Early Life and Education

Born on February 10, 1991, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Samantha Hoopes is the youngest of five sisters. She attended Central Bucks East High School and later pursued her interests in modeling and acting at the Barbizon Performing Arts Academy, where she honed her skills outside of a traditional academic curriculum.

Hoopes began her college career at a branch campus before transferring to Pennsylvania State University. Initially majoring in kinesiology with a goal of becoming a gym teacher and sports coach, she eventually switched her focus to business. Her early athletic involvement included playing field hockey in middle school, but she chose to step away from sports to devote her energy to modeling.

Modeling Career and Public Recognition

Samantha Hoopes rose to prominence through a mix of commercial and fashion modeling. Her appearance in the Carl's Jr. and Hardee's burger campaign made her a recognizable face in American pop culture. However, it was her feature in the 2014 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue—celebrating the magazine’s 50th anniversary—that solidified her standing in the modeling industry.

In addition to Sports Illustrated, Hoopes has modeled for several renowned brands and has been featured in publications including Maxim, Glamour, and Elle. Her combination of commercial appeal and editorial presence has made her a sought-after figure in modeling.

Personal Life

In 2018, Samantha Hoopes became engaged to Italian entrepreneur Salvatore Palella. The couple’s engagement took place in Portofino on the Italian Riviera, a scenic village where they had first met in June 2017. Their relationship has drawn media attention, spotlighting their international lifestyle and shared business interests.