Samantha Morton was born May 13, 1977 in Nottingham, England to parents Pamela and Peter Morton . They split up when she was three and married other people. She has eight brothers and sisters. She left the school West Bridgford Comprehensive at the age of thirteen and joined England's Central Junior Television Workshop. She had been encouraged by a drama teacher and wrote to them until they accepted her. She left the workshop when she was 16 and joined the theater group The Royal Court. Morton has done radio plays.

Samantha's first television work came at the age of 13. Since then she has played many minor TV roles in such dramas as "Cracker" (1993), "Peak Practice" (1993), "Boon" (1986), "Soldier Soldier" (1991) and "Medics" (1990), before reaching the big time with major roles in such TV movies and mini-series as "Band of Gold" (1995) (mini), Emma (1997) (TV), Jane Eyre (1997) (TV) and "History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, The" (1997) (mini). Under the Skin garned awards and lots of attention and critical praise for Morton led to other roles. Hollywood has come knocking on her door but she won't take just any role. She is very choosy and has said that she won't sell out.