous project. She firmly denied rumors that she returned because she ran out of money, and clarified her relationship with Chanathip, saying she views him like another male friend to the point she has forgotten her glamorous leading lady image.
Asked about leaving the forest for filming, Cowell confirmed fans and reporters had long asked when she would return. She revealed she had known about the project for some time but was bound by confidentiality. The channel and production team had kept it secret; she was first contacted two years ago, went through fittings and workshops, and filmed five blocks all within this year.
Describing the start of filming, Cowell admitted it was extremely difficult. Though usually confident in her acting, this role made her cry. Memorizing lines, understanding the character, and the religious aspects were completely opposite to her own experience, including the vastly different historical era. Fortunately, the screenwriter provided extremely detailed background for every process, with definitions and details beyond dialogue — such as specific boat types, colors, and routes — allowing her to visualize clearly. Normally she does homework before shooting, but this required exceptionally heavy preparation.
On interpreting the character, Cowell initially thought Thongkhum would be introverted, but discussions revealed otherwise. At ages 15-16 the character was bright, raised in a church community, loved attending services and chanting. As she grows, she develops romantic elements. Cowell traces the character's development from day one, though scripts are still arriving. Whether scenes turn dark or intense, she believes Thongkhum's life must be heavy and burdensome.
Accepting the role was thrilling, Cowell said, as expectations run high with each new project. Being a historical drama, she aims to minimize mistakes — or make none at all.
Regarding telling Chanathip about her return, she joked she told him they could no longer travel together. Their lifestyle now competes for time, but she will coordinate schedules to ease the crew's workload, keeping a day or two free for trips. Fans still enjoy seeing her travels and hardships; he likes that too.
Addressing jokes that she returned because funds ran dry, Cowell laughed and thanked followers who enjoy her trekking content, confirming it generates income. However, acting in 'Thongkhum' is an opportunity — who would refuse? She also gets to look beautiful again, moving beyond baggy pants and T-shirts. The role showcases diverse costumes, hairstyles, and makeup as Thongkhum interacts with many nationalities.
On whether forest trekking brings high income, Cowell said it has been her primary income for the past four years, but she would still happily return to the forest even while filming.
Asked how the four years fulfilled her, she replied it wasn't so much 'fulfillment' as simply living life.
