Sam Dawson

Grew up… only to remain at the mental age of seven. Sam, a developmentally challenged man in his thirties, has all the enthusiasm and curiosity of a child.  

Living… with his young daughter, Lucy. Sam, despite his mental handicap, is a dedicated single father. His daughter, Lucy, has been his companion for years. Whenever he cannot take care of her, he relies on his agoraphobic neighbor and his group of supportive friends.

Profession… barista’s assistant at Starbucks. Sam is beloved at the local café, where he takes drinks to the customers and helps keep the place tidy. He earnestly tells each customer, “That’s a wonderful choice!”

Interests… The Beatles. Sam not only loves their music, but he often turns to their life stories for inspiration. He explains, “Paul McCartney lost his mother when he was little, and John Lennon lost his mother when he was little – and Annie says that sometimes God just picks special people… that’s what Annie says.”

Relationship Status… never had a real romantic relationship. He managed to father Lucy with a homeless woman who “just needed a place to sleep.” The only love that Sam understands is the innate love that a father feels for his daughter.

Challenge… trying to regain custody of Lucy. As Lucy begins to surpass her father’s mental capabilities, it becomes clear that he may not be able to raise her. When a social worker takes Lucy away, Sam enlists a high-powered attorney to help get her back. But can he handle the pressure of the stand and articulate why he should remain Lucy's legal guardian? Can he convince a jury that he's in fact a competent, loving father? More importantly, can he convince himself?

Personality… sweet, innocent, and wiser than he looks. Sam slowly becomes self-aware after Lucy is taken away, and is frustrated by other’s inability to understand his struggle. He tells his lawyer, "You don't know what is like when you try, and you try, and you try, and you try, and you don't ever get there! Because you were born perfect and I was born like this, and you're perfect!"